Traveling with family may be a joyous experience, but going through the necessary paperwork can truly test your patience. Now, families must abide by the rules of the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Notably, every family member, even infants, need to secure the ETA.
Correspondingly, in this guide, we discuss the steps to obtain an ETA, common application mistakes, and how families can easily apply.
What Is the UK ETA?
In particular, the UK ETA is a digital permission to travel. To clarify, it is not a visa, and it is linked electronically to your passport.
For context, the Home Office introduced it to improve border security and manage travel after Brexit. According to official guidance, each ETA’s government fee costs £10 and is valid for two years or until your passport expires.
Unlike a visa, the ETA is quick to apply for online. Generally, most applicants get approval within three working days.
“The introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia, and helps prevent the arrival of those who present a threat to the UK,” says the UK Home office on its website.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
To clarify, not everyone needs a UK ETA. For instance, British and Irish citizens are exempt. Specifically, families travelling on Irish passports will not require it.
Meanwhile, visa-free nationals, including many from the Middle East, EU nationals, and Gulf states, must apply now.
Hence, if you hold settled or pre-settled status, or a valid UK visa, then you are exempt. As such, always check before you travel.
Family Application Rules
Every member of your family needs a separate UK ETA. Correspondingly, this means that there are no group applications. Moreover, you’ll need one ETA for every child, toddler, or baby.
As such, parents or guardians must complete the process on behalf of their children. Notably, the system accepts applications made “for someone else.”
Specifically, for kids, you’ll need:
- A valid passport.
- A digital photo that meets UK standards.
- Contact details for a responsible adult.
How to Apply for a UK ETA
In summary, the UK ETA application is simple and entirely online. Correspondingly, here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit the EVS platform. Notably, it simplifies the ETA application process so you can avoid going through complex visa processes.
At EVS, your personal and travel information remains safe and secure with its strict data protection regulations. Moreover, it provides you with expert guidance and seamless support to ensure a stress-free application journey.
Step 2: Upload a passport photo. It must have a plain, light-colored background without any shadows or objects behind you.
Step 3: Upload a scan or photo of your passport information page. Ensure the full passport photo page is inside the frame, including the two lines of numbers and letters at the bottom. Additionally, the passport must be valid for at least six months upon entering and exiting the UK.
Step 4: Provide your personal information:
- Contact details
- Home address
- Employment information
- Citizenship information
- Criminal history, if any
Overall, make sure that the information you provide matches what is on your passport.
Step 5: Review and confirm the information on your application. In particular, you can pay using suitable electronic payment methods such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit card, or debit card.
Step 6: Pay the application fee.
Step 7: Receive your UK ETA. Next, you will receive an email with the decision. The authorization will be linked to your passport digitally.
Once approved, the ETA is valid for multiple visits over a two-year period, or until your passport expires. Because mistakes can delay approval, make sure to triple-check all entries before you submit.
Ready to get started with your application? Then click the button below to obtain your ETA.
Applying as a Family
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Confirm that each family member needs an ETA, as some may be exempt.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Prepare valid passports and digital photos. Specifically, for children, ensure the photo follows official rules.
Step 3: Complete Forms
Enter details carefully: names, passport numbers, addresses, and parental responsibility information. Notably, mistakes cause delays.
Step 4: Pay and Submit
Each ETA is payable online, with payment mandatory for all family members.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
Confirmation comes by email. Generally, most ETAs arrive within three working days. Afterwards, the ETA links directly to the passport, not as a separate document.
Common UK ETA Mistakes
Parents often assume that one UK ETA covers the whole group. To clarify, it doesn’t. Hence, each person must have their own approval.
Meanwhile, other common errors include:
- Using expired or damaged passports.
- Uploading poor-quality photos.
- Applying too close to the departure date.
Once submitted, applications cannot be edited. So, if you make a mistake, you must apply again.
Practical Tips for Parents
Overall, start early. Hence, apply at least one week before travel, as this avoids panic if delays occur.
Apply via EVS when applying together and keep copies of all confirmation emails. Airlines will often check ETAs before boarding.
Lastly, double-check children’s passport expiry dates, as an ETA cannot outlast a passport. As such, renew passports first if necessary.
Why the ETA Matters for Families
Overall, the ETA makes UK travel more secure, but it also adds predictability. As such, families no longer face embassy visits for short trips. Meanwhile, tourism bodies welcome the change.
By applying together and preparing documents, families can focus on their holiday, not paperwork.
Conclusion
The UK ETA simplifies family travel but requires organisation. Remember: one ETA per person, no exceptions.
Start early, use the official app, and double-check every detail. That way, your family’s journey begins stress-free at the gate, not at the border.
For reliable and professional ETA processing, apply via the EVS website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my child’s passport changes?
If your child’s passport changes, then you must apply for a new UK ETA. This is because ETAs cannot transfer between passports.
What if my application is refused?
If authorities reject your application, then you may need to apply for a visa instead. Hence, always check official advice for next steps.
Can I apply at the airport?
No. Specifically, ETA requires online applications before travel. As such, approval may take minutes or days.
Which countries are eligible for the travel authorization?
In particular, business travelers from the following countries can apply for an ETA:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British National Overseas)
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Macao Special Administrative Region
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Oman
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Qatar
- Samoa
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Taiwan
- Toga
- Tuvalu
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
Meanwhile, applications have opened for European travelers visiting the UK on or after April 2, 2025:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Vatican City
In addition, this also covers eligible dual citizens.
If I’m on a cruise passing through UK waters, do I need an ETA?
If you’re on a cruise passing through UK waters, then no, you don’t need an ETA. Not unless you dock at a UK port or pass through border control.
Are there non-EU European countries that need a UK ETA?
Yes. Specifically, these include Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, and the Vatican City.
Do I need an ETA if I’m transiting?
Earlier, in January 2025, the UK temporarily suspended the requirement for transit passengers.
Hence, if you’re transiting without entering the UK, then you don’t need the authorization. Specifically, this applies if you stay in the international transit zone. If you pass through UK border control for any reason, even briefly, then the authorization becomes mandatory.
Photo by Tim Arterbury on Unsplash
