Planning a family trip to London should be about choosing the right hotel or booking West End tickets, not worrying about border crossing technicalities. If you arrive at the airport and one child is missing their digital link, your entire family stays grounded.
At etauk.ae, we simplify this transition. This guide ensures your group application is seamless, synchronized, and successful.
UK ETA for Families & Groups: https://application.etauk.ae/
Essential Requirements for UK ETA Family & Group Applications
Every traveler needs their own authorization. This includes infants who don’t even have their own seats yet. The system links the ETA directly to a Biometric Passport. If your family members hold different nationalities, check their eligibility first.
Before you start, gather these items for everyone in your group:
- Valid biometric passports with the NFC chip symbol.
- A high-quality digital photo.
- A credit or debit card for the application fee.
- Access to an email address to receive all confirmation codes.
How to Apply for Your Family: Step-by-Step Group Submission
Using the official website portal is an efficient way for families to manage the process. It allows one person to manage the application for the entire group.
Applying Online via the Website Portal
The website portal is the primary tool for organizing group trips, especially if family members are in different locations. You will need to upload clear photos of their passport biodata pages. Ensure all details match the passport exactly to avoid delays.
UK ETA for Families & Groups: https://application.etauk.ae/
UK ETA Rules for Children, Infants, and Minors
There are no age exemptions. A common mistake is assuming children on a parent’s visa or “lap infants” are exempt. They are not. A legal guardian must apply on behalf of any minor.
| Traveler Category | ETA Required? | Document Needed |
| Adults (18+) | Yes | Biometric Passport |
| Children (2-17) | Yes | Biometric Passport |
| Infants (0-2) | Yes | Biometric Passport |
| British/Irish Citizens | No | National Passport |
Total Costs and Processing Times for Groups (2026 Update)
Budgeting for a group is straightforward. Many families prefer a managed service for guaranteed results. At etauk.ae, we offer tiered processing to fit your travel timeline:
| Service Level | Total Price | Processing Time |
| Regular UK ETA | £26/GBP | Within 3 Working Days |
| Urgent UK ETA | £49/GBP | Within 12 Working Hours |
A transaction charge of 4.40% applies to these rates. Most decisions arrive within minutes, but the Home Office recommends applying at least 72 hours before departure. For groups, decisions are processed individually. Never head to the airport until every member has a “Granted” status.
Troubleshooting Mismatched Decisions: What if One Member is Refused?
This is the “nightmare scenario” for group travel. If one person receives a refusal letter, they cannot board the plane.
If this happens, the individual must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. This is a manual process that takes much longer than an ETA. Check your group’s status at etauk.ae early to allow time for this contingency.
Final Checklist: Before You Head to the Airport
- Check the Passport Link: Ensure the ETA is linked to the passport you are actually carrying.
- Verify Validity: Most ETAs last for 2 years or until the passport expires.
- Confirm eGates: Families with children over 10 can usually use the eGates upon arrival for faster entry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for a UK ETA for my whole family at once?
Yes, you can apply for others via the official website portal. Each person requires an individual application and fee, but one person can manage and pay for the entire group.
How much does a UK ETA cost?
Our regular service is £26 per person, while urgent processing is £49. This allows families to choose a speed that matches their needs, with a 4.40% transaction fee included.
Do babies and children need their own UK ETA?
Yes, every traveler regardless of age must have an ETA. Parents or guardians must complete the application for minors using the child’s own valid biometric passport.
How long does a family UK ETA take to process?
Decisions are usually reached within 3 working days. With our Urgent service, you can receive your approval within 12 working hours to ensure your family’s travel remains on track.
What happens if one family member’s ETA is refused?
The individual refused cannot travel and must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. The rest of the family may travel, but the person refused requires a manual visa review by the Home Office.
