Travelling to the UK With Children: ETA Requirements for Families

Do Children Need a UK ETA?

Yes. Every traveller entering the UK needs their own Electronic Travel Authorisation, regardless of age. This includes infants, toddlers, and teenagers. There is no family or group ETA — each person must have an individual application linked to their own passport.

What You Need to Apply for a Child

The requirements for a child's ETA are almost identical to an adult application. You will need:

• The child's own passport — valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date
• Personal details — full name, date of birth, and nationality as shown on the passport
• Contact details — a parent or guardian's email and phone number
• A parent or guardian to complete and submit the application on behalf of the child

Who Can Apply on Behalf of a Child?

A parent, legal guardian, or authorised representative can submit the ETA application for a minor. The application will ask for the guardian's name and relationship to the child. Make sure the person submitting the application has legal authority to do so.

Common Mistakes When Applying for Children

Family applications often go wrong for simple reasons. Here are the most frequent issues:

• Using the parent's passport number instead of the child's own passport number
• Misspelling the child's name — make sure it matches their passport exactly, including middle names
• Forgetting to apply for every child — each child needs their own ETA, even babies
• Leaving it too late — multiply the processing time by the number of family members and apply early

Tips for a Stress-Free Family Application

1. Gather all passports before you start and lay them out in front of you
2. Complete one application at a time to avoid mixing up details between family members
3. Save each confirmation email in a dedicated folder labelled with the child's name
4. Apply for the whole family at the same time so all ETAs are processed together
5. Use our application service to have each form checked for errors before submission

Travelling With Minors: Additional UK Entry Requirements

Beyond the ETA, there are a few extra things to consider when entering the UK with children:

• If a child is travelling with one parent only, carry a letter of consent from the other parent
• Bring a copy of the child's birth certificate to prove your relationship
• If the child has a different surname from the accompanying adult, additional documentation may be requested at the border

Plan Ahead for a Smooth Family Trip

The UK is an incredible destination for families, with world-class museums, parks, and attractions designed for all ages. A little preparation with your ETA applications ensures your holiday starts without delays. Apply for your family's ETAs today and focus on planning the fun parts of your trip.