How much is a UK ETA in 2026?

£20 on GOV.UK or the UK ETA app. Other sites often charge more. An ETA does not guarantee entry.

Do Americans need a UK ETA?

Yes. US passport holders need an ETA before boarding. Dual British–US citizens should travel on the British passport and do not need an ETA.

Do Indians need a UK ETA?

No. Indian citizens are not eligible. You need a Standard Visitor visa (or another visa). The ETA app will not work for an Indian passport.

Can I work in London on an ETA?

No. An ETA is for visiting. It is not a work visa.

Do I need a UK ETA?

Pick your passport. An ETA costs £20 on GOV.UK or the UK ETA app, lasts 2 years or until that passport expires, and covers multiple visits of up to 6 months. It is not a visa, not a work permit, and not a guarantee of entry. Checked against GOV.UK from London, August 2026.

Roll-out was in waves: Qatar first (travel from 15 Nov 2023), Gulf (22 Feb 2024), wider world including the US (8 Jan 2025), then EU/EEA/Swiss (2 Apr 2025). Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian and many other passports were never on the list — they still need a Standard Visitor visa.

Apply on GOV.UK → Official visa checker →

Need an ETA

On the Appendix ETA National List. Apply only on GOV.UK.

Need a visitor visa (not ETA)

No ETA

Heathrow and Manchester transit

If you pass UK border control (collect bags, change terminals landside, or leave the airport), you need the same permission as if London were the destination. Staying airside at Heathrow or Manchester currently does not need an ETA for ETA-nationalities — airlines still decide boarding. Eurostar always needs permission: you clear the UK border before the train leaves Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam.

Other nationalities (no thin page)

We only publish a full guide where the rules or travel pattern differ. These passports still follow the official list — use the GOV.UK checker, not a clone page: Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Egypt, Ghana.

Once you land in London

Contactless bank card is enough on TfL — daily cap applies. You do not need an Oyster card.
Hiring a car? Congestion Charge and ULEZ are extra and easy to miss.
ETA or visitor visa is not permission to work.

FAQs

How much is a UK ETA in 2026?: £20 on GOV.UK or the UK ETA app. Other sites often charge more. An ETA does not guarantee entry.
Do Americans need a UK ETA?: Yes. US passport holders need an ETA before boarding. Dual British–US citizens should travel on the British passport and do not need an ETA.
Do Indians need a UK ETA?: No. Indian citizens are not eligible. You need a Standard Visitor visa (or another visa). The ETA app will not work for an Indian passport.
Can I work in London on an ETA?: No. An ETA is for visiting. It is not a work visa.

Bodhixt is not the Home Office. Rules change. Always confirm on GOV.UK before you fly. We list 33 high-traffic nationalities — not every country on the official list.