Travelling to the UK

What you need for the UK, by passport.

Quick answers

Do I need a visa for the UK?

It depends on your passport. US passport: Get a UK ETA (£20) before you fly. Irish passport: No ETA or visa needed: live and work freely. Canadian passport: Get a UK ETA (£20) before you fly. Australian passport: Get a UK ETA (£20) before you fly. New Zealand passport: Get a UK ETA (£20) before you fly.

Good to know

eGates and no landing card. With a US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand or Irish passport you can usually use the eGates if you're 8 or over and at least 120cm tall. Children aged 8 to 17 need an adult with them. There's no landing card to fill in.

Checked 26 October 2026 against GOV.UK and Home Office news team.

See the 12 official sources

Get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK (GOV.UK (UK Visas and Immigration))
Check if you can get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) (GOV.UK (UK Visas and Immigration))
Immigration Rules Appendix Electronic Travel Authorisation (GOV.UK (Home Office))
UK enforces digital permission to travel (24 February 2026) (GOV.UK (Home Office))
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) factsheet, April 2026 (Home Office news team (homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk))
Home Office immigration and nationality fees, 8 April 2026 (GOV.UK (Home Office))
Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor (GOV.UK (UK Visas and Immigration))
Entering the UK: before you leave for the UK (GOV.UK (Border Force))
Entering the UK: at border control (GOV.UK (Border Force))
Faster travel through the UK border (GOV.UK (Border Force))
Dual citizenship (GOV.UK (UK Visas and Immigration))
Common Travel Area guidance (GOV.UK (Cabinet Office))