United Kingdom Visa Requirements 2026
Visa requirements for United Kingdom: electronic travel authorisation for up to 6 months, £16. Updated 30 May 2026. Plus passport rules, customs, and prohibited items.
United Kingdom visa at a glance
- Policy
- Electronic travel authorisation
- Length of stay
- 6 months
- Cost
- £16
- Passport
- Valid for duration of stay. EU citizens use ID card or passport.
- Official source
- www.gov.uk/uk-eta
UK ETA required from 2025 for visa-exempt nationalities (US, Canada, Australia, NZ, Gulf states from Jan 2025; EU/EEA from April 2025). Apply via official UK ETA app, valid 2 years.
US/CA/AU/NZ: 6 months visa-free. EU: 6 months visa-free. ETA may be required.
Customs allowances
200 cigarettes, 1L spirits, 4L wine from non-EU.
Prohibited items
Pepper spray illegal. Knife laws strict. Certain dog breeds banned.
Frequently asked questions about United Kingdom visas
Do I need a visa to visit United Kingdom?
Electronic travel authorisation applies for United Kingdom: UK ETA required from 2025 for visa-exempt nationalities (US, Canada, Australia, NZ, Gulf states from Jan 2025; EU/EEA from April 2025). Apply via official UK ETA app, valid 2 years.
How much does a United Kingdom visa cost?
The United Kingdom visa costs £16. This is the published fee on the official application channel (www.gov.uk/uk-eta). Third-party visa agents charge extra; apply directly via the official site to avoid markup.
How long can I stay in United Kingdom?
The standard electronic travel authorisation allows 6 months per entry. Visa runs (leaving and re-entering to reset the clock) are increasingly scrutinised; do not rely on them.
What passport validity does United Kingdom require?
Valid for duration of stay. EU citizens use ID card or passport.
Where do I apply for a United Kingdom visa?
Apply directly at the official government source: https://www.gov.uk/uk-eta. Many third-party sites charge inflated fees for the same form. Always check the URL ends in a government domain (.gov, .gov.<country>, or the country's official immigration domain) before paying.