28 January 2025
By April 2025, all visitors to the UK who do not require a visa will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the country. This digital permit will allow travelers to visit the UK without the need for a traditional visa.
How to Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Your Child
Applying for an ETA for a child is a straightforward process. The most efficient way to apply is by using the UK government app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
Using the app offers several advantages:
- It speeds up the decision-making process.
- It makes it easier to take photos of your child and their passport for the application.
The app also provides helpful guidance throughout the application process.
For those without a compatible smartphone, it’s also possible to apply through the UK government website, although using the app is generally quicker.
Should You Use Your Phone or Your Child’s Phone to Apply?
It doesn’t matter whether the application is made using the parent’s phone or the child’s phone, as the ETA will be digitally linked to the child’s passport. However, the parent must be present with the child during the application process. This is because the phone’s camera is required to scan the child’s face. If the child is not present, the application should be submitted online.
How Long Does it Take to Apply for an ETA?
Applying for an ETA takes approximately 10 minutes.
How Long Does It Take to Receive the ETA Decision?
In most cases, applicants will receive a decision within 3 working days. However, it’s highly recommended to apply as early as possible to avoid any last-minute delays.
Cost of the ETA Application
From 9 April, the application fee for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will cost £16.
What Do You Need to Apply for an ETA?
To complete the ETA application for a child, you will need the following:
- The child’s passport (the original document, not a photocopy).
- A recent photograph of the child.
- A credit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay to complete the payment.
If the child does not yet have a passport, it is important to apply for one as soon as possible.
Proving the ETA at the Airport
Once the application is complete, an email confirmation with a reference number will be sent. The ETA will be digitally linked to the child’s passport, so at the airport, the child will simply need to show their passport—no separate certificate is required.
Who Needs an ETA?
All visitors from countries that do not require a visa to enter the UK will need an ETA. This includes students attending summer schools, for example.
Who Does Not Need an ETA?
- Students from countries that require a visa to enter the UK.
- UK passport holders do not need an ETA.
ETA Validity and Multiple Entries
The ETA is valid for up to 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. The ETA allows for multiple entries into the UK during this period, so there’s no need to apply for a new one after each visit.
When Can You Apply for an ETA?
Citizens from the following countries can apply starting March 5, 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
Citizens from these countries can apply now:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong (including British National Overseas)
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Macao (Special Administrative Region)
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- 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 (with the identification number included in the passport)
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
Citizens from countries not listed above cannot apply for an ETA at this time.
How to Check Visa Requirements
To find out whether your child needs a visa to enter the UK, visit the UK government website or call Bucksmore at +44 (0)20 3334 9300.
Further Information
For more details about the ETA application process, visit the UK government website.