Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Northern Ireland

Q: Who needs an ETA to Visit Northern Ireland?

Everyone will need an ETA to enter Northern Ireland, except if you have: A British or Irish passport Permission to live, work or study in the UK A visa to enter the UK A British overseas territories passport

Q: How to apply for an ETA?

You can apply online at GOV.UK , or via the UK ETA app (available on both the App Store , and Google Play ) Each traveller (including children and babies) must have their own ETA, and you can apply on behalf of others. You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK, but you can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision. You’ll usually receive a decision on whether your application is successful within 3 working days, although it can be quicker or take longer if further checks are needed. The outcome will be communicated with you via email. Please note that an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. You can find out more about border control here . For more information on the ETA scheme please visit: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) factsheet – November 2025 – Home Office in the media.

The UK has launched an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. This is a new requirement that grants visitors permission to travel to the UK, including Northern Ireland, and also to travel to Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland.

There are no immigration controls on the Republic of Ireland–Northern Ireland land border; however, the ETA is mandatory and will be strictly enforced for everyone arriving into – or travelling through – the UK, including Northern Ireland, who does not need a visa.

If you're planning a visit, our Plan Your Trip section provides useful information to help you prepare for your journey, while our Getting Here & Getting Around guide offers details on travelling to and around Northern Ireland.

An ETA is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for two years. All visitors must have one, including babies and children. Once your travel documents are in place, you can start planning your stay and browse accommodation in Northern Ireland, from city-centre hotels and cosy B&Bs to self-catering cottages and luxury retreats.

You do not need an ETA if you're a British or Irish citizen.

What Is the ETA?

The ETA is not a visa, and all other entry requirements into the UK, including Northern Ireland, remain unchanged. Please use the UK Government's "Check if you need a UK visa" service for information specific to your trip, and "Check when you can get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)" for further information.

Who needs an ETA to Visit Northern Ireland?

Everyone will need an ETA to enter Northern Ireland, except if you have:

A British or Irish passport
Permission to live, work or study in the UK
A visa to enter the UK
A British overseas territories passport

What date do I need an ETA from?

You need to apply for an ETA now if you’re travelling to the UK, including Northern Ireland, and you’re a citizen of the following countries (click to show full list):

Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas)
Hungary
Iceland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kiribati
Kuwait
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao Special Administrative Region
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Monaco
Federated States of Micronesia
Nauru
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Oman
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Samoa
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Spain
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan (if you have a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uruguay
Vatican City

Other nationalities cannot get an ETA. Check if you need a visa instead.

How much does an ETA cost?

An ETA costs £20 and is valid for multiple journeys to Northern Ireland within a two-year period. If you get a new passport, you will need to re-apply for an ETA.

How to apply for an ETA?

You can apply online at GOV.UK, or via the UK ETA app (available on both the App Store, and Google Play) Each traveller (including children and babies) must have their own ETA, and you can apply on behalf of others.

You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK, but you can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision. You’ll usually receive a decision on whether your application is successful within 3 working days, although it can be quicker or take longer if further checks are needed. The outcome will be communicated with you via email.

Please note that an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. You can find out more about border control here. For more information on the ETA scheme please visit: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) factsheet – November 2025 – Home Office in the media.

Travelling Between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland

No, you do not require an ETA to visit the Republic of Ireland.

Avoiding ETA Scams

We recommend applying for an ETA through the official UK government website to avoid falling victim to any scams. Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) - GOV.UK

For further information available from the British Embassy in your country of origin, call: 0300 222 0000 or visit www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office. For lost/stolen passport information please contact local police station, embassy or consulate.