Requirements
Who needs a UK ETA – and who does not? Requirements and exemptions
· GOV.UK, Home Office
The UK ETA applies to visits to the United Kingdom if you do not have a visa or any other immigration status. Nationals of the EU countries (except Ireland), Switzerland, Norway and other European countries have been on the list since 2 April 2025. Here are the requirements and exemptions according to gov.uk and the Immigration Rules.
Who needs an ETA
The “ETA National List” appendix to the Immigration Rules names the nationalities that need an ETA. For nationals of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and other European countries, among others, the requirement applies to journeys from 2 April 2025. The ETA allows visits of up to 6 months, for example for tourism or visiting family. It is valid for the United Kingdom, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
Requirements in the application: a passport of the nationality concerned, an email address, a facial photo that meets the rules, payment of the fee and answers to the suitability questions (including on criminal convictions, breaches of immigration law and previous refusals).
Who does not need an ETA
According to gov.uk (“When you do not need an ETA”), the following people, among others, do not need an ETA:
- British and Irish citizens – dual nationals cannot get an ETA either and must enter with British or Irish proof
- holders of a UK visa
- people with permission to live, work or study in the United Kingdom (including settled/pre-settled status, right of abode)
- holders of residence permits for Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man
- holders of a British Overseas Territories Citizen or British National (Overseas) passport
- people living in Ireland who travel from there (or from Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man) – with proof of residence in Ireland
- transit passengers who do not pass through border control at a UK airport (airside)
If you pass through UK border control during your transit (landside), you need an ETA. If in doubt, check with your airline.
Purpose of travel: ETA or visa?
The ETA is intended for visits. Whether your purpose requires a visa instead (for example for longer stays, work or study) depends on your nationality and purpose; gov.uk provides the “Check if you need an ETA or visa” tool for this. We do not provide legal or immigration advice.
Read on: Children and babies, Refusal, or go straight to our application assistance.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need an ETA for England as an EU citizen?
- Yes, unless you are Irish or hold a visa or UK immigration status: nationals of the other EU countries have needed the ETA since 2 April 2025.
- Do I need an ETA for Northern Ireland and Scotland?
- The ETA applies to the whole United Kingdom; anyone arriving in Northern Ireland also needs one unless exempt (Home Office).
- And in transit?
- Only if you pass through border control in the UK (landside). If you stay airside, you do not need an ETA.
Sources and date
Checked on 4 October 2026. Rules and fees may change; the current publication on gov.uk is authoritative. This article is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Next steps
Prepare your application, compare prices or keep reading – in every case the Home Office makes the decision.