Was this tool helpful?
How to use the ESTA & eTA Checker
- 1Choose the country that issued your passport.
- 2See what you need for the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
- 3Apply only on the official government website or app linked on each card.
What is an electronic travel authorisation?
An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is a quick online pre-approval for travellers who don't need a visa. It is linked to your passport, usually approved within minutes to a few days, and checked by the airline before you board. The US (ESTA), Canada (eTA), the UK (ETA), Australia (ETA/eVisitor) and New Zealand (NZeTA) all use one, and the EU plans to introduce ETIAS.
Avoid unofficial sites
Many websites look official but charge two to five times the real fee to submit the same form for you. Use only the official sites and apps linked on this page, check the web address carefully, and never pay for a "faster" approval.
Travel authorisations by country
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an ESTA if I have a US visa?
No. If you already hold a valid US visitor visa, travel on the visa; you don't need an ESTA.
Is an ETA the same as a visa?
No. An ETA is a simple online authorisation for visa-exempt travellers. It doesn't guarantee entry: border officers still decide when you arrive.
Do children need their own ESTA or ETA?
Yes. Every traveller, including babies, needs their own authorisation linked to their own passport.