Part of our complete UK ETA guide — this page covers eligibility in full. For the application process, see our step-by-step application guide.
Ugandan citizen? Uganda is not on the ETA-eligible list below — you’ll need a UK Visitor Visa instead. See our UK Visa guide →
The UK ETA requirements apply to citizens of 85 countries and territories that are visa-exempt for short stays in the UK. If you hold a passport from any of these nationalities, you must obtain an ETA before traveling to the UK as of 25 February 2026.
Full List of UK ETA Eligible Countries (85 Nationalities)
European Countries (EU & EEA): Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City
Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United States, Uruguay
Asia & Middle East: Bahrain, Brunei, Hong Kong (SAR), Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Macao (SAR), Malaysia, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates
Oceania: Australia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu
Africa: Mauritius, Seychelles
If your nationality isn’t listed above, you likely need a traditional UK visitor visa rather than an ETA.
Important
ETA requirements apply equally to adults and children. Every individual traveler must have their own ETA, including babies and minors.
Who Does NOT Need a UK ETA in 2026?
You do not need an ETA if any of the following applies:
- You’re a British or Irish citizen (including most dual nationals)
- You already hold a valid UK visa or immigration status (e.g., eVisa, settled/pre-settled status)
- You’re only transiting airside (staying in the international transit area, not passing through border control) — check with your airline for landside transit exceptions
- You have a valid UK residence permit
- You’re a member of the armed forces traveling on duty, or an accompanying family member (check specific exemptions)
Crucial information for dual British nationals
Starting 25 February 2026, dual British citizens cannot rely on their non-British passport to obtain an ETA. You must travel on a valid British passport or hold a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode — otherwise you risk being denied boarding.
UK ETA Requirements for Children, Families & Groups
Every individual traveler requires their own ETA, regardless of age — including newborns, babies, toddlers, and teenagers. You cannot add a child to a parent’s ETA, but you can apply on their behalf using the app or GOV.UK, with the child’s valid passport in hand.
Fee for children: the same as adults — £16 before 8 April 2026, £20 after. No discounts or age exemptions.
Groups: each traveler’s ETA is checked individually by airlines and border control, so apply for all group members well in advance.
Good to know
Families with younger children traveling during summer 2026: UK e-Gates are now open to children aged 8–9 (minimum height 120cm) when accompanied by an adult, effective 8 July 2026 — though each child still needs a valid ETA first.
Next step: once you’ve confirmed you’re eligible, see our step-by-step application guide or check current fees and validity.
