UK ETA children: Everything you need to know - UK Immigration consultancy in Mayfair, London

If you're wondering about the UK ETA for children, you're in the right place! This UK ETA guide will explain who needs it, how to apply, and everything parents need to know to ensure smooth travel for their kids.

First, a quick reminder: What is UK ETA?

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a pre-travel requirement for certain non-visa nationals (including children) who wish to:

Visit the UK
Transit through the UK (except airside transit in some cases)
Enter as a Creative Worker (under specific routes)

An ETA allows the person to travel to the UK, not to enter it. Permission to enter is still required at the UK border.

Does your child need a UK ETA?

Yes. According to the guidance:

“Each traveller must get their own ETA, including children and babies.”

This means:

All children, regardless of age (including infants), must apply individually.
A parent or guardian must apply on their behalf.

How does a child apply for UK ETA in 3 steps?

Make sure the child:

Is a national of an eligible country (check UK ETA national list).
Is not a British or Irish citizen
Is not already holding a UK visa or immigration permission

Are you eligible? Here are the steps you need to follow now:

Access the online application: A parent/guardian must complete the application on the child’s behalf.
Provide biographic information:
- Fill in:
  - Child’s full name
  - Date of birth
  - Nationality
  - Passport number
  - Date of issue and expiry date of the passport
- Make sure:
  - The passport is valid and not lost/stolen.
  - You're using a passport that qualifies for ETA (must be a biometric passport for most countries).
Upload a digital photo: Upload a facial biometric image of the child.
Answer suitability questions: As part of the application, you’ll need to answer a set of mandatory yes or no questions on behalf of the child. These include whether the child has ever been convicted of a crime or been involved in activities such as terrorism, extremism, or war crimes. If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, you’ll be required to provide further details, including a brief explanation of the incident, the country and date it took place, and the length of any sentence if applicable.
Pay the ETA Fee: The payment must be made for each ETA application, including children
Submit the application: Once submitted, you cannot withdraw or edit the application.

After applying, you'll usually get a decision within 3 working days, and you'll receive an email confirmation. If the application is approved, the ETA will be linked to the child's passport. When traveling to the UK, the child must carry the same passport used in the application and pass through immigration checks. The ETA only allows travel, not entry.

The child’s ETA lasts for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Multiple trips are allowed within the valid period.

A summary of the UK ETA for children

Step	Details
Eligibility	- Child must be a national of a country eligible for a UK ETA. (Check the official list of eligible countries)
	- Child cannot be a British or Irish citizen.
	- Child should not already hold a UK visa or other immigration permission.
Who applies?	A parent or guardian must apply on behalf of the child.
Required information	1. Child’s Full Name
	2. Date of Birth
	3. Nationality
	4. Passport Number
	5. Passport Issue Date and Expiry Date
Passport requirements	- The child’s passport must be valid, not lost or stolen, and biometric (for most countries).
Digital photo	A biometric facial photo of the child must be uploaded.
Suitability questions	Mandatory yes/no questions about any criminal history or involvement in activities like terrorism or war crimes.
Payment	ETA application fee must be paid for each child.
Submission	Once submitted, the application cannot be edited or withdrawn.
Processing time	The decision is usually made within 3 working days.
Approval notification	If approved, an email will confirm that the ETA is linked to the child's passport.
Travel requirements	The child must travel with the same passport used in the application.
Validity	- The ETA is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
	- Multiple trips can be made within this validity period.
Border Entry	The ETA only allows travel to the UK, not automatic entry. The child will need to pass through immigration checks.