ETA UK for Children: Do Kids and Babies Need One?
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The ETA UK for children surprises many parents: yes, kids need their own authorisation, whatever their age. This page explains who applies, what you need and how much a family should plan.
Do children need an ETA to visit the UK?
If a child comes from a country whose citizens can visit the United Kingdom without a visa, the child needs an ETA like any adult. There is no minimum age. The rule applies to teenagers, toddlers and newborns, and the parents’ authorisation never covers a child. Each ETA UK for children is linked to the child’s own passport.
British and Irish children are exempt, as are children who already hold a valid UK visa or permission to stay. Dual British citizens should travel on a British passport or a certificate of entitlement. If you are not sure about your family’s situation, read the list of ETA UK countries first.
ETA UK for babies: any special rule?
The ETA UK for babies follows the same rules as the one for adults. A baby needs a passport, and the authorisation is created for that passport. A baby without a passport cannot receive one, so plan the passport application well in advance, because it is often the slowest step of the whole process.
The authorisation is valid for 2 years, or until the baby’s passport expires if that happens first. For an ETA UK for babies, check the passport dates twice, because passports issued to young children often have a shorter validity than adult passports, so the ETA may end earlier than two years. Check the expiry date before you pay.
Who completes the ETA UK child application?
A parent, guardian or another adult can complete the ETA UK child application on behalf of the child. The details must be those of the child, taken from the child’s own passport. Use your own e-mail address and phone number so that the decision reaches you.
Before you start, gather:
- the child’s passport, valid for the whole trip;
- a recent photo of the child, taken against a plain background;
- your e-mail address and a phone number;
- the address where the family will stay.
Answer the security questions carefully when you fill in the ETA UK child application. A mistake cannot be corrected after sending, so our team checks every file before submission.
Cost and timing for a family
| Price | From €83 per traveller, £20 government fee included |
|---|---|
| Family of four | 4 × €83 = €332 |
| Validity | 2 years, or until the passport expires |
| Decision | Usually within a day, up to 3 working days |
The price is the same for adults and children, because each person needs a separate authorisation. Each ETA UK child application costs the same as an adult one. Apply for the whole family at the same time and at least three working days before departure. When you are ready, start your ETA UK application. The government service costs £20 per person at gov.uk/eta/apply.
If something goes wrong
If the decision for a child is negative, the family can read what to do when an ETA UK is rejected. American families can also consult the page on the ETA UK for US citizens.
Frequently asked questions
Does a child travelling with parents need an ETA UK for children?
Yes. The parents’ authorisation does not include the child.
Can I apply for several children in one form?
Each traveller has their own application, linked to their own passport. You can complete them one after another with the same contact details.
Is the ETA UK for babies free?
No. The government fee applies to every traveller, including babies.
What if a child’s passport expires soon?
The authorisation ends with the passport. Renew the passport first if it expires within months.
Do children travelling alone need anything else?
The ETA is only one condition. Airlines may ask for extra documents for unaccompanied minors, so contact them directly.