Entry requirements to the United Kingdom: passport, ETA and visa

Are you planning a trip to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland? Before booking, check the UK formalities, because they have changed a lot since Brexit. Today, a French traveler needs a passport and an electronic travel authorization, called an ETA.

In short: For travel to the UK, most European travelers need a passport; an identity card is not sufficient. The ETA costs £20 and can be applied for on the official website or the "UK ETA" app. It is valid for two years, or until your passport expires, for stays of up to six months. Apply at least three working days before departure; it is valid for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

This guide summarizes the rules you need to know for a tourist trip. For other preparations, see also our tips for travel to the United Kingdom. The information comes from official UK government sources. However, conditions may change: always check them before you travel.

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UK entry formalities in brief

• A valid passport is required: an identity card is no longer sufficient, except in exceptional circumstances.
• An ETA is also mandatory for citizens of the European Union.
• It costs £20 and remains valid for two years, or until the passport expires.
• Each traveler must have their own, including babies and children.
• As a visitor, you can therefore stay for up to six months per trip.

UK entry requirements: passport or identity card?

Since October 1, 2021, most European citizens must present a valid passport to enter the United Kingdom. National identity cards are no longer accepted for visitors.

However, there are exceptions. For example, people with EU Settlement Scheme status can still use their national identity card. For a typical tourist trip, therefore, plan to bring a passport. Also, check its expiry date now so you have time to renew it if necessary.

UK travel formalities: the ETA, electronic travel authorization

The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) replaces the visa for short stays. Citizens of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein need it for holidays or short stays.

How much does the ETA cost and how long is it valid for?

The ETA currently costs £20. It allows multiple trips, with stays of up to six months each. It remains valid for two years, or until the expiry of the passport to which it is linked if that expires sooner.

Warning: if you change your passport, you will need to apply for a new ETA.

How do I apply?

Applications are made online, either on the UK government website or via the official "UK ETA" app. According to the Home Office, most applications submitted through the app receive an automatic response within minutes. However, it is recommended to apply at least three working days before departure.

Be especially wary of intermediary sites that charge extra fees. Only use the official website. gov.uk/eta or through the official application.

Do children need an ETA?

Yes. Each person traveling must have their own ETA, including babies and children. Therefore, a family of four needs to submit four applications. If you are traveling with children, please also consult our guide to... family trip to England.

UK entry requirements: do I need a visa?

For tourist stays of less than six months, a French citizen does not need a visa: an ETA is sufficient. However, a visa remains necessary in other situations, particularly for working, studying for an extended period, or settling in the United Kingdom.

If you are not a European citizen, the rules depend on your nationality. The British government also offers an online tool to check your status: gov.uk/check-uk-visa.

UK arrival formalities

At the border, an officer may ask you about the reason for and duration of your stay. The ETA does not guarantee entry: the final decision rests with the border services.

Furthermore, European citizens can continue to use the automated gates (ePassport gates) at airports. Full details are available on the official website. visiting the UK as an EU citizen.

UK entry formalities for Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom. The same formalities therefore apply: passport and ETA.

This is also true if you are arriving from the Republic of Ireland. There are no checks at the land border, but an ETA is still required to cross it. We explain this in more detail in our guide to... formalities for Ireland, and the sites to see in Northern Ireland: what to see.

Our advice on UK formalities

• Check the validity of your passport first, well before booking.
• Then request the ETA for each traveler, at least three working days before departure.
• Use only the official website or the "UK ETA" app.
• Also, remember to compare driving rules if you are renting a car.
• Finally, check the official information just before departure, as the rules change.

For the rest of your preparations, read our guide for plan your trip to England, as well as our advice for rent a car in the United Kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go to the United Kingdom with an identity card?

No, not for most European travelers. A valid passport is required, except for those with EU Settlement Scheme status.

What is the price of the ETA for the United Kingdom?

The ETA currently costs £20. It can be applied for on the official UK government website or via the "UK ETA" app.

How long is the ETA valid for?

Two years, or until the passport expires if this occurs sooner. It allows for multiple stays of up to six months each.

How long does it take to obtain the ETA?

Most requests made through the app receive a response within minutes. However, it is advisable to submit your request at least three business days before departure.

Does Scotland need an ETA?

Yes. Scotland is part of the United Kingdom: the same formalities apply in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Do you need an ETA to get from Ireland to Northern Ireland?

Yes, for a French traveler. Even without checks at the land border, the ETA remains mandatory to enter Northern Ireland.

Plan your trip with Brightside Travel

At Brightside Travel, we assist each traveler in organizing their stay in the United Kingdom. We remind you of the formalities at the time of booking, and then we work with you to create a tailor-made itinerary.

Discover our tailor-made holidays in England and our tailor-made holidays in Scotland.

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