{"id":1059,"date":"2026-04-12T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/etavisauk.org\/en\/?p=1059"},"modified":"2026-10-25T20:13:06","modified_gmt":"2026-10-25T20:13:06","slug":"uk-eta-babies-children-parents-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/etavisauk.org\/en\/uk-eta-babies-children-parents-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Babies and Children Need a UK ETA? Everything Parents Must Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Do Babies and Children Need a UK ETA?<\/h2>\n

Last updated: 19 October 2026<\/em><\/p>\n

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<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Why Does Every Child Need Their Own ETA?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

For a full overview of the ETA system, see our Complete Guide to UK ETA 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How Much Does a UK ETA Cost for Children?<\/h2>\n

The ETA fee is the same for everyone: \u00a320 per person<\/strong>. There is no reduced rate for children, babies, or seniors. If you are a family of four, you will pay \u00a380 in total for all four ETAs.<\/p>\n

The increase to \u00a320 per application took effect on 8 April 2026, and no further change has been announced.<\/p>\n

Each ETA is valid for 2 years<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

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How to Apply for a UK ETA for Your Baby or Child<\/h2>\n

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:<\/p>\n

Step 1: Ensure Your Child Has a Valid Passport<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Choose Your Application Method<\/h3>\n

You can apply using the UK ETA app<\/strong> (available for iOS and Android) or through the GOV.UK website<\/strong>. The app can be quicker: you photograph your child’s passport photo page and then scan the chip with your phone’s NFC, so you do not need to type in the passport details (but do check them). Your child must be with you when you apply in the app.<\/p>\n

For a detailed comparison, see our UK ETA Application Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Step 3: Enter Your Child’s Details<\/h3>\n

Your child’s name, date of birth, nationality and passport number must match their passport. The app reads these details from the chip or from a photo of the passport’s details page, and the name is entered as it appears in the machine-readable zone (MRZ) at the bottom of the photo page \u2013 letters A\u2013Z and spaces only, without accents, hyphens or apostrophes. Double-check every detail. Even a small error can cause delays or rejection.<\/p>\n

If you make a mistake, consult our guide on how to correct a UK ETA mistake<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Step 4: Upload a Photo<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Step 5: Pay the Fee<\/h3>\n

Pay the \u00a320 fee using a debit or credit card. You must pay separately for each child’s application.<\/p>\n

Step 6: Wait for Approval<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Photo Requirements for Babies and Toddlers<\/h2>\n

Your child’s ETA photo must meet the GOV.UK digital photo rules at gov.uk\/photos-for-passports<\/a>. 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<\/strong>:<\/p>\n