UK ETA Explained: Do You Actually Need One? (Simple Guide for 2026)
At AskVisas, we’ve noticed a growing number of travellers—especially from Europe—feeling confused about the new UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
One recent example: a Swedish family transiting through Heathrow overnight had no idea whether they needed an ETA, whether baggage collection mattered, or whether they could apply on arrival (they can’t).
This blog gives you a simple, no-nonsense guide so you can quickly answer the only question that matters:
The ETA is still being rolled out, it will be strictly enforced from 25 February 2026.
Do I need a UK ETA for my trip?
1. The Simple Rule
✅ If you will pass UK border control, you need an ETA (unless you already need a visa).
❌ If you stay airside and never pass border control, you do NOT need an ETA.
That’s it. Everything else is a detail.
2. Will I pass UK border control?
This depends entirely on your airline and your transit situation.
You WILL pass border control if:
your airline does not through-check your bags
you must collect baggage and re-check it
your hotel is landside
your connection route forces you outside the airside zone
you want to leave the airport
→ You need an ETA
You do NOT pass border control if:
your bags are interlined to your final destination
you remain airside the whole time
→ You do NOT need an ETA
If your airline is unclear, or if plans might change, it’s safer to get the ETA in advance.
You cannot apply once you arrive in the UK.
3. Who needs an ETA (by nationality)?
You usually need an ETA if you’re from:
Europe (including Sweden, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, etc.)
USA, Canada
Australia, New Zealand
Gulf countries (selected nationalities)
Many other visa-free countries
You do NOT need an ETA if you:
are British or Irish
already hold a UK visa
have settled/pre-settled status
live in Ireland and enter from Ireland/the Crown Dependencies
stay airside during transit
If you’re unsure, AskVisas can help you check.
4. How to apply (and avoid being overcharged)
💷 The ONLY official cost is £16.
Applying is fast and simple, and you should always do it yourself using the official channels.
Where to apply:
UK ETA App (recommended)
Official GOV.UK website
You’ll need:
passport
face photo
email
debit/credit card
Most decisions arrive within 1 day.
Your ETA:
lasts 2 years (or until your passport expires)
allows unlimited entries
allows stays up to 6 months
⚠️ Warning: Do NOT use private companies
They:
charge much more
cannot speed up the ETA
use the same application system
add no benefit whatsoever
This is why AskVisas does NOT offer ETA services — because it’s simple, fast, cheap, and should be done directly by the traveller.
5. ETA or Visa? Which do you need?
ETA is correct for:
tourism
visiting family
short business trips
short courses
transit involving border control
Visa is required for:
work
long-term study
living in the UK
marriage visits
complex histories (refusals, overstays, certain criminal records)
6. Summary: Do YOU need an ETA?
Ask yourself three questions:
1️⃣ Is my nationality visa-free to the UK?
If yes → you may need an ETA.
2️⃣ Will I go landside during my trip or transit?
If yes or unsure → get an ETA.
3️⃣ Will my airline keep me airside 100% of the time?
If the airline isn’t absolutely certain → get the ETA.
At £16, it’s cheap peace of mind.
7. AskVisas: Honest Advice, No Upselling
At AskVisas, we do not process ETAs because:
the official system is simple,
the process is quick,
and we believe travellers should never pay extra for something they can do easily themselves.
Where we can help is:
genuine visa advice
complex cases
refusals
tailored support for visitors
We are here to protect travellers—not to profit from simple processes.