1. Home
  2. Visa requirements
  3. United Kingdom
Destination · Europe

United Kingdom visa requirements (2026)

Of 198 passports, 89 can travel to the United Kingdom without arranging a visa in advance. 0 can apply online for an e-Visa and 109 need a visa from an embassy or visa centre.

Who can visit the United Kingdom: passports by requirement

How to enter the United Kingdom: official routes

Checked November 2026

⚠️ GOV.UK warns that other websites imitate government services and may charge more than the official GBP 20 fee; apply only on gov.uk or the official UK ETA app. Use only the official links below.

Official route

UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)

Fee
GBP 20 (same for all eligible nationalities)
Valid for
Multiple visits over 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner; up to 6 months per visit
Processing
Most decisions are automatic within minutes; apply at least 3 working days before travel in case of further checks
Official site →
Official route

Standard Visitor visa

Fee
GBP 135 for up to 6 months (long-term visas cost more)
Processing
Apply online before travel, no earlier than 3 months ahead; biometrics at a visa application centre
Official site →

At the border

  • Passport must be valid for the whole length of the stay.
  • Nationals who do not need a visa must hold an ETA before travelling, including when transiting through UK passport control.
  • Be ready to show that you will leave at the end of the visit, can support yourself, and can pay for your return or onward travel.
  • Visitors can usually stay up to 6 months per visit; an ETA does not guarantee entry.
  • British and Irish citizens (including dual nationals) do not need an ETA but must travel on a British passport or a Certificate of Entitlement.

Recent changes

  • April 2025: ETA fee rose from GBP 10 to GBP 16 (9 April 2025).
  • February 2026: ETA enforcement began on 25 February 2026; airlines can deny boarding to eligible visitors without an ETA or other valid permission.
  • April 2026: ETA fee rose from GBP 16 to GBP 20 (8 April 2026).

Official source: GOV.UK - UK Visas and Immigration (Home Office) · Not yet confirmed officially: consularVisa.processing: typical decision time (often quoted as about 3 weeks) not stated on the page read

Do I need a visa for the United Kingdom?

Entry requirement Choose a passport and a destination.

Popular passports

PassportRequirementStay
United States eTA required –
India Visa required –
Philippines Visa required –
Nigeria Visa required –
Pakistan Visa required –
Canada eTA required –
Australia eTA required –
China Visa required –
Germany Visa-free 180 d
France Visa-free 180 d

Access by passport region

Passports that enter visa-free, with a visa on arrival or an eTA.

RegionPassports
Europe 35/45
Asia 16/50
Africa 3/54
North America 16/23
South America 7/12
Oceania 12/14

Passports that can enter the United Kingdom visa-free

35 passports

Passports that need an eTA for the United Kingdom

54 passports

Passports that need a visa for the United Kingdom

109 passports

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to visit the United Kingdom?

It depends on your passport. 35 passports can enter the United Kingdom visa-free, 0 get a visa on arrival, 54 need an eTA, 0 can apply for an e-Visa online and 109 need a visa from an embassy or visa centre.

Which countries can enter the United Kingdom without a visa?

35 passports can enter the United Kingdom visa-free, including Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark and others.

Holding a United Kingdom passport? See where the United Kingdom passport can travel visa-free.

Data last updated February 2026. Rules can change at short notice and may differ by purpose of travel. Confirm with the embassy or official immigration website of the United Kingdom before you book.