Travelers to the United Kingdom must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the country, a requirement expanding to include citizens from 85 countries, including Poland, by February 25, 2026. Official government guidance from gov.pl clarifies that the ETA is a digital permit linked to a traveler’s passport, valid for two years or until the passport expires. To avoid scams and inflated fees, travelers should only apply through the official UK government website or the “UK ETA App” available on mobile devices.
Why are travelers overpaying for UK travel permits?
Many travelers are falling victim to third-party “intermediary” websites that charge significantly more than the official £20 (approximately 98 PLN) government fee. These commercial agencies often rank highly in search engine results, leading unsuspecting users to believe they are on official government portals. While the official cost is fixed at £20, some users report paying nearly 500 PLN by selecting “expedited” processing services offered by these private companies. These intermediaries have no official affiliation with the UK Home Office and provide no faster access to the border than the government’s own application channels.
How to identify legitimate ETA application channels
The only secure way to apply for an ETA is through the official UK government website or the official UK ETA mobile application. Any site asking for significantly higher fees or claiming to be an “authorized partner” should be treated with caution. Official applications require users to upload a scan of their passport and a biometric selfie, meaning that using unauthorized sites poses a serious risk to personal data security. If a website asks for fees exceeding the standard £20, it is likely a commercial middleman, not the Home Office.
What happens if you use a third-party service?
Using a commercial intermediary does not guarantee faster entry at the border, and it creates unnecessary risks regarding personal data. Travelers who inadvertently use these services often find their passport scans and personal details stored on private, non-governmental servers. While the ETA permit itself may still be valid for entry at automated border gates—such as those at London Heathrow—the traveler has paid a premium for a service that the UK government provides directly at a fraction of the cost. There is no “fast-track” status for individuals who pay higher fees to private agencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a UK ETA actually cost? The official fee set by the UK government is £20.
- How long is the ETA valid? The permit is valid for two years, or until the passport associated with it expires, whichever comes first.
- Is the ETA a one-time permit? No, the ETA allows for multiple entries into the United Kingdom during its validity period.
- Where can I apply safely? Only use the official UK government website or the UK ETA App.
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