London Trip Planned? The UK ETA Rules Every German Traveller Must Know

A Christmas market in Edinburgh, a football match in Manchester, or a quick work meeting in London. Many Germans visit the UK every year. Since Brexit, the rules have slowly changed, and now there is one more step before you travel.

You need an Electronic Travel Authorisation, called an ETA, before you go. It costs 20 pounds, is checked before you board, and lasts two years. Without it, you will not be allowed to travel.

What the ETA Is

The ETA is a digital permission linked to your passport. It is not a visa. You apply online or through the official UK ETA app, answer a few questions, and upload a photo of yourself and your passport. Most decisions arrive within minutes, but the UK government advises allowing at least three working days.

Key Facts in One Table

Who Needs It

German citizens and nationals of other EU countries need an ETA for visits, short business trips and some short courses. Children also need their own ETA. Travellers who pass through UK border control on the way to another country also need one.

• German and other EU passport holders visiting the UK.
• Babies and children, each with their own application.
• Transit passengers who go through UK passport control.

British and Irish citizens do not need one. People who already hold a UK visa or permission to live, work or study in the UK do not need one either. If you are a non EU national living in Germany, check whether your own nationality needs an ETA or a full UK visa.

What You Cannot Do on an ETA

The ETA is for visits. It does not let you take a job in the UK, live there, or study for a long course. If you plan to work, you will need the correct UK work visa. If you plan to study for more than six months, you need a Student visa.

How to Apply Step by Step

1. Download the official UK ETA app or go to the GOV.UK website.
2. Scan your passport and take a photo of your face.
3. Answer questions about criminal records and past immigration issues.
4. Pay 20 pounds per person.
5. Wait for the decision by email; it is linked to your passport.

Watch Out for Copycat Sites

Many private websites offer to apply for you and charge much more than 20 pounds. Some even look official. The UK government only uses GOV.UK and the official app. If a site charges a service fee, you are not on the official route.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common problem is applying with the wrong passport. Your ETA is linked to the exact passport number you use in the application. If you renew your passport, your old ETA does not move across, and you need a new one. The same applies if you travel with a second passport.

Another mistake is waiting until the day of travel. Most applications are approved quickly, but some are checked in more detail and can take up to three working days. If you are travelling for a wedding, an exam or an important meeting, apply a week or more ahead.

Children are often forgotten. Every person needs their own ETA, even a baby. Parents or guardians can apply for children in the app. Also check that the name on the ETA matches the name on the passport exactly, because airlines check this before you board.

If your ETA is refused, you will be told whether you can apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa instead. A refusal is not a ban, but it means you must give more detail in a full visa application. Be honest about any past refusals or criminal records in every UK application, because hiding them can lead to a long ban.

Business travellers should note that the ETA covers meetings, conferences and some training, but not paid work for a UK client while you are there. If your trip involves hands on work, check the permitted activities list for visitors on GOV.UK before you travel.

Before You Rely on Any Figure

The fee and dates above reflect UK government announcements as of October 2026. Rules, fees and dates change, so check the official government website on the day you act. For questions about your own case, speak to a licensed immigration lawyer or an authorised representative. World Visa Academy is a training academy; it does not file applications or guarantee any visa or outcome.

The Honest Summary

For Germans, a UK trip now starts with a 20 pound ETA. It is quick, it lasts two years and it covers many visits. Apply early, use the official app or GOV.UK, and remember it does not allow work or long study.

Key takeaways

• German citizens need a UK ETA for short visits to the UK.
• The fee rose to 20 pounds on 8 April 2026.
• Since 25 February 2026, airlines and ferries check your ETA before you board.
• One ETA lasts two years and allows many visits of up to six months.