Do Minors Need a UK ETA? Essential Information

With the introduction of the UK’s new travel system, families may be wondering, “Do minors need a UK ETA, too?” The short answer is yes.

In this article, we explain what you need to know about UK ETA rules for children. Additionally, we’ll discuss how to apply for them, as well as tips for traveling with kids.

What Is a UK ETA?

The UK ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation. Specifically, it’s a new digital entry permit for travelers visiting the UK.

ETA is similar to systems used in the US (ESTA) and Canada (eTA). In particular, it aims to make border security smoother and faster. It will apply to visitors from visa-exempt countries. These are places where travelers don’t need a visa to enter the UK.

The ETA shares a link to a passport and has approval before travel. Correspondingly, it allows entry for tourism, business, or short stays.
Eventually, all visa-exempt travelers will need one, including minors such as babies and children.

Do Minors Need a UK ETA?

Yes, every traveler needs their own ETA, including minors. Overall, there are no age exemptions under the UK ETA system.

The ETA is issued to an individual, not a group or family. This means that each child needs a separate application. Even if a child is included in family travel plans, authorities must approve their ETA separately.

This rule includes infants carried by parents, school-age children, and teens. Basically, if they have a passport, then they need an ETA. Correspondingly, UK authorities can keep accurate records of everyone entering the country.

How to Apply for Minors

Parents or legal guardians must apply for minors’ ETA. It must be remembered that children cannot apply for themselves, regardless of their age.

Fortunately, the process is online and straightforward. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Visit the EVS platform. Specifically, it simplifies the ETA application process so parents and legal guardians of minors can avoid going through complex visa processes.

At EVS, personal and travel information remains safe and secure with its strict data protection regulations. Moreover, it provides expert guidance and seamless support to ensure a stress-free application journey.

Step 2: Upload a passport photo. It must have a plain, light-colored background without any shadows or objects behind the subject.

Step 3: Upload a scan or photo of the minor’s passport information page. Ensure the full passport photo page is inside the frame, including the two lines of numbers and letters at the bottom. Additionally, the passport must be valid for at least six months upon entering and exiting the UK.

Step 4: Provide the minor’s personal information:

• Contact details
• Home address
• Employment information
• Citizenship information
• Criminal history, if any

Overall, make sure that the information you provide matches what is on your passport.

Step 5: Review and confirm the information on the application. Correspondingly, you can pay using suitable electronic payment methods.

Step 6: Pay the application fee.

Step 7: Receive the UK ETA. You will receive an e-mail with the decision. Next, the ETA will be linked to the minor’s passport digitally.

Ready to get started with the application? Then click the button below to obtain an ETA for minors.

Apply Now

Documents Needed

To apply for minors’ ETA, you’ll need:

• A valid passport for the child
• Travel plans or itinerary
• Contact details of the parent or guardian
• Possible proof of consent if applying for someone else’s child

Moreover, make sure the child’s passport is current and valid for the entire trip.

Application Fee

Each ETA comes with a fee. Currently, the expectation is that minors will pay the same fee as adults. It must be remembered that there are no discounted rates for children at this time. But this could change at any time.

Traveling with Minors

As mentioned, if you’re traveling as a family, each member—including minors—must have their own ETA. To clarify, there is no family group application. As such, it’s a good idea to gather everyone’s passports and apply for each member in one sitting.

Once you finish the application process, keep each person’s ETA confirmation handy during travel.

Tip: Save copies of all ETA emails and reference numbers. You might need to show them at the airport or border.

On Unaccompanied Minors

For minors traveling without a parent or legal guardian, additional steps may apply.

Specifically, the UK may ask for:

• A letter of consent with the signature of the parents or guardians of minors
• Details of the adult who will meet the child at the airport
• Contact information and travel itinerary

These measures help ensure child safety and prevent unauthorized travel.
It must be remembered that each airline has its own rules for unaccompanied minors. Hence, check with them first.

Additionally, border force officers may also request to see documents before allowing entry. As such, keep all papers ready.

Tips for Minors’ Parents, Guardians

1. Apply early: Don’t leave ETA applications until the last minute.
2. Check passport dates: Make sure everyone’s passport is valid.
3. Keep ETA confirmations safe: You might need them at check-in or arrival.
4. Stay updated: Rules may change. As such, always check official news sites.

Traveling with kids involves enough stress. But don’t let paperwork be the problem.

Conclusion

Overall, all minors traveling to the UK from a visa-exempt country must have a valid ETA—no exceptions. Thankfully, whether you’re flying with toddlers, teens, or unaccompanied minors, the process is clear but strict.

Hence, apply early, double-check documents, and travel stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child travel on my passport?

No. To clarify, the UK requires each traveler to have their own passport, including children.

Can I apply for all my kids at once?

You can apply for them one after the other. It must be remembered that there’s no single “family form.”

What happens if my child doesn’t have an ETA?

Airline staff will likely deny them to board the plane. In addition, authorities may refuse them of entry at the UK border.

What age is considered a “minor” under UK ETA rules?

Any person under 18 years old is considered a minor. As such, they still need their own ETA.

Is a UK ETA required for school trips?

Yes. Each child needs an ETA, even if they are part of a school group.

What if my child’s ETA is denied?

You may need to apply for a standard visitor visa instead.

Who can apply for an ETA?

Travelers from the following countries can apply for an ETA:

1. Antigua and Barbuda
2. Argentina
3. Australia
4. The Bahamas
5. Bahrain
6. Barbados
7. Belize
8. Botswana
9. Brazil
10. Brunei
11. Canada
12. Chile
13. Costa Rica
14. Grenada
15. Guatemala
16. Guyana
17. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British National overseas)
18. Israel
19. Japan
20. Kiribati
21. Kuwait
22. Macao Special Administrative Region
23. Malaysia
24. Maldives
25. Marshall Islands
26. Mauritius
27. Mexico
28. Federated States of Micronesia
29. Nauru
30. New Zealand
31. Nicaragua
32. Oman
33. Palau
34. Panama
35. Papua New Guinea
36. Paraguay
37. Peru
38. Qatar
39. Samoa
40. Saudi Arabia
41. Seychelles
42. Singapore
43. Solomon Islands
44. South Korea
45. St. Kitts and Nevis
46. St. Lucia
47. St. Vincent and the Grenadines
48. Taiwan
49. Toga
50. Trinidad and Tobago
51. Tuvalu
52. United Arab Emirates
53. United States
54. Uruguay

Meanwhile, applications have opened for European travelers visiting the UK on or after April 2, 2025:

1. Andorra
2. Austria
3. Belgium
4. Bulgaria
5. Croatia
6. Cyprus
7. Czechia
8. Denmark
9. Estonia
10. Finland
11. France
12. Germany
13. Greece
14. Hungary
15. Iceland
16. Italy
17. Latvia
18. Liechtenstein
19. Lithuania
20. Luxembourg
21. Malta
22. Monaco
23. Netherlands
24. Norway
25. Poland
26. Portugal
27. Romania
28. San Marino
29. Slovakia
30. Slovenia
31. Spain
32. Sweden
33. Switzerland
34. Vatican City

This also covers eligible dual citizenships.

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