Do Babies and Children Need a UK ETA? Everything Parents Must Know

Do Babies and Children Need a UK ETA?

If you are planning a family trip to the United Kingdom in 2026, one of the first questions you are likely to ask is whether your baby or child needs an Electronic Travel Authorisation. The short answer is yes. Every person travelling to the UK, regardless of age, must have their own approved ETA before arrival. This includes newborn babies, toddlers, and children of all ages.

The UK government makes no exceptions based on age. Even if your baby is only a few weeks old, they need a valid ETA linked to their own passport. This catches many families off guard, especially those who assume that young children travel under a parent’s documents.

In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything parents need to know about applying for a UK ETA for their children, from photo requirements to practical tips for managing multiple applications.

Why Does Every Child Need Their Own ETA?

The UK ETA system is designed as an individual authorisation tied to a specific passport number. Since every traveller, including babies, must hold their own passport to enter the UK, each passport needs its own ETA approval. There is no provision for adding children to a parent’s ETA or creating a family group application.

This policy applies equally to all eligible nationalities. Whether you are an EU citizen, American, Australian, or from any other ETA-eligible country, the rule is the same: one person, one passport, one ETA.

For a full overview of the ETA system, see our Complete Guide to UK ETA 2026.

How Much Does a UK ETA Cost for Children?

The ETA fee is the same for everyone: £20 per person. There is no reduced rate for children, babies, or seniors. If you are a family of four, you will pay £64 in total for all four ETAs.

An increase to £20 per application has been announced, but the exact date of the price change has not been confirmed. It is worth applying sooner rather than later if you want to lock in the current rate.

Each ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. This means if your child’s passport expires in 12 months, the ETA will also become invalid at that point, even if the 2-year validity period has not ended.

How to Apply for a UK ETA for Your Baby or Child

Parents or legal guardians apply on behalf of their children. The process is the same as applying for an adult ETA, with a few practical differences. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Ensure Your Child Has a Valid Passport

Your child must have their own passport. The passport must be valid for the duration of your planned trip. If the passport expires soon, consider renewing it before applying for the ETA, since the ETA is tied to the passport number.

Step 2: Choose Your Application Method

You can apply using the UK ETA app (available for iOS and Android) or through the GOV.UK website. Many parents find the app easier because it allows you to scan the child’s passport using your phone’s NFC reader. However, some parents report difficulties with the app and prefer the website.

For a detailed comparison, see our UK ETA Application Guide.

Step 3: Enter Your Child’s Details

You will need to provide your child’s full name exactly as it appears on their passport, their date of birth, nationality, and passport number. Double-check every detail. Even a small error can cause delays or rejection.

If you make a mistake, consult our guide on how to correct a UK ETA mistake.

Step 4: Upload a Photo

This is often the most challenging part when applying for a baby or young child. The photo must meet specific requirements, which we cover in detail below.

Step 5: Pay the Fee

Pay the £20 fee using a debit or credit card. You must pay separately for each child’s application.

Step 6: Wait for Approval

Most ETAs are approved within minutes, though the official processing time is up to 3 working days. You will receive confirmation by email once the ETA is approved.

Photo Requirements for Babies and Toddlers

Taking a passport-style photo of a baby or toddler is notoriously difficult. The UK government recognises this and has relaxed requirements for children under 6 years old:

• Eyes: Babies do not need to have their eyes open, though it helps if they do. For children under 6, the requirement for a neutral expression is relaxed.
• Head position: The head does not need to be perfectly centred for very young children, though it should be roughly straight.
• Background: The photo must still have a plain white or light grey background. Lay your baby on a white sheet or blanket.
• No other people: Only the child should be visible in the photo. No hands, arms, or other people can appear, including the parent holding the child.
• No props: No dummies, hats, headbands, or toys should be visible.

For detailed photo guidance, read our UK ETA Photo Requirements Guide.

Practical Tips for Baby Photos

Parents on travel forums share these proven strategies:

• Place your baby on a white sheet on the floor and photograph from directly above.
• Use natural daylight near a window to avoid harsh shadows.
• Have someone gently hold the baby’s attention with a toy held above the camera (but not visible in the frame).
• Take many photos and select the best one. Expect to take 20 or more attempts.
• For toddlers, try sitting them in a car seat covered with a white sheet against a white wall.
• If using the UK ETA app, the guided photo function can help frame the shot correctly.

There Is No Family or Group Application

One of the most common frustrations parents express is that there is no way to submit a group or family application. You must complete a separate application for each family member, entering all details individually each time.

For a family of five, this means going through the entire application process five times, uploading five photos, and making five separate payments. While this is tedious, there is currently no alternative.

Tips for Managing Multiple Applications

• Apply for everyone in one sitting: Set aside 30 to 60 minutes to complete all applications at once. This reduces the risk of forgetting someone.
• Keep a checklist: Write down each family member’s name and tick them off as each ETA is approved.
• Use the same email address: All confirmation emails will arrive in one inbox, making it easier to track.
• Save confirmation numbers: Screenshot or note down the reference number for each application.
• Apply well in advance: Do not leave it until the last week before travel. If one application is delayed, you want time to resolve it.

What If My Child’s Passport Expires Before the Trip?

If your child’s passport will expire before or during your trip to the UK, you should renew the passport first, then apply for the ETA. The ETA is linked to the passport number, so a new passport means you need a new ETA.

If the passport expires after you have already obtained the ETA but before your trip, the ETA becomes invalid. You will need to apply again with the new passport details. The good news is that the ETA application process is quick, and you can reapply immediately after receiving the new passport.

Children’s passports typically have shorter validity periods than adult passports (often 5 years instead of 10), so this situation is quite common for families. Always check the expiry date before applying for the ETA.

What Happens at the UK Border with Children?

When you arrive in the UK, border officers may ask questions about children travelling with you. This is standard procedure and is designed to protect children. Be prepared to:

• Show each child’s passport and ETA confirmation.
• Explain your relationship to the child (parent, guardian, grandparent).
• If only one parent is travelling, carry a letter of consent from the other parent.
• Have accommodation details and return flight information available.

For more about what to expect at the border, see our UK Border Control and Customs Guide.

Real Parent Experiences from Travel Forums

Parents who have been through the process share a mix of experiences. Many report that the actual ETA application for their children was straightforward and approved within minutes. The most common complaints centre around the photo requirements for babies and the repetitive nature of submitting multiple applications.

Several parents note that using the app’s NFC passport scanning feature saved significant time compared to manually typing in passport details for each child. Others recommend having all passports laid out and ready before starting, to streamline the process.

A recurring tip from experienced travelling parents is to apply at least two weeks before the trip. While most applications are approved quickly, the occasional delay can cause unnecessary stress, especially when multiple children are involved and one application gets flagged for additional checks.

Common Questions from Parents

Can I use the same photo for my child’s ETA and passport application?

Yes, as long as the photo meets the UK ETA requirements and was taken recently. However, children’s appearances change quickly, so ensure the photo is a reasonable likeness.

My child has dual nationality. Which passport should I use?

Use the passport you intend to travel on. The ETA is linked to a specific passport, so you must present the same passport at the border. If your child holds a British passport, they do not need an ETA at all.

What if my child’s ETA is refused?

Refusals for children are rare but can happen, usually due to a photo issue or data entry error. If this occurs, check the reason given and reapply. For guidance, see our UK ETA Refused Help Guide.

Can grandparents apply for a grandchild’s ETA?

Yes. Any responsible adult with access to the child’s passport details can complete the application. The applicant does not need to be a parent or legal guardian, though they do need the child’s correct passport information and a suitable photo.

Do school trip organisers need to apply for each student?

Yes. Each student must have their own approved ETA. School trip organisers should remind parents to arrange ETAs well in advance and collect confirmation details before departure.

Key Takeaways for Parents

• Every child, including newborns, needs their own UK ETA.
• The cost is £20 per child with no family discount available.
• Parents apply on behalf of their children using the child’s passport details.
• Photo requirements are relaxed for children under 6, but still require a plain background and no props.
• There is no group or family application option.
• Apply at least two weeks before travel to allow time for any issues.
• The ETA expires when the passport expires, so renew passports before applying if they are close to expiry.

Planning a family trip to the UK takes some extra paperwork with the ETA system, but the process is manageable if you prepare in advance. Start with the passports, move on to the ETAs, and you will have everything sorted well before departure day.

For the full list of ETA requirements, visit our UK ETA Requirements 2026 Guide.