What documents do I need to travel to the UK?
To enter the UK you need a valid passport and, since 2025, most visa-exempt visitors also need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
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What you need to enter the UK
UK entry requirements have changed significantly since Brexit and the rollout of the new ETA scheme. Whether you are heading to London, Edinburgh, or anywhere in between, here is what you need ready at the border:
- A passport valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK.
- A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if your nationality requires one.
- A Standard Visitor visa if you are from a country that needs one.
- Evidence of onward or return travel.
- A trip1 hotel booking or other proof of accommodation.
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
What is the UK ETA?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital pre-clearance for visa-exempt nationals. It costs GBP 20 and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
An ETA allows multiple visits of up to 6 months each. Citizens of the US, the EU (except Ireland), Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and around 50 other countries now need one to enter the UK.
Who needs a UK visa?
Travelers from countries not eligible for the ETA must apply for a Standard Visitor visa before traveling. The visa requires biometrics, supporting documents, and a fee, and is usually issued within 3 weeks.
EU citizens after Brexit
EU citizens can no longer enter the UK on a national ID card - a passport is now required. EU citizens with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme can still use ID cards for now.
Hotel check-in in the UK
UK hotels will ask for your passport at check-in. Foreign nationals are required by the Immigration (Hotel Records) Order 1972 to provide passport details. Your trip1 booking confirmation is fully accepted.
What documents do I need to travel to the UK - FAQ
Most visitors who do not need a visa need a UK ETA, including citizens of the US, Canada, Australia and EU countries other than Ireland. British and Irish citizens do not, and neither do people who already have permission to live, work or study in the UK. Every traveller needs their own ETA, including babies and children, and it covers visits of up to 6 months.
A UK ETA costs £20 per person when you apply on GOV.UK or through the official UK ETA app. It lasts 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and you can visit as many times as you like for up to 6 months each time. Other websites may charge more, so apply only through the official channels.
No. You must apply before you travel and wait for the email confirming your ETA before you set off. Most decisions arrive within a day, but it can take up to 3 working days, so apply well before your flight. Use the passport you will travel on, because the ETA is linked to it electronically.
In practice you will not get that far. Since 25 February 2026 the UK has enforced a "no permission, no travel" rule, so airlines and other carriers check that you hold an ETA or visa before you board. Without one you can be refused boarding, so make sure your ETA is confirmed before you leave for the airport.
Usually not. Most EU, EEA and Swiss citizens need a passport to enter the UK. You can still use a valid national ID card if you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, an EU Settlement Scheme family permit or a frontier worker permit, or if you are an S2 Healthcare Visitor. Irish citizens can also use an Irish passport card.