UK ETA for children: a family application guide

Start with a list of travellers and the passport each person plans to use. A child may need an ETA even when travelling with a parent, and a baby does not share the adult’s permission. But do not assume every member of a family needs the same thing: nationality, existing UK status and route can differ from person to person.

• Record each traveller’s full name as it appears on their travel document.
• Check the ETA or visa requirement against that person’s nationality and circumstances.
• Check for exemptions before applying, including British or Irish citizenship and existing UK permission.
• If an ETA is required, make a separate application and allow for a separate decision for each person.

Use the child’s own passport details, not the parent’s details or an older passport that the child will no longer travel with. The ETA is linked electronically to the document used in the application. If the child receives a replacement passport before travel, plan to make a new application with that passport.

Take a clear, recent photo of the child that meets the live instructions. Avoid using a cropped family picture or a school portrait without checking whether its framing and image quality meet the requirements. Young children may need an adult to help position the camera, but the photo still needs to identify the child applying.

A parent or guardian may complete an application for a child. Give the information the form asks for about the child, and read each question carefully rather than assuming that the adult’s answer also applies to the child. If another adult is completing the application, make sure they have the appropriate authority and accurate information.

• Use an email account the responsible adult can reliably access for every decision notice.
• Keep a simple record of which confirmation belongs to which child.
• Check the child’s name, passport number and date of birth before submitting.
• If a parent and child have different nationalities or passports, check their requirements separately.

ETA decisions are made separately, so do not assume the whole family is cleared when one email arrives. The government says most decisions arrive within a day, though some take up to three working days. Those are decision estimates, not a deadline a family should cut close to a departure.

1. Apply for each person as soon as the travel passport is settled.
2. Keep each application confirmation beside that traveller’s passport details.
3. Check the email inbox and spam folder for every decision.
4. Before leaving, confirm that every traveller who needs an ETA has received approval linked to the passport they will carry.

You can apply directly through the official government service and pay the £20 government fee for each child. ETAs.one is an optional private service for families who want help collecting details, checking photos and preparing submissions. The total includes the government fee plus our service charge, and the full price is shown before payment.

A parent or guardian still reviews and authorises each application. Our target time covers our own review and submission after we have complete information and suitable photos. It does not shorten the government’s decision time or guarantee that an ETA will be granted.

ETA permission is separate from a child’s travel arrangements. If a child is travelling with one parent, relatives, a school or another adult, confirm what the airline and destination arrangements require. Where a visitor visa is needed, follow the specific guidance for a child applicant, which can ask for information about the visit and the adults responsible for them.