UK ETA Expiry Rules 2026 — What Happens When Your ETA Expires

The UK ETA expiry rules are strict — there is no grace period, and the rules around passport linkage mean that even a recent ETA can become invalid if you renew your passport. This guide explains all expiry scenarios, how to detect an expired ETA before it causes problems, and the correct steps to take when you need to reapply.

Last updated: 19 October 2026

Quick Facts: UK ETA Expiry

The Two-Year Expiry Rule

Every UK ETA is granted for a maximum of two years from the date of the approval decision. There is no option to extend the ETA, and no way to roll over remaining validity to a subsequent application. If your ETA was approved in June 2026, it will expire in June 2028. You can travel as many times as you wish during those two years, but after June 2028 you will need a new ETA. To check your exact expiry date, see our UK ETA validity period guide or use the ETA status checker.

The Passport Expiry Rule

If your passport expires before the two-year ETA validity period is up, your ETA expires at the same time as the passport. Example: you apply for an ETA in June 2026 and your passport expires in October 2027. Your ETA will expire in October 2027 — not June 2028 — because the passport expires first. This makes it important to check your passport expiry date before applying. Our passport validity guide can help you assess this.

What Happens When You Travel With a Renewed Passport?

This is the most common source of confusion. Your ETA is linked to your passport number. When you renew your passport, you receive a new passport with a new number — which means your existing ETA is immediately invalid for travel, even if it has years of validity remaining. You must apply for a new ETA using your new passport details before travelling to the UK. See our guide on how to apply for a UK ETA for step-by-step instructions.

How to Check Whether Your ETA Is Still Valid

Do not rely on receiving a reminder when your ETA is about to expire. You are responsible for checking the status yourself. The easiest method is to visit the UK government’s official ETA status page and enter your passport details. Our separate ETA status check guide covers all available methods in detail.

How to Apply for a New ETA After Expiry

1. Gather your documents. You will need the passport you will travel with, your email address, a credit or debit card (or Apple Pay or Google Pay) and a photo of your face. Your passport should be valid for your whole stay.
2. Visit the official application. Go to gov.uk/eta. Avoid third-party sites that charge inflated fees.
3. Complete the form. Provide your passport and contact details, and answer the suitability questions (including about any criminal convictions) as prompted. The form takes about 10 minutes.
4. Pay the fee. The UK ETA costs £20 per applicant. See our ETA fee guide and ETA payment methods guide for accepted cards and workarounds.
5. Wait for approval. Most ETAs are approved within minutes, though the Home Office advises allowing up to three working days. Do not book non-refundable travel until the new ETA is confirmed.
6. Save confirmation. You will receive an email from UKVI. It includes your 16-digit ETA reference number; you do not need to show it at check-in. Your ETA is linked to your passport and no physical document is issued.

Tips for Avoiding ETA Expiry Issues

• Check your ETA before every trip. Even if you think it is still valid, verify it before booking flights. Airline staff will check at check-in and boarding will be denied without a valid ETA.
• Renew your passport before your ETA if travelling soon. If your passport is nearing expiry and you have an upcoming UK trip, renew the passport first, then apply for a new ETA on the fresh passport. This avoids stranded validity.
• Apply for a new ETA immediately after a passport renewal. Do not wait until your next trip to the UK. Apply as soon as you have your new passport so you have more time if there are complications.
• Keep the family’s ETA dates aligned. If travelling with family members, note each person’s ETA expiry date separately. Different family members may have applied at different times.
• Note the two-year maximum and plan accordingly. If you travel to the UK regularly, set a calendar reminder 30 days before your ETA expires so you can reapply in good time. Our cost breakdown guide shows why budgeting for biennial renewal is sensible.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming the ETA transfers to a new passport. It does not. A new passport always requires a new ETA.
• Treating expiry date as the travel deadline. Your ETA must be valid at the time of travel, not just at the time of booking. An ETA that expires on 14 June cannot be used for a flight departing on 15 June.
• Relying on third-party renewal reminders. Do not count on receiving an official reminder. You must monitor the expiry yourself.
• Using a third-party site to reapply. These may charge more than the official £20 fee on gov.uk. Always apply directly through the official UK government website.
• Forgetting that children need their own ETA. Each traveller needs a separate ETA tied to their own passport. A child’s ETA expires on the same rules — two years or passport expiry, whichever comes first. Our family ETA guide covers this in full.

Setting Reminders Before Your ETA Expires

One of the easiest ways to avoid being caught out by an expired authorisation is to set reminders well in advance of the two-year expiry date. Add a calendar alert a month or two before your ETA lapses, especially if you travel to the UK frequently or have trips already in mind. Remember that renewing your passport also affects your ETA, so note both expiry dates together in the same reminder. Keeping a written or digital record of when you applied, the passport number used, and the approval date makes it simple to confirm your status at a glance. If you book travel far ahead, check your ETA validity at the time of booking rather than just before departure. A few minutes spent setting reminders can prevent a last-minute scramble and protect your travel plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my UK ETA?

No. There is no extension mechanism for a UK ETA. Once it expires, you must submit a new application and pay the £20 fee again.

Does an expired ETA affect future applications?

An expired ETA — one that simply reached its two-year limit — does not negatively affect a future application. You can reapply immediately. If your previous ETA was revoked due to a refusal or breach of conditions, that is a different matter and you should seek advice from an immigration adviser.

What if I did not realise my ETA was linked to my old passport?

Apply for a new ETA immediately using your current valid passport. If you have imminent travel planned, consider purchasing fully refundable tickets until the new ETA is confirmed, since most ETAs are approved within minutes but the Home Office allows up to three working days.

Is there a grace period after my ETA expires?

No. The UK does not offer any grace period. An expired ETA is invalid from the day after the expiry date.

How do I know when my UK ETA expires?

You can check when your ETA expires at any time using the GOV.UK ‘Check your ETA’ service. An ETA is valid for two years from the date it is granted, or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever is sooner.

What happens if my ETA expires while I am in the UK?

An ETA is permission to travel, not permission to stay. It must be valid when you travel to and arrive in the UK. If it expires during your stay, you do not have to leave early, but you will need a new ETA before your next trip.

I renewed my passport but the name is the same — do I still need a new ETA?

Yes. The ETA is linked to the specific passport number, not to your identity. Even if your name, nationality, and date of birth are unchanged, a new passport number requires a new ETA.

Can I apply for a new ETA before my current one expires?

GOV.UK does not say whether you can apply for a new ETA while your current one is still valid, and it asks you to submit only one ETA application per person. Your ETA lasts for 2 years or until the passport you applied with expires, whichever is sooner. If you get a new passport, you need to apply for a new ETA with it.

For more guidance on applying, costs, and what to expect at the UK border, explore the related guides on etavisauk.org or visit the UK government ETA guidance page.