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Guide

How much is a UK ETA, and how long does it take?

As of November 3, 2026, GOV.UK says a UK ETA costs £20, online or in the UK ETA app, and you usually get a decision by email within a day, though it can take up to 3 working days. It lasts 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner, and every traveller needs one, babies included. Visitors from the USA, Canada, Australia and Europe usually need an ETA rather than a visa. The application asks for a photo of your face; SelfieToPassport makes it from your phone for $6.95.

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The short version

  1. Cost: £20 per person, online or in the UK ETA app; no refund after you apply.
  2. Decision: usually within a day, up to 3 working days.
  3. Valid 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner.
  4. Every traveller needs one, including babies and children.
  5. SelfieToPassport: the ETA photo from your phone, $6.95.

What the ETA costs

The fee is per person and is paid when you apply.

The rules

  • A UK ETA costs £20 to apply online or through the UK ETA app. gov.uk
  • The ETA fee is not refunded once you have applied. gov.uk
  • Each traveller needs an ETA of their own, including babies and children. gov.uk

How long it takes and how long it lasts

Apply before you book travel plans that cannot move: most answers come the same day.

The rules

  • Most ETA decisions arrive by email within a day; some take up to 3 working days. gov.uk
  • An ETA lasts 2 years, or until the passport it is linked to expires if that comes first. gov.uk
  • Visitors from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada and certain other countries usually need an ETA rather than a visa. gov.uk

FAQ

How much is the UK ETA in 2026?

£20 per person, online or in the UK ETA app. The fee is not refunded after you apply. Source: official page "Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK: Apply for an ETA - GOV.UK", checked on Nov 3, 2026.

How long does a UK ETA take to be approved?

Usually within a day, by email; it can take up to 3 working days. Source: official page "Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK: Apply for an ETA - GOV.UK", checked on Nov 3, 2026.

Where this information comes from

Every rule on this page comes from a page published by the U.S. Department of State and the companies named, read on the date shown. We rewrite each rule in plain words and link to the page it came from. Each rule has a review deadline; one that passes it without a new check comes off the page.

Something here out of date? Tell us and we will check it against the official page.