Planning a family trip to the United Kingdom involves more than just booking flights and packing suitcases.
For many parents, the biggest source of anxiety isn’t the long flight—it’s the paperwork. Imagine arriving at the airport, bags checked, excitement high, only to be stopped at the boarding gate because your infant doesn’t have their own travel authorisation.
It happens more often than you think.
The rules for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) are strict. Unlike some visa systems where children are endorsed on a parent’s document, the UK system works differently.
This guide clarifies exactly what your family needs. We will cover costs, photo requirements for babies, and how to submit a zero-error application through etauk.ae.
Do Babies and Infants Need a UK ETA?
Yes. Every traveler requires their own UK ETA, regardless of age.
There are no age exemptions.
This rule applies to:
- Newborn babies.
- Infants and toddlers.
- Minors under 18.
Even if your child is traveling on your lap and does not have their own seat on the plane, they must have their own ETA linked to their specific passport. Border control officials need to screen every individual entering the UK, and the ETA is the digital mechanism for that screening.
UK ETA Cost for Children: Is It Cheaper?
A common question parents ask is whether there is a reduced fee for minors.
The uk eta application fee is fixed at £26 per applicant for all ages.
There is no “family discount” or reduced rate for infants.
When you apply through etauk.ae, you pay the standard government fee plus our service fee. Why pay the service fee?
- Manual Review: We check your child’s photo and data before submission.
- Prevention: A simple typo or a bad photo can cause a rejection. Rejection means re-applying and paying again.
- Convenience: We manage the status updates for your entire group.
Essential Documents for a Minor’s Application
You do not need a lot of paperwork, but you do need specific items ready before you start.
- The Child’s Valid Passport: The child must have their own biometric passport. You cannot use a parent’s passport to apply for a child, even if their name is listed inside it. The passport must be from an eligible country (e.g., UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan).
- A Digital Photo: A clear photo of the child’s face (more on this below).
- Payment Method: A credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
- Email Address: You do not need to create an email address for your baby. You can use one parent’s email address for all family applications.
Note: You do not need to upload travel tickets or hotel bookings to apply.
The Hard Part: Taking a Compliant Photo for Infants
The number one reason for application delays is a poor-quality photo. The UK Home Office uses automated biometric checks. If the AI cannot find your child’s face, the application pauses.
Taking a passport-style photo of a sleeping or crying baby is difficult. Here is how to get it right:
- The “White Sheet” Trick: Do not hold the baby. Lay a plain white sheet on the floor or a bed. Lay the baby on their back on the sheet. This ensures a plain, light background with no hands or furniture visible.
- Lighting: Ensure the light is even. Avoid shadows across the face. Natural daylight from a window is best.
- Eyes Open: You must take the photo when the baby is awake. Both eyes should be visible.
- No Extras: Remove pacifiers (dummies), hats, and toys.
How to Apply for Your Family (Step-by-Step)
While you cannot add a child to your own application form, you can apply for everyone in one sitting.
Here is the most efficient workflow to use on etauk.ae:
- Gather Passports: Have all physical passports on the desk.
- Parent 1 Application: Complete the form for the first adult.
- Parent 2 Application: Complete the form for the second adult.
- Child Applications: Complete a separate form for each child.
Crucial: Ensure you enter the passport number exactly as it appears. A single digit error will link the ETA to a non-existent passport, rendering it invalid at the border.
Comparison: Adult vs. Child Requirements
| Requirement | Adult Applicant | Child Applicant |
| Separate Application? | Yes | Yes |
| Valid Passport? | Required | Required |
| Biometric Photo? | Required | Required |
| Email Address? | Personal Email | Parent/Guardian Email |
| Scan Face? | Required | Parent scans child |
| Fee? | Full Price | Full Price |
Common Questions About Traveling with Kids
What if my child has dual nationality?
You must apply for the UK ETA using the passport the child will use to travel. If they have a British or Irish passport, they do not need an ETA. If they have two eligible passports (e.g., UAE and USA), choose one for the trip and apply with that specific document.
Does the child need to answer the security questions?
The application includes questions about criminal history and immigration violations. As the legal guardian, you will answer “No” (assuming this is true) on behalf of your child. You are legally declaring the information is correct for them.
FAQ: UK ETA for Families
Do babies and infants need a UK ETA?
Yes, every traveler requires their own UK ETA, regardless of age.
This includes newborn babies. There are no age exemptions. A parent must submit the application on the child’s behalf using the child’s own valid passport.
How much does the UK ETA cost for children?
The UK ETA fee is £26 per applicant.
There is no discounted rate for minors. When using etauk.ae, a service fee applies for processing and review. The total cost is charged per individual application.
Can I add my child to my UK ETA application?
No, you cannot add a child to an adult’s application.
The system requires one separate application per person. However, you can use the same contact email address for all family members to keep the approvals organized.
What documents are needed for a child’s UK ETA?
You need the child’s valid biometric passport and a digital photo.
The photo must have a plain light background. You do not need to provide a birth certificate or travel itinerary during the online application process.
How long does it take to get a UK ETA for a child?
Most applications are approved within 3 working days.
Many are processed within hours. We recommend applying via etauk.ae at least 3-7 days before your travel date to account for any potential photo re-submissions.
Ready to start?
Don’t leave your family’s travel documents until the last minute. Ensure your children are approved to fly.
