UK ETA Eligible Countries: Complete List 2026

Which Countries Need a UK ETA in 2026?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is required for citizens of all visa-exempt countries who wish to visit the United Kingdom. Since 25 February 2026, no visa-exempt traveller can enter the UK without a valid ETA – whether arriving by air, sea, rail, or land.

The ETA costs £16, is valid for 2 years, allows multiple entries, and each visit can last up to 6 months. You apply through the official UK ETA app or at gov.uk.

Below is the complete list of countries whose citizens require a UK ETA, organised by region, as well as key categories of people who are exempt.

European Countries Requiring a UK ETA

Since 2 April 2025, all EU and EEA citizens (except Irish citizens) need an ETA to visit the UK. This was one of the most significant expansions of the system. For a detailed guide on how this affects EU travellers, see our EU citizens ETA guide.

EU Member States

EEA and Other European Countries

Americas

Asia-Pacific

Middle East

Africa

Countries That Need a Visa (Not ETA)

Citizens of the following countries (among others) are not visa-exempt and therefore need a Standard Visitor Visa to enter the UK. They cannot use the ETA system:

This is not an exhaustive list. If your country is not listed in the ETA-eligible tables above, you most likely need a visa. Check the UK government website for your specific nationality.

Who Is Exempt From the UK ETA?

Even if your nationality normally requires an ETA, you are exempt if you fall into any of these categories:

British Citizens

British citizens (including those with British Citizen passports) do not need an ETA to enter their own country.

Irish Citizens

Irish citizens are exempt under the Common Travel Area agreement between the UK and Ireland. No ETA is needed regardless of how they enter the UK.

Existing UK Visa Holders

If you already hold a valid UK visa of any type (visitor, work, study, etc.), you do not need a separate ETA. Your visa serves as your travel authorisation.

Settled Status and Pre-Settled Status

People with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), settled status, or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme are exempt from the ETA requirement.

Frontier Workers

People with a valid Frontier Worker permit are exempt when travelling to the UK for work purposes.

Service Personnel

Members of visiting armed forces and NATO personnel travelling on official duty are exempt.

Transit Without Clearing Immigration

In very limited circumstances, some travellers transiting through the UK without passing through immigration control may be exempt. However, most transit passengers do clear UK immigration and therefore need an ETA. See our transit rules guide for details.

How to Apply for a UK ETA

The application process is the same regardless of your nationality:

1. Download the UK ETA app (iOS or Android) or visit gov.uk
2. Provide your passport details and a photo of your face
3. Answer eligibility questions (criminal history, immigration history, etc.)
4. Pay the £16 fee
5. Receive your decision – most are approved within minutes, but allow up to 72 hours

For a full walkthrough with screenshots, see our step-by-step UK ETA application guide. For photo tips, check our UK ETA photo requirements guide.

What If Your Country Is Not Listed?

If you cannot find your country in the tables above, there are two possibilities:

1. You need a visa – your country is not visa-exempt, and you must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa (or another appropriate visa type) through a UK visa application centre.
2. You hold a special passport – some countries have different requirements depending on the type of passport you hold (ordinary vs. diplomatic vs. service passport). Check the UK government website for your specific passport type.

ETA vs. Visa: Key Differences

Important Notes for 2026

• The ETA system became mandatory for all visa-exempt nationals on 25 February 2026
• Airlines, ferry companies, and rail operators check ETA status before boarding
• Each traveller needs their own ETA, including children – see our children and families guide
• Your ETA is linked to your passport – if you get a new passport, you need a new ETA
• The ETA does not guarantee entry – UK Border Force makes the final decision at the border

Frequently Asked Questions

I have dual nationality. Which passport should I use for the ETA?

Use the passport you plan to travel with. Your ETA is linked to a specific passport. If one of your nationalities is British or Irish, you do not need an ETA at all – just travel on that passport.

My country recently became visa-exempt. Do I need an ETA now?

Yes. Any country that is visa-exempt for short visits to the UK requires an ETA. If your country’s visa status changed recently, you should apply for an ETA before travelling.

I am a permanent resident of a visa-exempt country but my citizenship is from a visa-required country. Do I need a visa or an ETA?

Your ETA or visa requirement is based on your citizenship (passport), not your country of residence. If your passport is from a visa-required country, you need a visa regardless of where you live.

Will the list of eligible countries change?

Possibly. The UK government periodically reviews which countries are visa-exempt. Countries can be added to or removed from the visa-exempt list based on diplomatic, security, and immigration considerations. Always check the current list before travelling.

Key Takeaways

• 85+ countries require a UK ETA for visa-exempt travel
• All EU and EEA citizens (except Irish) need an ETA since April 2025
• The ETA costs £16 and is valid for 2 years
• Citizens of countries like India, China, Nigeria, and Pakistan need a visa, not an ETA
• British citizens, Irish citizens, and existing visa/status holders are exempt
• Your requirement is based on your passport/citizenship, not residence
• Apply through the official UK ETA app or gov.uk only

Additional travel preparation essentials

Before you travel, double-check three practical points that often catch first-time UK ETA applicants by surprise. First, confirm your passport’s validity: while the ETA itself requires a biometric e-passport, UK border officials also verify that your passport will remain valid for the duration of your intended stay. Second, prepare your accommodation address: even though the ETA application does not require a hotel reservation, border officers may ask where you’ll be staying, so have a confirmation email or address ready on your phone. Third, carry proof of onward or return travel: a printed flight itinerary or train ticket showing you’ll leave the UK within the permitted 6-month window helps avoid unnecessary questioning at passport control.

Frequently asked questions

How long does ETA approval usually take?

Most applications are approved within minutes to a few hours, though the UK Home Office advises allowing up to 3 working days for processing. Apply at least 4-7 days before your flight to leave buffer for edge cases — additional security checks, biometric verification re-runs, technical delays. Last-minute applications may be approved in time, but if there’s any delay you risk being denied boarding, so don’t leave it to the final 24 hours unless absolutely necessary.

What documents should I keep accessible during my trip?

Always carry your passport (in original, not photocopy), the ETA approval email printed or saved offline on your phone, proof of accommodation for your first night, return travel confirmation, and a backup payment method. While the ETA is biometrically linked to your passport (no separate document needed), having the approval email accessible can resolve disputes quickly if border systems are temporarily slow or offline.

Where can I check the latest UK ETA policy updates?

The official UK government ETA portal is the only authoritative source for fees, eligible nationalities, and procedural changes. Avoid third-party sites that often charge inflated fees and may show outdated information. The Home Office typically announces major policy changes at least 30 days in advance, and travel-industry news sites (BBC Travel, Conde Nast, Skyscanner) often summarise the changes within hours.