UK ETA news: rule changes on one timeline

Last updated 25 September 2026

The UK ETA rules have changed several times since the ETA was extended to European visitors and most other non-visa nationals on 2 April 2025. This page lists the changes that matter to travellers, with dates and the latest first. Every change links to the official source.

All changes at a glance

Situation on 25 September 2026

The European ETIAS is not yet in operation

According to the European Commission, ETIAS, the European travel authorisation, is not yet in operation and no applications are being accepted. ETIAS is intended for visa-exempt travellers from outside the EU who visit Schengen countries. It is a separate system and has nothing to do with the UK ETA.

Source: European Commission, ETIAS

8 July 2026

eGates from age 8

Since this date children aged 8 and 9 can also use the automatic eGates at the UK border, provided they are at least 120 cm tall and travelling with an adult. The minimum age used to be higher. For families this can speed up border control; the ETA is still required for every child.

Source: Home Office, 14 May 2026 og GOV.UK, At border control

23 April 2026

ETA also required for direct travel to Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man

Since this date the three Crown Dependencies take part in the ETA system. If you travel directly to Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man without going through the UK – for example by ferry from France – you now need an ETA too.

Source: Government of Jersey, 31 March 2026 og States of Guernsey

9 April 2026

One ETA for the UK, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man

The same ETA now lets you travel to Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man as well as the UK. You do not need a separate authorisation for the islands.

Source: GOV.UK, Using the UK ETA app

8. april 2026

The price rises to £20

The ETA now costs £20 per applicant instead of £16. This applies to both the UK ETA app and the online form on GOV.UK. You can work out what ETAs for your whole group cost with the ETA planner, and read more in our price guide.

Source: Home Office, fees table 8 April 2026

25. februar 2026

End of the transition period: no ETA, no boarding

Since this date the ETA is fully enforced. Airlines and other carriers must check before departure that you have permission to travel. Without an ETA you cannot board the plane, the Eurostar or the ferry. The UK government does not plan any new transition periods.

Source: UK Parliament, written statement HCWS1361

9. april 2025

The price rises to £16

Barely a week after the ETA became mandatory for European visitors, the price rose from £10 to £16.

Source: Home Office, fees table 9 April 2025

2. april 2025

ETA mandatory for European visitors

Since then, EU citizens and other European visitors who are non-visa nationals (except Irish citizens) need an ETA to travel to the UK. Applications were possible from 5 March 2025.

Source: Home Office, 5 March 2025

16 January 2025

Temporary exemption for airside transit

If you change planes at a UK airport without going through border control, you do not need an ETA. The UK government called this a temporary exemption that it keeps under review; it mainly concerns Heathrow and Manchester. On 25 September 2026 the exemption was still on GOV.UK (page updated on 18 September 2026). If you do go through border control, you need an ETA.

Source: Home Office, 16 January 2025 og GOV.UK, When you do not need an ETA

What applies now?

  • The ETA costs £20 per applicant, and every traveller needs their own ETA, including children and babies.
  • The ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first – and covers multiple trips of up to 6 months each.
  • You usually get a decision within a day, but it can take up to 3 working days. So apply at least 3 working days before you travel.
  • The ETA is linked to the passport you travel with, so apply using that passport (GOV.UK).
  • You apply for the ETA at gov.uk/eta/apply or with the UK ETA app. Our complete guide walks you through it.

Not sure whether you need an ETA? Use the ETA checker. To see when to apply and how long your ETA stays valid, use the ETA planner.

Last checked: 25 September 2026

etavisauk.org is an independent information site and not a UK government website. Official application: gov.uk/eta/apply.