UK Travel Requirements
Visas, ETA, and entry rules for visiting the United Kingdom.
UK is separate from Schengen — different visa required. UK ETA: £16, valid 2 years, mandatory from Feb 2026. Max stay: 6 months for most visitors. Schengen visa does NOT cover UK entry.
- System
- Separate from Schengen
- UK ETA
- £16
- Max Stay
- 6 months
- Schengen Visa
- Not valid for UK
A separate island, a separate system
The UK is geographically European but legally outside the EU and Schengen. A Schengen visa won't get you past Heathrow's border, and a UK ETA won't get you into France. From 25 February 2026 the UK ETA is mandatory for visa-exempt travelers — a quick online authorization, valid for two years, that operates separately from ETIAS.
Visiting the UK in 2026
The UK has its own immigration system, separate from Schengen. Visa-exempt travelers need the UK ETA (mandatory from 25 February 2026), while others need a UK visa. Your requirements depend on nationality.
UK Entry at a Glance
- UK ETA Cost
- £16
- ETA Validity
- 2 years
- Max Stay
- 6 months
- Mandatory
- 25 Feb 2026
Electronic travel authorization
Or until passport expires
Per visit to the UK
Required for boarding
Who Needs What for the UK?
British & Irish Citizens — Free entry with full rights under Common Travel Area (CTA).
Visa-Exempt Nationalities — UK ETA required from 25 February 2026. Stay up to 6 months.
All Other Nationalities — UK visa required before travel.
UK vs Schengen: Key Differences
| UK | Schengen | |
|---|---|---|
| Authorization | UK ETA (£16) | ETIAS (€20) |
| Stay Limit | 6 months per visit | 90 days in 180 days |
| Calculation | Per visit | Rolling 180-day period |
| Validity | 2 years | 3 years |
| Countries | UK only | 30 Schengen states |
| Mandatory | 25 Feb 2026 | Q4 2026 |
Planning a Trip to Both UK and Europe?
Many travelers combine a UK visit with European destinations. Remember:
- UK ETA covers only the United Kingdom
- ETIAS covers 30 Schengen Area countries
- You need both if visiting both regions
- Ireland has the Common Travel Area with the UK — no ETA needed if traveling between them