Since April 2, 2025 last, UK begins requiring Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) For all its visitors, a permit is required for all persons traveling to the country for a short stay, i.e. less than six months, for tourism, work or family visits, among other reasons, even if they are in transit and must pass through border control. Previously, he had already been prosecuted Other nationalities, but from the date of entry power For all Europeans, including, of course, the Spaniards.
But the United Kingdom announced it Access rules will be tightened with this ETA As of February 25, 2026. They explained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that “airlines will no longer allow passengers to board who only submit an ETA request, and it is necessary to obtain a positive decision.” Therefore, it is not enough to show proof that we have requested ETA and are awaiting approval, but at the time of travel, We should actually agree to it.
Who should apply for an ETA?
They must order an ETA for all of them Spaniards and other EU citizens Non-residents of the United KingdomAmong them are infants and children, Who do not need a visa I would like to visit the UK Short term staysfor tourism, work and family visits, among other cases.
Authorization will also be required by passengers stopping over in the UK who must re-check baggage and/or Pass border control. The FCO details: “An ETA is only needed for transit operations that do not involve going through border control (air transit), which only occurs at Heathrow (T4) and Manchester airports.”
How to request an ETA to enter the UK
ETA can only be ordered online at Official application or on the website Apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk. Here we will be asked to take a photo of our passport, scan our faces with our device’s camera, take or upload a photo of ourselves, answer some personal questions and make a payment for the app.
decision It will arrive within minutes or up to three business daysalthough in exceptional cases there may be more. Everyone requesting authorization will receive a confirmation email and it will be digitally linked to the passport, so no document will be issued that must be shown when boarding or at border control.
How much does an ETA order cost?
ETA price is 16 pounds (about 18.20 euros). The applicant will not receive any refund of fees if the authorization is denied.
How long is the authorization valid for?
Valid UK Electronic Travel Authorization For two years or until the passport expires Which we ask for, and are therefore related to. During that period, we will be able to take all the trips we want to the UK, as long as they are for stays of up to six months at a time and we use the same passport.
What I can and can’t do in the UK with an ETA
All visitors entering the UK using an ETA will be able to do so Stay in the country for up to 6 months For tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term studies; Performing a permitted activity for pay (such as artists, musicians, athletes, lecturers or lawyers), and to stop If you pass through border control.
On the other hand, with an ETA we cannot stay in the UK for more than 6 months; Performing paid or volunteer work For a company or as a freelancer, unless we have a creative worker visa or are carrying out permitted paid activity; Requesting public funds, nor marrying or registering a civil partnership.
In these cases, permission is not required
There are several Situations where it is not necessary to request an ETA To enter the UK:
- Those who have a UK visa.
- Those who have permission to live, work or study in the UK, although it is essential that you have an up-to-date UKVI profile with your travel document that you use to travel.
- British or Irish citizens, or dual nationals holding a valid British or Irish passport, or a valid passport containing a Certificate of Entitlement.
- Those traveling on a British Overseas Territories citizen’s passport.
- Irish residents traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
- Those passengers who stop over in the UK do not have to collect baggage and/or pass through border control to continue their journey, which only happens at Heathrow (T4) and Manchester airports. It is advisable to check with our airline if we are not sure about the type of stopover.