ETA v Združenem kraljestvu za danske državljane: Celoten vodnik 2026

Denmark and the United Kingdom share deep historical, cultural, and commercial ties stretching back over a thousand years. Today, approximately 659,000 Danish citizens visit the UK each year, spending an estimated £430.7 million and contributing significantly to the British tourism economy. Whether you are heading to London for business, Edinburgh for a weekend break, or Manchester for a football match, there is one new requirement every Danish traveller must know about: the Elektronska potovalna odobritev (ETA) v Združenem kraljestvu.

Since 2 April 2025, all EU and EEA nationals — including Danish citizens — have been required to hold a valid UK ETA before travelling to the United Kingdom. Full enforcement began on 25 February 2026, meaning airlines and carriers now check for a valid ETA before boarding. This guide covers everything Danish travellers need to know about the UK ETA in 2026, from costs and application steps to flight routes and border control procedures.

What Is the UK ETA and Why Do Danish Citizens Need It?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is a digital travel permit that replaced the previous arrangement where EU nationals could simply arrive in the UK with their passport and no prior authorisation. It is part of the UK’s post-Brexit Universal Permission to Travel scheme, designed to screen all visitors before they arrive on British soil.

Danish citizens do not need a visa to visit the UK for tourism, business meetings, or short-term study lasting up to six months. However, they do now need an approved ETA linked to their passport before departure. The ETA is not a visa — it is a lightweight pre-travel screening tool that works similarly to the US ESTA or the upcoming EU ETIAS system.

For the 78% of Danish visitors who are repeat travellers to the UK, the good news is that the ETA is valid for two years, covering multiple trips without reapplying each time. For first-time visitors, the application process is straightforward and typically completed in minutes.

UK ETA Requirements for Danish Citizens

To apply for a UK ETA, Danish citizens must meet the following requirements:

• Valid Danish passport — Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. The ETA is linked digitally to your passport number, so it must be biometric (the kind with a chip symbol on the cover).
• No UK immigration violations — Applicants must not have previously overstayed, been deported, or been refused entry to the UK.
• No serious criminal convictions — The UK may refuse an ETA for individuals with certain criminal records.
• Purpose of visit must be permitted — Tourism, business visits, transit, short-term study, and medical treatment are all permitted. Paid employment is not.
• E-poštni naslov — You will receive your ETA confirmation by email.
• Payment method — A debit or credit card to pay the £16 fee.

There are no financial proof requirements, no hotel booking confirmations needed, and no invitation letters required for a UK ETA. It is deliberately simpler than a visa application. For a full breakdown of what is and is not required, see our Vodnik po zahtevah ETA v Združenem kraljestvu.

How to Apply for a UK ETA from Denmark: Step-by-Step

The application process has been designed to be as frictionless as possible, and most Danish applicants receive approval within minutes. Here is how to apply:

1. Prenesite aplikacijo ETA v Združenem kraljestvu — Available on both iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play). Alternatively, you can apply through the uradno spletno mesto GOV.UK.
2. Skeniranje potnega lista — Use your phone’s NFC reader to scan the biometric chip in your Danish passport. The app will guide you through placing your phone on the passport cover. If applying online, you will need to enter your passport details manually.
3. Naredite selfie fotografijo — The app requires a facial photograph for identity verification. This must be taken in good lighting against a plain background. For detailed guidance, see our ETA photo requirements guide.
4. Odgovorite na varnostna vprašanja — A short set of questions about your criminal history, immigration history, and travel purpose.
5. Plačilo pristojbine — The UK ETA costs £16 (approximately 140 DKK). A price increase to £20 is expected at some point in 2026, but the date has not been confirmed.
6. Pošlji in počakaj — Most applications are approved within minutes. The official processing time is up to 3 working days, so apply before booking flights rather than at the airport.
7. Prejeti potrditev — You will get an email confirming your ETA has been approved. The ETA is linked digitally to your passport — there is nothing to print.

For a more detailed walkthrough with screenshots, see our complete UK ETA application guide.

UK ETA Cost and Validity for Danish Travellers

Stroški ETA v Združenem kraljestvu £16 per person (roughly 140 DKK at current exchange rates). This is a non-refundable fee charged at the time of application, regardless of whether the ETA is approved or refused.

Key cost and validity facts:

• Velja 2 leti from the date of issue, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.
• Več vnosov — You can enter the UK as many times as you like during the validity period.
• Do 6 mesecev na obisk — Each individual stay can last a maximum of six months.
• Children and babies — Every traveller needs their own ETA, including infants. There is no reduced children’s rate. See our Vodnik ETA v Združenem kraljestvu za otroke in družine za podrobnosti.
• Nov potni list = nova ETA — If you renew your Danish passport, you will need to apply for a new ETA linked to the new passport number.

A price increase to £20 has been announced but the exact implementation date has not been confirmed. If you are planning a trip in 2026, applying sooner rather than later at the current £16 rate could save you a small amount.

Flying from Denmark to the UK: Routes and Airports

Denmark is exceptionally well connected to the UK by air, with direct flights from multiple Danish airports to destinations across Britain. Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup, CPH) is the main hub, but Billund Airport (BLL) and Aalborg Airport (AAL) also offer UK connections.

Copenhagen to London

This is by far the busiest route between Denmark and the UK. Airlines operating direct flights include:

• SAS (Skandinavski letalski prevoznik) — Multiple daily flights to London Heathrow (LHR). SAS is the traditional Scandinavian carrier and offers both SAS Go (economy) and SAS Plus (premium economy).
• Norwegian Air Shuttle — Frequent services to London Gatwick (LGW). Norwegian is popular among budget-conscious Danish travellers.
• British Airways — Daily flights to London Heathrow, often code-shared with SAS under their partnership agreements.
• Ryanair — Low-cost flights from Copenhagen to London Stansted (STN), popular for weekend trips.
• easyJet — Services to London Gatwick and London Luton (LTN).

Copenhagen to Other UK Cities

• Edinburgh — Direct flights with SAS and Ryanair. Given that 25% of Danish visitor nights are spent in Scotland, this is a particularly popular route.
• Manchester — SAS and Ryanair operate direct services.
• Birmingham — Ryanair flies direct from Copenhagen.

Billund and Aalborg

Ryanair operates seasonal routes from Billund to London Stansted. Aalborg has limited direct UK connections, and most Jutland-based travellers connect via Copenhagen or fly Billund.

Flight times from Copenhagen to London are approximately 2 hours. With 78% of Danish visitors being repeat travellers, many have well-established preferences for airlines and airports.

Do Danish Citizens Need an ETA for Transit Through the UK?

Yes. If you are transiting through the UK — for example, flying from Copenhagen to New York with a connection at London Heathrow — you will need a valid UK ETA, even if you do not plan to leave the airport.

This is a critical point that catches many travellers off guard. The UK does not have a separate transit visa waiver for ETA-eligible nationals. The same ETA that covers a tourist visit also covers airside transit.

However, since the ETA is valid for two years and covers multiple entries, this is not a significant burden if you fly through London regularly. For complete details on transit requirements, see our Vodnik po tranzitnih pravilih ETA v Združenem kraljestvu.

UK ETA vs EU ETIAS: What Danish Travellers Should Know

As a Danish citizen and EU member state national, you will soon need two different electronic travel authorisations for your European and transatlantic trips:

As a Danish (EU) citizen, ETIAS does not apply to you when travelling within the Schengen Area. However, if you hold dual nationality with a non-EU country, you may need ETIAS when travelling on that passport. The UK ETA is required regardless — all Danish passport holders need it for UK travel. For more on how these systems compare, see our izčrpen vodnik ETA v Združenem kraljestvu.

Kaj lahko počnete v Združenem kraljestvu z ETA?

The UK ETA permits a wide range of activities during your stay of up to six months:

• Turizem — Sightseeing, visiting friends and family, attending events and festivals.
• Business — Attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs, and negotiations. You cannot take paid employment.
• Kratkoročna študija - Tečaji do šest mesecev, vključno z jezikovnimi šolami in akademskimi programi.
• Zdravstveno zdravljenje — Receiving private medical treatment in the UK.
• Tranzit — Passing through the UK on the way to another destination.
• Ustvarjalni in športni dogodki — Performing at or participating in events by invitation.

Kaj ste ne more do on an ETA includes working for a UK employer, starting a business, accessing public healthcare (NHS) for free, or claiming benefits. If you need to work in the UK, you will need an appropriate work visa.

For Danish visitors, popular UK destinations beyond London include Edinburgh (a quarter of Danish visitor nights are spent in Scotland), Manchester, the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands, and the Cotswolds.

Practical Travel Tips for Danish Visitors to the UK

Denmark and the UK are culturally close, but there are a few practical differences worth noting:

• Valuta — The UK uses pounds sterling (GBP), not euros or Danish kroner. While Denmark also has its own currency (DKK), many Danish travellers are used to card-only payments. The UK is also heavily card-oriented, and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere. However, some small businesses and market stalls may still prefer cash.
• Vožnja — The UK drives on the left. If you plan to rent a car, make sure you are comfortable with this before setting off. Your Danish driving licence is valid in the UK for visitors.
• Električne vtičnice — The UK uses Type G plugs (three rectangular pins). You will need an adapter for your Danish Type C/E/F chargers. Most hotels provide adapters on request.
• Časovni pas — The UK is one hour behind Denmark (GMT/BST vs CET/CEST). During summer, both countries shift clocks forward, maintaining the one-hour difference.
• Dajanje napitnine — Unlike Denmark where service is typically included, tipping in the UK is more common. Around 10-15% in restaurants is standard if a service charge has not already been added.
• Vreme — British weather is milder but wetter than Danish weather. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket regardless of season.
• Številka za klic v sili — Call 999 (or 112, which also works in the UK) in an emergency.
• Zdravstveno zavarovanje — Post-Brexit, the EHIC/GHIC card situation has changed. Danish visitors should carry a valid Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or take out private travel insurance. The GHIC covers necessary medical treatment but not all costs.

Mejni nadzor v Združenem kraljestvu: Kaj lahko pričakujete ob prihodu?

Since Brexit, EU nationals including Danish citizens can no longer use the EU/EEA lane at UK border control. Here is what to expect:

1. eVrata — Most major UK airports have automated eGates that Danish passport holders can use. Simply scan your biometric passport at the gate, look into the camera, and walk through when the barrier opens. Your ETA is checked automatically against your passport number.
2. Mejni policist — If eGates are unavailable or if you are directed to speak with an officer, they may ask about the purpose of your visit, where you are staying, how long you plan to stay, and whether you have sufficient funds.
3. No stamp — Since the introduction of the ETA system, the UK has moved towards digital border records. You may or may not receive a physical stamp in your passport.
4. Carina — After passport control, you will pass through customs. If you are arriving from Denmark (an EU country), you are coming from outside the UK customs area. There are allowances for goods, but limits apply to alcohol, tobacco, and other items. Declare anything over the limits.

The entire process typically takes between 5 and 30 minutes depending on the airport and time of day. London Heathrow and Gatwick have invested heavily in automated border systems, making the process faster for most travellers. For more about what to expect, see our Vodnik po mejni kontroli in carini v Združenem kraljestvu.

Frequently Asked Questions: UK ETA for Danish Citizens

Can I use my Danish national ID card instead of a passport for the UK ETA?

No. The UK ETA must be linked to a biometric passport. Unlike travel within the EU/Schengen Area where a national ID card is sufficient, the UK requires a passport for entry. Your Danish national ID card (nationalt identitetskort) is not accepted for UK travel.

I already have a UK ETA — do I need to apply again if I get a new passport?

Yes. The ETA is digitally linked to your passport number. If you renew your Danish passport, you will need to apply for a new ETA linked to the new document before your next UK trip.

How long does it take to get a UK ETA approved?

Most applications are approved within minutes. However, the official processing time is up to 3 working days. We strongly recommend applying at least a week before your travel date to account for any delays. If your application is selected for additional review, it may take longer.

Can I apply for a UK ETA at Copenhagen Airport before my flight?

Technically, you can apply at any time. However, airlines are required to verify you have a valid ETA before boarding, and if your application is not yet approved, you will be denied boarding. Always apply well in advance of your departure date.

Ali je ETA v Združenem kraljestvu enak vizumu?

No. The ETA is a pre-travel screening authorisation, not a visa. It does not grant you the right to work or settle in the UK. It simply confirms that you have been pre-screened and are authorised to travel to the UK for short visits. Think of it as similar to a boarding pass for border control.

Ali otroci potrebujejo svoj lasten ETA v Združenem kraljestvu?

Yes. Every traveller, regardless of age, needs their own ETA linked to their own passport. This includes infants and children. The fee is £16 per person with no child discount.

Kaj se zgodi, če je moja ETA v Združenem kraljestvu zavrnjena?

If your ETA is refused, you will receive an email explaining the decision. You can reapply if you believe the refusal was in error, or you may need to apply for a standard visitor visa instead. For guidance on what to do, see our Vodnik za pomoč pri zavrnitvi ETA v Združenem kraljestvu.

Can I use my UK ETA to visit Ireland?

No. The UK ETA covers England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland only. The Republic of Ireland is a separate country with its own entry requirements. Danish citizens do not need any authorisation to visit Ireland as EU nationals.

Do I need an ETA to visit Northern Ireland by land from the Republic of Ireland?

Technically yes — you need a valid ETA to be in Northern Ireland legally. However, there are no routine immigration checks on the land border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In practice, the risk of being checked is low, but legally you should hold a valid ETA.

Can I extend my stay beyond six months with an ETA?

No. The ETA allows stays of up to six months per visit. If you need to stay longer, you will need to apply for an appropriate visa before your initial six months expire. You cannot switch from an ETA to a long-term visa while in the UK.