Since 25 February 2026, it is official: anyone wishing to travel to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland needs, in addition to their passport, a valid Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Airlines, ferry operators and train companies may no longer carry passengers without a valid ETA – and turn them away at check-in. This is no longer an isolated case – it is the rule. On top of that: since 8 April 2026, the ETA costs £20 per person – 25 percent more than before. Here is everything you need to know and prepare for your next trip to England.
England 2026: ETA Mandatory – What This Means for Your Trip
The ETA is not a visa in the traditional sense but a digital pre-authorisation – comparable to the American ESTA or the Canadian eTA. The application takes about 5 minutes, costs £20 and is valid for two years with unlimited entries. You do not need to print anything: the ETA is digitally linked to your passport and is automatically checked at check-in.
What You Need to Enter England
Three things determine whether you can enter without problems or end up being turned away at the gate:
- Passport – National ID cards are no longer accepted at the British border. The only exception is Gibraltar. Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your trip. Important: if your passport expires, your existing ETA also loses its validity – you will then need a new ETA for the new passport.
- ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) – Mandatory since April 2025 for all German nationals. Valid for tourism, family visits, business travel and short study stays of up to 180 days. Cost: £20 per person, validity: 2 years.
- Visa – Only required if you stay longer than 180 days, work in Great Britain or study for an extended period. For a normal holiday, the ETA is completely sufficient.
How to Apply for Your ETA – Step by Step
The application is simpler than it sounds. You need your passport, an email address and a payment method. The whole process takes about 5 minutes:
- Step 1 – Download the app: Download the official UK ETA App (iOS/Android) or open gov.uk/eta in your browser. Only use these official sources – no third-party providers.
- Step 2 – Enter your details: Enter your passport number, personal details and purpose of travel. The app also requires facial verification via the camera.
- Step 3 – Pay £20: By credit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay. Children also pay – there is no age exception.
- Step 4 – Wait for confirmation: Processing takes up to 3 working days. The approval arrives by email. You do not need to print anything – the ETA is stored digitally in your passport.
Who Needs an ETA – and Who Is Exempt?
Not everyone needs an ETA. Anyone who already holds a British residence permit (e.g. EU Settled Status) or a valid British visa is exempt from the ETA requirement. Pure transit passengers who do not leave the transit area at the airport and do not pass through border control also generally do not need an ETA – if in doubt, check with your airline in advance.
Gibraltar can still be reached without an ETA and the national ID card is still accepted there. For the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man, however, the same ETA requirement has applied since 23 April 2026 as for the rest of the United Kingdom.
Cruise passengers take note: as soon as your ship docks in the United Kingdom and you cross the border, you also need an ETA. School groups and travel groups must submit their own individual application for each person – including babies and toddlers. There is no group registration.
Checklist: How to Prepare for Your England Trip
- Passport valid for the whole trip – and still valid when your ETA expires?
- ETA applied for in good time – at least one week before departure, two is better
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ETA confirmation email received and saved
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Own ETA applied for all travelling companions (incl. children and babies)
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For cruise or Channel Islands travel: ETA requirement checked separately
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If you have a new passport: new ETA applied for
ETA done, suitcase packed – off to EnglandThe entry formalities are sorted – all that's missing now is the right luggage. Our lightweight hard-shell suitcases pass every hand luggage check and travel safely with you through London, Edinburgh and the Cotswolds.
FAQ – Entry to England & ETA 2026
No. Since Brexit, Great Britain no longer accepts national ID cards at the border. You need a valid passport. The only exception is Gibraltar, where the ID card is still accepted.
Since 8 April 2026, the ETA costs £20 per person. The fee was raised by 25 percent from the previous £16. Children pay the same amount – there is no age exception. Payment is by credit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay.
The ETA is valid for two years from the date of issue and allows unlimited entries. It expires early, however, if the linked passport expires. In that case, a new ETA must be applied for with the new passport.
No. For tourist stays of up to 180 days, the ETA is completely sufficient. A visa is only required for stays of more than six months, work or longer study.
Since 25 February 2026, passengers without a valid ETA are no longer carried by airlines, ferries and train operators – already at check-in. Being turned away directly at the British border is also possible.
Exclusively via the official UK ETA App (iOS/Android) or at gov.uk/eta. Third-party websites often charge high additional fees and are not necessary. Via official channels, the application takes only about 5 minutes.
Yes. Every person – including babies and toddlers – needs their own ETA. A group registration or family application is not possible. Each application must be submitted individually.
Yes. Since 23 April 2026, the ETA is also mandatory for travel to the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man. Gibraltar, however, can still be reached without an ETA and even with a national ID card.