ETA London 2026: Checklist and FAQ for Visiting London

Planning a trip and wondering how the ETA London rules work in 2026? Since 2 April 2025, most visa-exempt visitors need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation before they fly to London. This checklist and FAQ explains who needs the permit, what it costs, and how to apply step by step.

Below you will find a comparison table, real examples, and practical tips. Prepare well and your ETA London trip stays simple. No stress, no surprises at the gate. For the full application walkthrough, see our UK ETA application guide.

What you need to know about an ETA London trip

An ETA is a digital travel permit tied to your travel document; you need one to visit London for short stays of up to six months. It is not a visa but a mandatory authorisation you arrange online before departure. Consequently, you should apply before you book final travel plans.

London is the most popular entry point to the UK, so the ETA London requirement affects millions of visitors. According to the UK government (gov.uk), the ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires. In addition, it allows multiple trips, so one approval covers repeat visits. To learn what happens if you skip it, read about arriving in the UK without an ETA.

One permit covers the whole United Kingdom, not just London. The same approval works for Edinburgh, Manchester, or Cardiff. For a complete pre-trip list, use our UK entry requirements checklist.

ETA London prices and fees in 2026

An ETA for London costs £20 per person as of 8 April 2026, paid through the official UK ETA app or gov.uk. The fee rose from £16 in April 2025 and was just £10 when the scheme launched in 2023. Notably, every traveller pays separately, including children.

As a result, a family of four budgets around £80 for their ETA London visit. However, the permit then lasts two years, so you do not pay again for each trip. For a detailed breakdown, see our UK ETA cost guide.

Importantly, only pay through the official channel; unofficial sites often charge inflated fees for the same service.

Required documents for your ETA London application

To apply you need a valid biometric passport, a digital photo, an email address, and a payment card. Your passport must be machine-readable and valid for your whole stay. Because it is bound electronically to your exact passport number, you must travel on the same passport you used to apply.

Besides the passport, the form asks for basic personal details and a few security questions. The Home Office uses your photo for identity checks. A clear scan of the passport page speeds things up.

If you renew your passport, remember that your old ETA no longer works. For that situation, follow our guide on changing your passport and your UK ETA.

Step-by-step process to get your ETA for London

Getting the permit takes about ten minutes and follows five steps: download the app, scan your passport, take a selfie, answer the questions, and pay £20. Most travellers receive approval within minutes by email. However, in some cases it can take up to three working days.

First, download the official UK ETA app or use gov.uk. Next, scan your passport chip and take a photo. Then, answer the background questions and pay the fee. Finally, you receive an email confirmation; no sticker or printout is required. Afterwards, your approval is stored against the passport automatically.

Therefore, apply well ahead of your ETA London departure, especially in peak season. To confirm approval later, see how to check your UK ETA status online. Travelling with kids? Read our UK ETA for children and families guide.

Common mistakes to avoid with an ETA London application

The most common mistakes are entering the wrong passport number, applying too late, and using unofficial websites. Because the permit is tied to your exact passport number, even one wrong character can cause problems at the border. Therefore, careful data entry is essential.

In addition, many travellers leave the application to the last minute. Although approval is usually fast, the UK government advises applying early in case extra checks are needed. And one warning: do not confuse the UK ETA with the European ETIAS, a separate scheme for the Schengen area. For Americans specifically, our UK ETA for US citizens guide covers the details.

Real-world examples of an ETA London visit

For most visitors, a London ETA trip is straightforward: a US tourist, a family, and a business traveller each complete the same online steps and pay the £20 fee. These examples show how the rules work in practice in 2026.

Consider an American couple flying to Heathrow for a week. They each apply, pay £20, and travel on the passports they registered. Meanwhile, a family of four needs four separate applications. Likewise, a consultant who visits London several times a year benefits from the two-year validity and applies only once. For trip ideas, see our best day trips from London by train and our autumn London guide for families. Because the permit stays valid for two years, many visitors apply once and then return for a Christmas market trip, a summer city break, and a weekend show in the West End, all on the same approval. That makes this requirement far less of a hassle than a traditional visa.

ETA London compared with other permits

A London ETA differs from a UK visitor visa and the European ETIAS; the three differ in cost, validity, and purpose. The ETA costs £20 for short UK visits, a full visitor visa costs far more for longer stays, and ETIAS covers Europe for €7. The table below summarises the differences in 2026.

Importantly, an ETA is enough for a short London holiday, while a visa is required to work or study. If you also travel to Europe, you will need ETIAS as well. For where to stay, compare options in our London hotel price guide and best luxury hotels in London.

At the border on your ETA London arrival

At the border you do not show a printout; officers scan your passport and the system confirms your valid ETA electronically. Because the permit is linked to your passport chip, checks are fast at London airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick. Nevertheless, carry proof of your return ticket and accommodation.

In addition, an ETA does not guarantee entry; the final decision rests with border officers, as the UK government states. Therefore, be ready to explain your trip. Once inside London, plan your travel with Transport for London and discover attractions through VisitBritain.

ETA London checklist and frequently asked questions

Do I need an ETA to visit London?

Yes. Since 2 April 2025, most visa-exempt visitors need a UK ETA to visit London and the rest of the UK for short stays. You apply online before you travel, and the permit attaches to your passport record.

How much does an ETA for London cost in 2026?

An ETA costs £20 each as of 8 April 2026. Every traveller pays separately, including children. The permit then lasts two years, so you do not pay again for each London trip within that period.

How long is an ETA London permit valid?

An ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Within that time you can make multiple trips to London and the UK for stays of up to six months each.

How quickly will my ETA be approved?

Most applicants are approved within minutes by email. In some cases it can take up to three working days. For this reason, apply well before your London departure date.

Does the ETA cover cities outside London?

Yes. The ETA covers the whole United Kingdom, so the same permit works for Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, and Cardiff, not only London.

What documents do I need for an ETA?

You need a valid biometric passport, a digital photo, an email address, and a payment card. Your ETA links to the passport you apply with, so you must travel on that same document.

What if my ETA is refused?

If your ETA is refused, you receive the reason by email. Often it is a simple input error you can correct. Otherwise, you can apply for a standard UK visitor visa instead.

Can I use the same ETA for a layover in London?

Yes, in most cases. If you pass through UK border control during a layover in London, you need a valid ETA just like any other visitor. Because the permit allows multiple entries, the same ETA London approval covers both your layover and a later full visit within its two-year validity.

Last updated: 4 June 2026.