In 2025, UK travel requirements changed, requiring all travelers entering or transiting through the UK to obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) prior to entry.

What is a UK electronic travel authorization (ETA)?

An ETA is a digital travel permit linked to your passport, granting you permission to travel to or through the UK. ETAs don’t guarantee entry to the UK; you’ll still need to go through border control and present appropriate identity documents (e.g., a passport) upon entry.

The ETA pre-screening process allows for faster border control checks and enhanced security.

An ETA is valid for multiple journeys over 2 years or until your passport linked to your ETA expires.

Do I need an ETA to visit the UK?

Everyone, including children, who enters or transits through the UK needs ETA (with a few exceptions below). Even if you were previously allowed to visit the UK without a visa, you need to apply for an ETA.

ETAs are for short-term visits up to 6 months maximum. Reasons for travel may include tourism, visiting family, business trips, short-term study, or traveling through the UK en route to another destination. If you’re planning a visit longer than 6 months, going to the UK for work, or enrolling in a long-term study program, you’ll need to apply for a visa instead.

You do not need an ETA if you:

• Already have a visa
• Have British passport
• Have a British Overseas Territories citizen passport
• Have an Irish passport
• Are a legal resident in Ireland and entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man

How do I apply for an ETA to visit the UK?

You should apply for an ETA before booking any travel arrangements to the UK.

The fastest way to apply is through the UK ETA App, but you can also apply online. You can apply for other people, but each traveler needs a separate application, including babies and children. Applications cost about $21 (£16) each.

It usually takes about 3 business days for an ETA application to be processed, but you may get a decision sooner. And you may get a decision at a different time than someone else in your family/group, even if you applied at the same time.

Does an ETA cover my medical expenses while in the UK?

No, an ETA simply grants you permission to travel to or through the UK. While travel medical insurance isn’t required to enter the UK, it’s highly recommended.

Most travelers assume medical expenses will already be covered by their standard medical plan, but that isn’t always the case. While your domestic plan provides sufficient coverage at home, most aren’t designed to provide the coverage and assistance required for international travel.

A travel medical insurance plan can provide you and your family with cross-border medical coverage you need for unexpected medical care.

Designed for cost-conscious travelers, iTravelInsured Choice offers primary medical coverage for accident and sickness medical expenses—plus benefits for trip cancellation, interruption, delays, and more.

Not sure if you need travel medical insurance? Consider four key factors when determining if you need travel medical insurance, and check over the list of countries that require travel medical insurance for entry..

Need help choosing a plan? Here’s how to choose the best travel medical insurance plan.