UK ETA and ETIAS: Why Some Travelers Need Both
The UK ETA and ETIAS are separate systems covering separate territories. Travelers combining a UK visit with a Schengen trip may need both, applied for independently.
Two systems, two territories
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation and ETIAS are independent systems, administered by different authorities, covering different geographical areas. The UK ETA covers entry to the United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. ETIAS covers entry to the 30 European countries that participate in the Schengen area.
Neither system covers the other's territory. A valid ETIAS does not permit entry to the United Kingdom. A valid UK ETA does not permit entry to any Schengen country. Travelers combining both destinations must hold both authorizations independently.
Who needs both
Any traveler whose nationality requires both authorizations and whose itinerary includes both the United Kingdom and the Schengen area will need both. The most commonly affected nationalities are US, Canadian, and Australian passport holders — all of whom require the UK ETA for UK entry and will require ETIAS for Schengen entry from Q4 2026.
UK nationals do not need the UK ETA — they are UK nationals and the ETA is an entry requirement for visitors to the UK. UK nationals will, however, require ETIAS for Schengen travel from Q4 2026, as a result of Brexit ending free movement.
Comparison at a glance
The table above summarizes the key differences between the UK ETA and ETIAS. Both are multiple-entry online authorizations tied to your passport. The fees, validity periods, and administering authorities differ. Neither is a substitute for the other.
| UK ETA | ETIAS | |
|---|---|---|
| Territory covered | United Kingdom | 30 Schengen countries |
| Who needs it | Most visa-exempt nationals (including EU citizens) | Visa-exempt nationals outside EU/EEA/Switzerland |
| Fee | £20 | €20 |
| Validity | 2 years, multiple entries | 3 years or passport expiry, multiple entries |
| Processing time | Minutes; up to 3 working days | Minutes; up to 30 days for manual review |
| Where to apply | gov.uk or the UK ETA app | Official EU portal (europa.eu/etias) |
Apply separately, apply early
Each application is independent. There is no combined application process, no linked system, and no shared portal. Approval for one does not influence, guarantee, or affect the other. A rejection for one does not automatically affect the other.
Apply for each authorization well in advance of travel. The UK ETA typically processes within minutes but can take up to three working days. ETIAS is expected to take minutes for most applications, with a minority requiring up to 30 days for manual review. If both are needed, begin both applications early.
Ireland is neither
The Republic of Ireland is not part of the Schengen area and does not participate in ETIAS. Ireland is also not the United Kingdom. Travel to Ireland is governed by Irish immigration rules, and entry requirements vary by nationality.
Travelers combining a UK visit and a Schengen visit who also stop in Ireland encounter three distinct sets of requirements. Ireland's specific entry requirements should be checked directly with the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service.
About this page
This page provides general information only and is not immigration or legal advice.