Introduction
Visiting the UK soon? As exciting as planning a UK trip is, travel rules can be complicated, especially when you’re traveling with a minor.
If you’re uncertain about how the UK ETA applies to children, then don’t worry, because you’re not alone. In this guide, we cover essential information for parents and guardians to help ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
What is the UK ETA?
The UK ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorization. Specifically, it’s a digital document that allows non-visa nationals to enter the UK for short stays. Overall, this includes tourism, business trips, and short-term studies.
Once authorities approve the ETA, it shares an electronic link to the traveler’s passport. Furthermore, it streamlines border checks and helps the UK manage entry security.
Unlike a traditional visa, the ETA is easier to apply for and faster to process. However, it’s still a crucial step in your travel plans. Hence, anyone traveling to the UK who is eligible must have an approved ETA before boarding.
Does a Minor Need an ETA?
To clarify, yes, all travelers — including minors — must have their own UK ETA. Specifically, this applies to every child, even infants.
It must be remembered that a parent’s ETA does not cover a minor. Hence, each traveler, regardless of age, must apply individually.
Correspondingly, parents or guardians must complete the application on behalf of their child. As such, make sure to have accurate information ready. Because the ETA will be linked to the child’s passport, details must match exactly.
Applying for a UK ETA for a Minor
Applying for an ETA for a minor is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Hence, follow these guidelines and steps to make the process smooth:
Who can apply?
Generally, a parent or legal guardian must apply on behalf of the minor.
Required Documents
- A valid passport for the child.
- Travel details, including flights and accommodation.
- Parental or guardian details, including contact information.
Overall, the ETA application is simple and entirely online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit the EVS platform. It simplifies the ETA application process so you can avoid going through complex visa processes.
At EVS, your personal and travel information remains safe and secure with its strict data protection regulations. Moreover, it provides you with 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 you.
Step 3: Upload a scan or photo of your 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 of the minor must be valid for at least six months upon entering and exiting the UK.
Step 4: Provide your 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 your application. You can pay using suitable electronic payment methods.
Step 6: Pay the application fee.
Step 7: Receive your UK ETA. You will receive an email with the decision. Next, the ETA will be linked to your passport digitally.
If the child is traveling alone, then some extra steps may apply. For example, you might need to show additional consent forms.
Once approved, the ETA is valid for multiple visits over a two-year period—or until your passport expires. Mistakes can delay approval, so triple-check all entries before you submit.
Ready to get started with your application? Then click the button below to obtain your ETA.
Supporting Documents and Special Circumstances
Overall, traveling with a minor often requires extra paperwork. As such, be prepared with the following:
- Parental Consent Letters: If only one parent is traveling with the child, then carry a consent letter from the other parent.
- Legal Guardianship Proof: If the child is under legal guardianship, then bring documents that prove this arrangement.
- Unaccompanied Minors: If a minor is traveling alone, then the airlines may have their own requirements. As such, check with the airline before booking.
Moreover, border officers might ask questions. Hence, make sure the child knows basic travel details and understands who is meeting them.
Tips for Traveling with a Minor
Traveling with children can be challenging. As such, follow these tips to keep things smooth:
- Keep Documents Handy: Carry copies of your child’s ETA, passport, and consent letters.
- Prepare the Child: Explain the travel process to your child in simple terms.
- Check Airline Policies: Some airlines require extra forms for unaccompanied minors. As such, confirm all details before departure.
- Stay Organized: If you want to save time at the airport, use a folder to keep all paperwork together.
- Apply Early: Because processing times can vary, don’t leave ETA applications until the last minute.
Conclusion
Every minor traveling to the UK needs their own ETA. Correspondingly, parents or guardians must apply on their behalf, using accurate information. Overall, supporting documents like parental consent letters and guardianship proof are key to a stress-free trip.
As such, plan ahead, double-check all details, and keep documents organized. Correspondingly, with the right preparation, traveling with your child to the UK can be an enjoyable adventure.
For fast, reliable, and professional ETA processing, apply via EVS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include my child on my ETA application?
No. Correspondingly, every traveler, including children, must have their own UK ETA.
How long does it take to process a child’s ETA?
Generally, ETAs are processed within a few days. As such, apply early in case of delays.
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?
Specifically, you can apply for them one after the other. Also, remember that there’s no single “family form.”
What happens if my child doesn’t have an ETA?
If a minor does not have an ETA, then 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.
Who can apply for an ETA?
In particular, travelers from the following countries can apply for an ETA:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British National overseas)
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Macao Special Administrative Region
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Oman
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Qatar
- Samoa
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Taiwan
- Toga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
Meanwhile, applications have opened for European travelers visiting the UK on or after April 2, 2025:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Vatican City
This also covers eligible dual citizenships.
