ETA Checker 2026 — Which Electronic Travel Authorization Do You Need?

What is an ETA?

An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a digital entry requirement that allows visa-exempt travelers to visit a country without obtaining a traditional visa. Think of it as a quick online pre-screening: you fill out a short form, pay a small fee, and receive an electronic authorization linked to your passport. It is not a visa — it does not require an embassy visit, an interview, or extensive documentation.

ETAs have become the global standard for managing short-stay travel from visa-exempt countries. The United States pioneered the model with ESTA in 2008, and since then Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have all launched or announced similar systems. The goal is simple: identify potential security or immigration risks before travelers arrive at the border, while keeping the process fast and affordable for legitimate visitors.

Each ETA is electronically linked to your passport number. When you arrive at your destination, border officers scan your passport and the system automatically verifies your authorization. There is nothing to print, no sticker to attach, and no additional document to carry. Airlines also check ETA status before boarding, so you cannot accidentally travel without one.

ETAs are designed for short stays — typically tourism, business visits, or transit. They do not permit work, study, or long-term residence. If you plan to stay longer than the allowed period or for a different purpose, you will need a traditional visa. For a full breakdown of how ETAs differ from visas, see our ETA vs Visa guide.

ETA vs Visa: Key Differences

Understanding the difference between an ETA and a visa is essential for trip planning. While both grant entry permission, they differ dramatically in cost, processing time, and complexity.

• Cost: ETAs are cheap — typically £20 or less. Visas often cost $100–$250 or more.
• Processing time: ETAs are usually approved within minutes to 72 hours. Visas can take weeks or months.
• Application method: ETAs are 100% online. Visas often require in-person appointments, biometric collection, and document submission.
• Validity: ETAs are valid for 1–5 years with multiple entries. Visas vary widely — some are single-entry, some valid for 10 years.
• Who needs what: ETAs are for visa-exempt travelers. Visas are for everyone else.

If you hold a passport from a visa-exempt country, an ETA is almost always the faster, cheaper, and simpler option. If your country is not visa-exempt for your destination, you will need a traditional visa regardless of whether that country has an ETA system. Use our visa eligibility checker to confirm your status before applying.

The 6 ETA Programs

1. UK ETA — United Kingdom

The UK ETA is a mandatory electronic travel authorization for all non-visa nationalities visiting the United Kingdom. Since February 25, 2026, citizens of over 85 visa-exempt countries must obtain an ETA before traveling to the UK for tourism, business, or transit. The fee is £20 (increased from £16 on April 8, 2026), and the ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Most applications are approved within minutes, though some can take up to 72 hours.

Apply through the official GOV.UK ETA service. The UK ETA allows multiple entries with stays of up to 6 months per visit. British and Irish citizens are exempt, as are travelers who already hold a UK visa or immigration status. For US citizens, see our detailed UK ETA for US Citizens guide.

2. EU ETIAS — European Union

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is the EU's upcoming electronic travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers to 30 European countries. ETIAS is not yet live — it is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026, with the exact date to be announced several months in advance. When operational, it will cost €20 (free for travelers under 18 and over 70) and be valid for 3 years.

ETIAS will be required for citizens of over 60 visa-exempt countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others. It covers short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the 30 participating European countries. Apply through the official europa.eu/etias website. For US citizens, see our ETIAS for US Citizens guide and the broader Schengen visa guide for US citizens.

3. US ESTA — United States

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is required for citizens of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries traveling to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less. The fee is $40.27, and the authorization is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. Most applications are approved within minutes, but some can take up to 72 hours.

ESTA is required for citizens of 41 VWP countries, including most EU nations, the UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and others. Apply through the official esta.cbp.dhs.gov website. ESTA is not required if you already hold a valid US visa. For more details, see our complete ESTA guide and the visa-free countries list for US citizens.

4. Canada eTA — Canada

The Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. The fee is just CAD 7, making it one of the cheapest travel authorizations in the world. The eTA is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires, and most applications are approved within minutes.

The eTA is required for citizens of about 50 visa-exempt countries, including the UK, most EU nations, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and others. US citizens are exempt — they do not need an eTA to enter Canada. Apply through the official Canada eTA website. Note that the eTA is only required for air travel — if you enter Canada by land or sea, you do not need one. For more information, see our Canada visa guide.

5. Australia ETA — Australia

The Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), subclass 601, is required for citizens of 34 eligible countries visiting Australia for tourism or short business. The fee is AUD 20, and the ETA is valid for 12 months with multiple entries and stays of up to 3 months per visit. Most applications are approved within minutes, though some can take up to 24 hours.

Apply through the official Australian ETA mobile app, available on iOS and Android. The eligible countries include the US, UK, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, and several European nations. For more details, see our Australia visa guide.

6. NZ NZeTA — New Zealand

The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is required for citizens of visa waiver countries visiting or transiting through New Zealand. The fee is NZD 17 (via the official app) or NZD 23 (via the website), plus a mandatory NZD 100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). The NZeTA is valid for 2 years and allows multiple entries with stays of up to 3 months per visit (6 months for UK citizens).

Most NZeTA applications are processed within 72 hours. Apply through the official NZeTA website or mobile app. Australian citizens do not need an NZeTA — they receive a Resident Visa on arrival. The NZeTA covers citizens of over 60 visa waiver countries, including the US, UK, Canada, most EU nations, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, and many others.

How to Apply for an ETA

Applying for an ETA is straightforward, but the exact process varies by program. Here is the general approach that works for all six systems:

1. Check eligibility: Confirm that your passport country is on the eligible list for your destination. Use the tool above or the official government website.
2. Gather your documents: You will need a valid passport, an email address, and a payment method (credit or debit card). Some programs also require a passport photo or a selfie.
3. Complete the online form: Fill in your personal details exactly as they appear on your passport. Any mismatch can cause delays or refusal.
4. Pay the fee: Fees range from CAD 7 (Canada eTA) to $40.27 (US ESTA). Payment is processed securely online.
5. Receive your authorization: Most applications are approved within minutes. You will receive a confirmation email, and the ETA is electronically linked to your passport.

Always apply through the official government website. Third-party services charge inflated fees — sometimes $79 or more for an ETA that costs £20 or €20 directly. For help preparing your application, use our visa document checklist tool and passport photo size guide. If you need a flight itinerary for your application, try our flight itinerary generator.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though ETAs are simple, travelers frequently make these errors:

• Applying too late: While most ETAs are approved quickly, some can take up to 72 hours. Apply at least 3 days before travel — ideally 1–2 weeks.
• Using a third-party website: Only official government websites can issue ETAs. Third-party sites charge unnecessary fees and may mishandle your data.
• Passport mismatch: Your ETA is linked to a specific passport number. If you renew your passport, you need a new ETA.
• Wrong passport for dual nationals: If you hold two passports, use the one that gives you the best travel privileges. For example, dual US-UK nationals should travel on their British passport to avoid needing a UK ETA.
• Assuming ETIAS is already required: As of September 2026, ETIAS is not yet operational. Do not pay anyone claiming to sell ETIAS approvals — the official system is not yet accepting applications.
• Confusing ETA with visa-free entry: Having a visa-exempt passport does not mean you can just show up. You still need to obtain the ETA before travel.

For a comprehensive overview of processing times across all major destinations, see our visa processing times guide and the US visa interview wait times tracker.

2026 Changes You Should Know

2026 has been a landmark year for electronic travel authorizations. Here are the key changes every traveler should be aware of:

• UK ETA fee increase: The UK ETA fee rose from £16 to £20 on April 8, 2026. The increase applies to all applicants regardless of age.
• UK ETA full mandate: Since February 25, 2026, the UK ETA requirement applies to all visa-exempt nationalities — over 85 countries. Previously, the rollout was phased by region.
• ETIAS launch approaching: The EU confirmed that ETIAS will start operations in the last quarter of 2026. The exact date has not yet been announced, but the EU has committed to informing travelers at least six months in advance.
• ESTA fee increase: The US ESTA fee increased from $21 to $40.27, reflecting changes to the federal fee structure.
• Canada eTA expansion: Canada added Indonesia and Malaysia to the eTA-eligible list in May 2026, allowing citizens of those countries to apply for an eTA instead of a full visa when traveling by air.

Stay updated with the latest changes by checking our travel guides and visa trackers regularly.

ETA Comparison Table

Frequently Asked Questions