Travel to the United Kingdom from 2 April 2025
What Swiss citizens need to know about the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for travel to the United Kingdom.
Updated: 16.04.2026
Swiss citizens who do not need a visa for short stays need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the United Kingdom. The ETA permits multiple journeys to the United Kingdom for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. An ETA costs £20.
Swiss citizens do not need an ETA if they
- are a British or Irish citizen (see paragraph dual citizens);
- have a UK visa, or permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode);
- are transiting through a UK airport and will not pass through border control (if you are not sure check with your airline and read the transit information on the airport website);
- are travelling with a British Overseas Territories citizen passport;
- are travelling with a British National (Overseas) passport;
- live in Ireland and are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man;
- are exempt from immigration control or do not need to get permission to enter (diplomats and consuls based in the UK, Heads of State, government ministers etc.);
- are a child travelling on the France-UK school trip travel information form;
- are waiting for a decision on their EU Settlement Scheme application.
Dual citizens
Dual citizens with British or Irish citizenship cannot get an ETA. They will need to prove their citizenship with a valid British passport, a valid Irish passport, or another valid passport containing a certificate of entitlement.
Links
- Check if you can use the ETA app on your phone
- Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK
- Video: What is an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
- Video: How to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- Check if you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a UK Visa