ETA UK vs ETIAS EU: Perbandingan Lengkap 2026

Introduction: Two New Travel Systems for Europe and the UK

International travel to Europe and the United Kingdom is undergoing significant changes. The UK has already rolled out its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), while the European Union continues to develop its own electronic screening programme known as ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). If you are planning a trip that includes both the UK and continental Europe, understanding the differences between these two systems is essential.

This guide provides a thorough side-by-side comparison of the UK ETA and the EU ETIAS, covering costs, validity, application procedures, eligibility, and practical advice for travellers visiting both regions on the same trip. Whether you are a frequent business traveller or planning a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, this article will help you understand exactly what you need.

Apakah ETA UK?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital entry requirement introduced by the British government as part of its post-Brexit border security strategy. It applies to visitors from visa-exempt countries who wish to enter the United Kingdom for short stays of up to six months. The UK ETA is not a visa. Instead, it is a pre-screening tool that allows UK authorities to assess travellers before they arrive.

Since January 2025, the ETA has been mandatory for nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. From 2 April 2025, citizens of all other visa-exempt nations, including EU member states, are also required to hold a valid ETA before travelling to the UK. You can apply through the official UK government ETA portal.

Untuk gambaran keseluruhan lengkap mengenai sistem ETA, baca kami Panduan ETA UK menyeluruh.

What Is the EU ETIAS?

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is a planned electronic travel authorisation for the Schengen Area. It will apply to nationals of countries that currently enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Zone, including citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, the United Kingdom, and many other nations.

ETIAS was originally expected to launch in late 2025, but the start date has been repeatedly postponed. As of early 2026, the EU has not confirmed a definitive launch date, and travellers should monitor official EU announcements for updates. Once operational, ETIAS will be mandatory for entry into all 27 Schengen member states.

It is important to note that ETIAS is not a visa either. Like the UK ETA, it is a pre-travel screening tool designed to strengthen border security while maintaining visa-free travel arrangements.

UK ETA vs EU ETIAS: Complete Comparison Table

Cost Comparison: UK ETA vs ETIAS

One of the most noticeable differences between the two systems is price. The UK ETA currently costs £16, and the British government has indicated that this fee will increase to £20 at some point during 2026, although no specific date has been confirmed. The EU ETIAS is expected to cost just €7, making it significantly cheaper than the UK equivalent.

To put this in perspective, if you are an American traveller planning a European holiday that includes both London and Paris, you would need to budget approximately £16 (around $20 USD) for the UK ETA and €7 (around $7.50 USD) for the ETIAS, assuming it has launched by the time of your trip. Both fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

Children and minors may be subject to different fee structures. Under the ETIAS proposal, travellers under 18 and over 70 would be exempt from the fee. The UK ETA currently charges the same fee regardless of age.

Validity and Duration of Stay

The UK ETA is valid for two years from the date of issue or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you may enter the UK an unlimited number of times, with each visit lasting up to six months. This generous maximum stay makes the UK ETA particularly attractive for long-term visitors, business travellers, and those with family connections in Britain.

The EU ETIAS is expected to offer a three-year validity period, which is one year longer than the UK ETA. However, the maximum stay per visit is significantly shorter at 90 days within any 180-day rolling period. This is the same rule that currently applies to visa-free visitors in the Schengen Area. If you overstay the 90-day limit, you could face fines, deportation, or future entry bans.

For detailed information about UK ETA requirements, visit our Panduan keperluan ETA UK.

Proses Permohonan

Memohon ETA UK

The UK ETA application is completed through the official UK ETA app, available on both iOS and Android devices, or through the GOV.UK website. The process involves providing personal details, passport information, answering security and eligibility questions, uploading a facial photograph, and paying the £16 fee.

Most applications are processed within three working days, though many travellers receive approval on the same day. The ETA is digitally linked to your passport, meaning you do not need to carry a printed document. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our Panduan permohonan ETA UK.

Applying for the EU ETIAS

While the exact process has not been finalised, the EU has indicated that ETIAS applications will be completed online. Applicants will need to provide personal information, passport details, and answer security-related questions. The fee of €7 will be payable by credit or debit card. Processing is expected to take just a few minutes in most cases, though some applications may require additional screening for up to 72 hours or, in exceptional cases, up to 30 days.

Siapakah yang memerlukan setiap kebenaran?

Kelayakan ETA UK

The UK ETA is required for citizens of all visa-exempt countries. This includes nationals of the European Union, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and dozens of other countries. British and Irish citizens are exempt, as are those who already hold a valid UK visa or have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

EU citizens planning to visit the UK should read our dedicated Panduan ETA UK untuk warganegara EU.

EU ETIAS eligibility

ETIAS will be required for nationals of around 60 countries that currently have visa-free access to the Schengen Area. This notably includes British citizens, Americans, Canadians, Australians, and Japanese nationals. Citizens of EU and Schengen member states will not need ETIAS, as they have freedom of movement within the zone.

Travelling to Both the UK and Europe on the Same Trip

Many travellers combine visits to the UK and continental Europe in a single trip. If you fall into this category, it is crucial to understand that the UK ETA and the EU ETIAS are completely separate systems managed by different authorities. Holding one does not exempt you from needing the other.

Practical example: A two-week trip

Imagine you are a Canadian citizen planning a two-week holiday. You plan to fly into London, spend five days exploring England, then take the Eurostar train to Paris, visit Amsterdam, and fly home from Brussels. For this itinerary, you would need a valid UK ETA for the London portion of your trip and, once ETIAS is operational, a valid ETIAS for the France, Netherlands, and Belgium portion.

You should apply for both authorisations well in advance of your trip. While both are typically processed quickly, delays can occur, and having your documents in order before booking flights and hotels is always recommended.

Transit considerations

The UK requires an ETA even for airside transit, meaning travellers who are merely connecting through a UK airport without passing through border control still need a valid ETA. The ETIAS is expected to apply to entry into the Schengen Area but may not be required for airside transit within the zone. However, travellers should verify the latest rules before travelling.

Learn more about UK transit requirements in our UK ETA rules guide.

Apa yang berlaku jika permohonan anda ditolak?

Penolakan ETA UK

If your UK ETA application is refused, you have the right to request an administrative review. The review is free of charge and is handled by a different caseworker. Common reasons for refusal include criminal convictions, previous immigration violations, or providing incorrect information. If the review is unsuccessful, you may still be able to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead.

For comprehensive guidance on dealing with a refused ETA, read our Panduan bantuan penolakan ETA UK.

EU ETIAS refusal

The EU has indicated that ETIAS refusals will come with the right to appeal. The specific appeal mechanisms and timelines have not been finalised. Travellers who are refused an ETIAS may still be able to apply for a Schengen visa through the embassy or consulate of the country they wish to visit.

Key Differences Summarised

While the UK ETA and EU ETIAS serve a similar purpose as pre-travel screening tools, they differ in several important ways. The UK ETA is already operational and costs more but allows longer stays of up to six months per visit. The EU ETIAS is expected to be cheaper, valid for a longer period, but restricts visits to 90 days within 180 days.

Perhaps the most significant practical difference is that the UK ETA is a confirmed, functioning system, while the ETIAS launch date remains uncertain. Travellers should not delay obtaining their UK ETA while waiting for ETIAS to become available.

Tips for Travellers Planning UK and Europe Trips

• Apply early. Submit your UK ETA application at least two weeks before your departure date. When ETIAS launches, apply for that as well.
• Check passport validity. Both systems require a valid passport. Ensure your passport will not expire during your planned travel dates.
• Keep records. While both authorisations are digitally linked to your passport, it is wise to save confirmation emails and take screenshots of approval notices.
• Monitor ETIAS updates. Since the ETIAS launch date is uncertain, regularly check official EU sources for the latest information.
• Understand the 90/180 rule. If visiting Schengen countries, carefully track your days to avoid overstaying the 90-day limit within any 180-day period.
• Budget accordingly. Factor in both the UK ETA (£16) and ETIAS (€7) fees when planning your travel budget.

Border Control: What to Expect

When arriving in the UK, your ETA status is checked electronically at the border. Immigration officers can see your ETA linked to your passport, and in most cases you will pass through eGates at major airports. You do not need to present a printed ETA document. Learn more about the UK entry process in our Panduan kawalan sempadan dan kastam UK.

For the Schengen Area, ETIAS is expected to work in a similar manner, with your authorisation checked digitally at the point of entry. The EU is investing in new Entry/Exit System (EES) infrastructure at border crossings to facilitate these digital checks.

Soalan Lazim

Can I use my UK ETA to enter Europe?

No. The UK ETA is only valid for travel to the United Kingdom. You cannot use it to enter any Schengen or EU country. Similarly, once ETIAS is operational, it will only be valid for the Schengen Area and will not cover entry to the UK.

Do I need both a UK ETA and an ETIAS?

If you are travelling to both the UK and the Schengen Area, and you are a national of a visa-exempt country for both regions, then yes, you will eventually need both authorisations. Currently, only the UK ETA is operational.

Adakah ETA UK sama dengan ETIAS?

No. While both are electronic travel authorisation systems, they are managed by completely different authorities. The UK ETA is operated by the UK Home Office, while ETIAS will be managed by the EU. They cover different territories and have different rules.

What if ETIAS is not launched by the time I travel?

If ETIAS has not yet launched when you travel to Europe, you do not need it. Currently, visa-exempt nationals can enter the Schengen Area with just a valid passport. ETIAS will only become mandatory once the EU officially activates the system.

Will the UK ETA price increase affect my existing ETA?

No. If you already hold a valid UK ETA purchased at the current price of £16, it will remain valid for its full two-year duration regardless of any future price increases. The planned increase to £20 will only apply to new applications submitted after the price change takes effect.

Can I be refused both a UK ETA and ETIAS?

Yes, it is possible to be refused both, particularly if you have a criminal record or previous immigration violations. Being approved for one does not guarantee approval for the other, as each system has its own assessment criteria.

Kesimpulan

The UK ETA and EU ETIAS represent a new era of digital travel authorisation. While they share the same fundamental concept of pre-screening travellers before arrival, they operate independently and cover different territories. The UK ETA is already a reality that travellers must comply with, while the ETIAS remains on the horizon with an uncertain launch timeline.

For travellers planning trips that span both the UK and continental Europe, understanding both systems is essential. Apply for your UK ETA well in advance, stay informed about ETIAS developments, and ensure your travel documents are in order. With proper preparation, navigating these new requirements is straightforward and should not deter anyone from enjoying the wealth of experiences that Britain and Europe have to offer.