UK eTA for Iceland Citizens

Planning a trip from the dramatic landscapes of Iceland to the historic cities and charming countryside of the United Kingdom? As a citizen of Iceland, a country within the European Economic Area (EEA), you benefit from visa-free travel for short stays. However, your entry requirements are changing.

The UK government has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a new digital permit for short-term visitors who do not require a visa. Comparable to the U.S. ESTA or Canada's eTA, this mandatory pre-travel screening system is designed to enhance border security and streamline the arrival process.

This detailed guide covers everything about the new UK eTA for Iceland Citizens, ensuring your preparation is as smooth as your flight across the North Atlantic.

Do Icelandic Citizens Need a UK ETA to Visit the UK?

Yes, Icelandic citizens will be required to obtain a UK ETA.

As a national of an EEA country, Icelanders are on the UK’s list of visa-exempt nationalities who must secure this digital permission before travelling to the UK. This requirement applies to all travel for tourism, business, short-term study, or transit.

• Key Requirement: The ETA is mandatory for any short visit of up to six months, unless you already hold a valid UK visa or another form of UK immigration status (like the EU Settlement Scheme status).
• Full Enforcement Date: The UK government has confirmed that the ETA will become strictly mandatory for all eligible nationalities, including Iceland, from February 25, 2026. It is highly recommended to apply well in advance of this date or before any planned travel.

What Are the Acceptable Reasons for Travel with a UK ETA?

The UK ETA is specifically designed to facilitate short-term travel. An approved ETA allows Icelandic citizens to enter the UK for up to six months (180 days) per visit for the following purposes:

1. Tourism and Leisure: Holidays, visiting tourist attractions, and general sightseeing.
2. Visiting Friends and Family: Short stays with relatives or acquaintances residing in the UK.
3. Business Activities: Attending meetings, conferences, training, trade fairs, or conducting contract negotiations.
4. Short-term Study: Enrolling in a course of study, such as an English language course, that lasts up to six months.
5. Transit: Passing through the UK (e.g., changing flights) on your way to another country, even if you need to pass through UK border control.

Crucial Limitation: The ETA does not permit you to take up long-term employment, establish a business, or live in the UK by means of frequent, successive visits.

Is the UK ETA Required for Transit Passengers?

It depends on how you transit.

The ETA is a requirement for all non-visa nationals who arrive in the UK, including those passing through on their way to a third country. However, the specific requirement depends on whether you pass through UK border control:

• Landside Transit (Passing through Border Control): Yes, you need an ETA. If you need to go through UK passport control to collect luggage, change airports, or exit the airport's international zone for any reason, you are considered to have entered the UK and must have an approved ETA.
• Airside Transit (Remaining in the Airport): Currently Exempt (Usually). Passengers who remain airside (in the secure international transit area) and do not pass through UK border control are currently exempted from the ETA requirement. This generally applies only to passengers connecting flights at the same airport (like Heathrow or Manchester) who are correctly booked to remain airside. Always check with your airline, as this exemption may change or not apply to your specific itinerary.

How Much Does the UK ETA Application Cost for Icelandic Nationals?

The official cost for a UK ETA application, when submitted through the official government channels, is a flat fee of (sixteen British pounds) per applicant.

• Payment Method: The fee is paid online during the application process using a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
• Non-Refundable: The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected or if you cancel your travel plans.

What is the Typical Processing Time for a UK ETA?

The UK ETA system is highly automated, allowing for rapid decision-making in most cases.

UK ETA Processing Speeds at a GlanceThe Best Practice: Icelandic citizens should apply for the ETA as soon as their travel plans are confirmed, and certainly at least three days before booking flights, to allow for any necessary manual review.

Can united-kingdom-visa.com actually speed up the UK visa processing time?

No service can shorten the UK government's internal processing timeline (which remains fixed). However, the agent dramatically accelerates your application readiness. By submitting an application that is 100% correct the first time, united-kingdom-visa.com ensures it enters the queue immediately. A rejected self-submitted application can set you back weeks or months, effectively causing the biggest delay possible.

How does the agent help me organize and verify all my required documents?

united-kingdom-visa.com transforms the overwhelming documentation process into a simple, three-step compliance check:

1. Personalized Checklist: They filter out the generic official requirements and provide a highly tailored checklist specific to your travel type and nationality, eliminating confusion.
2. Clarity & Translation: They translate vague requirements like "Proof of Funds" into simple, mandatory steps (e.g., "Must be a bank statement from the last 28 days with a specific stamp").
3. Mandatory Expert Vetting: A human expert reviews every single document you submit for quality, format, and content validity. They ensure every file meets the stringent UK Home Office standards, preventing rejections due to technical or evidentiary failure before submission.

Do Children and Infants from Iceland Need Their Own ETA?

Yes, every individual traveller, regardless of age, must have an approved UK ETA.

This requirement includes infants, toddlers, and children travelling on their own passport. Parents or guardians can easily apply for the ETA on behalf of a minor through the same application system.

Are There Special Photo Requirements for Babies and Infants?

Yes, the photo rules are slightly relaxed for very young children.

While a digital photo is required for all applicants, the stringent standards for facial expression are eased for minors, especially those under one year old:

• Children under 6: Do not have to look directly at the camera or maintain a plain (neutral) expression.
• Children under 1: Do not have to have their eyes open.
• Support: If you need to support the infant's head with your hand, your hand must not be visible in the final photo.
• Clarity: The photo must still be clear, in focus, and taken against a plain, light-coloured background, with no other people or objects (like toys or dummies) visible.

What Documents and Information Are Required for the Application?

The application is entirely digital. Icelandic citizens will need the following to complete the process:

1. A Valid Icelandic Passport: This must be the biometric passport you will use for travel. The ETA is digitally linked to this specific travel document.
2. A Valid Email Address: The application decision and reference number will be sent to this address.
3. A Digital Photograph: A clear photo of your face that meets the UK Government’s digital photo standards (similar to a standard passport photo).
4. Payment Method: Credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay for the fee.

The application form will also ask for:

• Personal and contact details (name, date of birth, etc.).
• Your passport details (number, date of issue, expiry).
• Mandatory questions regarding suitability, criminal history, and previous immigration breaches.

Can I Apply Using an Icelandic Service or Official Passport?

Generally, yes, the UK ETA is linked to the passport you intend to use for travel, including Service or Official Passports.

The core ETA requirement is based on your nationality (Icelandic) and the purpose of your visit (short-term, non-visa required).

However, it is vital to note that:

• ETA Required: Unless you are travelling on a Diplomatic passport on official business (which may be exempt from the ETA requirement), an Icelandic citizen using a Service or Official passport for a standard tourist, business, or family visit of under six months is still expected to apply for the ETA.
• Digital Link: The ETA is digitally tied to the specific passport number entered during the application. You must travel using the same physical document.

If you are travelling in a formal capacity or are unsure, you should consult the UK Government’s official guidance or contact the nearest UK Embassy for the latest rules pertaining to non-standard travel documents.

How to Apply for the UK ETA from Iceland

Applying for your UK ETA is a straightforward digital process designed for speed and convenience.

Step 1: Provide Your Details and Biometrics

You will be asked to:

• Scan the personal details page of your Icelandic passport.
• Use your phone's camera to scan the biometric chip in your passport (via the app).
• Take or upload a digital photograph of your face.
• Input personal information and contact details.

Step 2: Answer Security and Suitability Questions

Complete the mandatory questions regarding your past travel, immigration, and criminal history. Honesty is crucial here, as discrepancies can lead to refusal.

Step 3: Pay the Fee

Submit the payment to finalise your application.

Step 4: Receive the Decision

You will receive an email decision from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), typically within 1-3 working days, confirming whether your ETA has been approved. The ETA is automatically linked to your Icelandic passport.

How Long is the UK ETA Valid for Icelandic Travellers?

Once approved, the UK ETA is valid for two years, or until the expiry date of the Icelandic passport you used to apply, whichever comes first.

• Multiple Entries: During this two-year validity period, you can make multiple journeys to the UK without having to re-apply, provided that each individual visit does not exceed the maximum allowed stay of six months.
• Passport Renewal: If your Icelandic passport expires during the ETA’s two-year term, the ETA becomes invalid. You must apply for a new ETA with your new passport.

Can I Still Use the ePassport Gates with an ETA?

Yes, you can.

Icelandic citizens who hold an approved ETA and a valid biometric passport will still be eligible to use the automated ePassport Gates upon arrival at major UK ports, allowing for a swift and efficient border clearance process. The ETA links automatically to the gate system via your passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the UK ETA the same as the EU’s ETIAS?

No, they are separate systems. The UK ETA is for entry into the United Kingdom. The EU ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is the similar pre-travel system for entry into the Schengen Area, which includes Iceland.

Do I need to print out the ETA confirmation?

No. The ETA is digitally linked to your Icelandic passport. While a printout is not mandatory, keeping a copy of the approval email on your phone is always a good practice for reference.

Can I extend my stay in the UK with an ETA?

No, the UK ETA cannot be extended. If you are in the UK and wish to stay longer than the six-month maximum, you would need to apply for a different type of UK visa before your current permission expires.

What if I am a dual citizen?

If you are a dual citizen holding both an Icelandic passport and a British or Irish passport, you should always use your British or Irish passport to travel, as citizens of those countries do not require an ETA.