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Electronic Travel Authorisation
The UK has launched an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. This is a new requirement that grants visitors permission to travel to the UK, including Northern Ireland, and also to travel to Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland.
There are no immigration controls on the Republic of Ireland-Northern Ireland land border, however, the ETA is mandatory and will be strictly enforced for everyone arriving into - or travelling through - the UK, including Northern Ireland, who do not need a visa.
It is electronically linked to your passport and will be valid for two years. All visitors must have one, including babies and children.
You do not need an ETA if you're a British or Irish citizen.
Is the ETA a type of visa?
The ETA is not a visa, and all other entry requirements into the UK, including Northern Ireland, remain unchanged. Please use the UK Government's "Check if you need a UK visa" service for information specific to your trip, and "Check when you can get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)" for further information.
Who needs an ETA?
Everyone will need an ETA to enter Northern Ireland, except if you have:
- A British or Irish passport
- Permission to live, work or study in the UK
- A visa to enter the UK
- A British overseas territories passport
What date do I need an ETA from?
You need to apply for an ETA now if you’re travelling to the UK, including Northern Ireland, and you’re a citizen of the following countries:
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas)
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao Special Administrative Region
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Norway
- Oman
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Spain
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan (if you have a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
Other nationalities cannot get an ETA. Check if you need a visa instead.
How much does an ETA cost?
An ETA costs £16 and is valid for multiple journeys to Northern Ireland within a two-year period. If you get a new passport, you will need to re-apply for an ETA.
Do I need an ETA to visit the Republic of Ireland?
No, you do not require an ETA to visit the Republic of Ireland.
How do I apply for an ETA?
You can apply online at GOV.UK, or via the UK ETA app (available on both the App Store, and Google Play) Each traveller (including children and babies) must have their own ETA, and you can apply on behalf of others.
You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK, but you can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision. You’ll usually receive a decision on whether your application is successful within 3 working days, although it can be quicker or take longer if further checks are needed. The outcome will be communicated with you via email.
Please note that an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. You can find out more about border control here. For more information on the ETA scheme please visit: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) factsheet – November 2025 – Home Office in the media.
ETA Scams
We recommend applying for an ETA through the official UK government website to avoid falling victim to any scams. Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) - GOV.UK
Frequently Asked Questions
If you've more questions about your upcoming trip to Northern Ireland, check out our FAQs page for information on common queries.
For further information available from the British Embassy in your country of origin, call: 0300 222 0000 or visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office. For lost/stolen passport information please contact local police station, embassy or consulate.
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