Select your nationality to find out whether you need a UK ETA, a visa, or nothing at all.
This is general guidance, not immigration advice. Rules change and individual circumstances (purpose of visit, length of stay, criminal record, etc.) can affect requirements. Always confirm your exact requirement on the official gov.uk visa and ETA checker before booking travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a lightweight, low-cost digital permission for short visits, similar to the US ESTA. A visa is a more involved, more expensive application required for nationalities not on the ETA-eligible list, or for longer stays and purposes like work or study.
As of 2026, a UK ETA costs £16 and is valid for two years (or until your passport expires, whichever comes first), allowing multiple short visits during that time.
No. British citizens do not need any travel authorisation to enter the UK, and Irish citizens travel freely under the Common Travel Area arrangement between the UK and Ireland.
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Once your entry requirements are sorted, plan the rest of your trip.