Rule changes

What has changed, and when

The UK ETA scheme has changed repeatedly since it launched — the fee alone has moved three times. This page records every change, with the date it took effect.

1. 9 April 2026 Who needs one

   ETA now covers Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man

   A single Electronic Travel Authorisation became valid for travel to the Crown Dependencies as well as the United Kingdom. Holders do not need a separate permission for those islands.

2. 8 April 2026 Fee change

   Official fee rose from £16 to £20

   The Home Office increased the ETA fee by 25%. This is the third increase since the scheme launched at £10. Any site still quoting £10 or £16 is out of date — check the fee before you pay anyone.

3. 25 February 2026 Who needs one

   Requirement became mandatory for over 80 nationalities

   Enforcement began for the full list of visa-exempt nationalities. Airlines are now required to verify a valid ETA before boarding, and will refuse carriage without one.

4. 2 April 2025 Who needs one

   EU and EEA nationals brought into the scheme; fee rose to £16

   European travellers became subject to the ETA requirement, and the fee increased from £10 to £16. An EU identity card is no longer sufficient for most visitors — a passport is required.

5. 1 February 2024 Who needs one

   Gulf states became the first nationalities required to hold an ETA

   Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan entered the scheme ahead of Europe and North America. Many Gulf travellers therefore hold ETAs that have since expired.

6. 25 October 2023 Launch

   Scheme launched for Qatari nationals at £10

   The Electronic Travel Authorisation began as a pilot, priced at £10 and valid for two years or until passport expiry.

Every entry is taken from GOV.UK and Home Office announcements. Last checked 2026-08-28. gov.uk/eta