UK ETA, ESTA & ETIAS Checker
Choose your passport to see whether you need a UK ETA, US ESTA, Canada eTA or ETIAS before you travel.
What you need
At a glance
The four travel authorisations compared
| Scheme | Status | Cost | Valid for | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK ETA | In force | £20 | 2 years, or until your passport expires | up to 6 months per visit |
| US ESTA | In force | about US$40 | 2 years, or until your passport expires | up to 90 days per visit |
| ETIAS | Not yet running | €20 (free if under 18 or over 70) | 3 years, or until your passport expires | up to 90 days in any 180 |
| Canada eTA | In force | CA$7 | up to 5 years, or until your passport expires | usually up to 6 months per visit |
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an ETA and a visa?
An electronic travel authorisation is a quick online permission for nationalities that do not need a visa. A visa is a fuller application, usually through an embassy or visa centre. If your nationality is not eligible for the authorisation, you need a visa instead.
Do EU citizens need a UK ETA?
Yes. Irish citizens are exempt, but other EU nationals have needed an ETA for the UK since April 2025, and airlines have enforced it strictly since February 2026. It costs GBP 20 and lasts 2 years or until your passport expires.
When does ETIAS start?
ETIAS is not running yet. The EU says it will announce the start date several months in advance, and there will be a transition period after launch. When it starts it will cost EUR 20 and last 3 years. Any website taking ETIAS payments now is not official.
How much does ESTA cost?
About US$40 for an approved application. The fee rose from US$21 to US$40 in September 2025 and has since been adjusted for inflation.
Do Americans need a UK ETA or a Canada eTA?
US citizens need a UK ETA to visit the UK, but they do not need an eTA for Canada.
How do I avoid unofficial websites?
Apply only on the official sites: gov.uk for the UK ETA, esta.cbp.dhs.gov for ESTA, canada.ca for the eTA and europa.eu for ETIAS. Other sites charge extra for the same application.
Related calculators
- Passport validity checker: make sure your passport has enough time left
- EES calculator: the EU Entry/Exit System day count
- Visa stay guides: how long you can stay with your passport
Disclaimer: This tool is for information only and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and can depend on your circumstances. Rules checked against GOV.UK, the US Department of Homeland Security, the EU and canada.ca in November 2026.
