How much does the UK ETA cost in 2026?

From 8 April 2026 the UK ETA costs £20 (raised from £16). It is valid for two years or until your passport expires, and allows multiple visits of up to 6 months each.

Visa-exempt nationals — people who can visit the UK without a visa, including US, Canadian, Australian, EU/EEA, Swiss and Gulf nationals (around 85 countries). British and Irish citizens, and anyone who already holds a UK visa or eVisa, do not need one.

Do Ukrainian citizens need a UK ETA?

No. Ukraine is a UK 'visa national' country, so Ukrainian citizens need a Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK, not an ETA. The ETA scheme applies only to visa-exempt nationalities.

No. The ETA is a pre-travel authorisation for people who are already visa-exempt. It does not replace a visa for nationalities that require one.

UK ETA in 2026: Who Needs It, Cost, and How to Apply

Updated 17 Jun 2026

What is the UK ETA?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel to the United Kingdom for short visits. It is not a visa — it is a pre-travel clearance for people who are already visa-exempt, similar to the US ESTA or the EU’s upcoming ETIAS. You apply online, it is linked to your passport, and you must have it before you board your flight.

Cost and validity (2026)

Cost: £20 from 8 April 2026 (raised from £16).
Valid for two years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.
Allows multiple visits of up to 6 months each for tourism, business, study under 6 months, or transit.

Who needs an ETA

Nationals of roughly 85 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, and several Gulf states. If your nationality can currently visit the UK without a visa for short stays, you almost certainly need an ETA before you travel.

Who does NOT need one:

British and Irish citizens.
Anyone who already holds a UK visa or eVisa.
Certain legal residents of Ireland travelling within the Common Travel Area.

Who needs a visa instead (not an ETA)

The ETA is only for visa-exempt nationalities. If your country is a “visa national” for the UK, the ETA does not apply to you — you need an actual visa.

Ukrainian citizens: you need a visa, not an ETA. Ukraine is a UK visa national. Ukrainian passport holders must apply for a Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months) for tourism or family visits. A biometric passport does not grant visa-free entry, and the ETA scheme does not cover Ukrainian nationals. (Separate bespoke schemes exist for Ukrainians affected by the war — these are not tourist routes.) See our Ukraine → UK page for the verified details.

How to apply (visa-exempt nationals)

Use the official UK ETA app or the GOV.UK website — not a third-party reseller.
Provide your passport, a photo, and answer basic questions.
Pay the £20 fee.
Most decisions arrive within a few days; apply well ahead of travel to be safe.

Apply only on GOV.UK / the official app. Many sites resell the ETA at a markup. The government fee is £20 — there is no need to pay an agent more.

Bottom line

The UK ETA is a £20 (from 8 April 2026), two-year, multiple-entry authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, required before you fly. If your nationality needs a visa for the UK — as Ukrainian citizens do — the ETA does not apply and you must apply for the appropriate visa instead.

This is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm the current rules and fees on GOV.UK before you travel.