ETA UK Countries: Which Nationalities Need an ETA?
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The list of ETA UK countries is long. The authorisation applies to almost every nationality that can enter the United Kingdom without a visa for a short stay. This page shows the main groups, the exemptions and the best way to check your own passport.
Which countries need ETA for UK entry? The main groups
The scheme was introduced in stages. Travellers from Qatar were first, followed by other Gulf states and Jordan. Non-European nationals became subject to the rule in January 2025, and European nationals followed in April 2025. Today the list covers most visa-free visitors, including citizens of:
- the member states of the European Union and the European Economic Area, plus Switzerland, for example France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Belgium;
- North America: the United States and Canada;
- Australia and New Zealand;
- Asia-Pacific countries such as Japan, Singapore and South Korea;
- Gulf states and Jordan;
- several Latin American countries, for example Brazil, Mexico, Argentina and Chile.
This is not a complete list, and the rules can change. The only reliable source is the government tool Check if you need a UK visa, which tells you in a few clicks whether you need an ETA, a visa or nothing at all.
ETA UK eligible countries: what eligibility really means
Being on the list of ETA UK eligible countries means one thing: you do not need a visa for a short visit, so you apply for an ETA instead. It does not mean that the authorisation is automatic. Each application is checked, and a decision is usually sent within a day, sometimes up to three working days.
To be accepted, travellers should also:
- hold a valid passport that matches the one they will use at the border;
- plan a stay of up to 6 months for tourism, family visits, business or a short course;
- answer the security and criminality questions truthfully.
A nationality on the list is therefore a starting point. Your personal situation still counts. If you plan to work, study for a long period or settle in Britain, the ETA is not enough and you need the matching visa.
Two passports: which one counts?
Nationality is read from the passport you travel with. If you hold two passports from covered countries, apply with the one you will present to the airline and at the border, and keep using that document, because the authorisation is linked to it. Dual British citizens do not apply at all, but they must travel on a British passport or a certificate of entitlement. Irish citizens, including dual nationals, are also exempt.
Who is exempt from the ETA?
Even if your country appears among the ETA UK eligible countries, some travellers do not need to apply:
- British and Irish citizens;
- people legally resident in Ireland who travel within the Common Travel Area;
- holders of a valid UK visa or permission to enter or stay;
- passengers who change planes airside at Heathrow or Manchester without going through border control, as explained in our ETA UK transit guide.
What if your country is not on the list?
Which countries need ETA for UK entry is decided by the government, not by airlines. Nationalities that are not covered by the scheme usually need a visa, even for a short trip. An ETA cannot replace it. Check the government tool before you book, because the answer to which countries need ETA for UK travel can change, and because airlines, ferry companies and rail operators verify the right document before boarding. If your country is among the ETA UK eligible countries, you can read the rules for US citizens or for children, then start the ETA UK application when you are ready.
The detailed rules are published on gov.uk/eta.
Frequently asked questions
Which countries need ETA for UK trips in Europe?
Since April 2025, European nationals who are not British or Irish need an ETA for a short visit. The authorisation is linked to the passport they will use.
Is the list of ETA UK countries the same as the visa-free list?
Broadly yes: ETA UK eligible countries are those whose citizens can visit without a visa. The ETA applies to nationalities that can visit the United Kingdom without a visa. If your nationality needs a visa, the ETA does not replace it.
Can I use an ETA from one country passport with another?
No. The authorisation is tied to a single passport. If you change passport, you must apply again.
Do UK residents with a foreign passport need an ETA?
No, if they already hold a valid UK visa or permission to stay. Check your document on gov.uk if you are unsure.
How often is the list updated?
The government can add or remove countries. Verify your nationality on gov.uk before each trip.