UK ETA Family Application: How to Apply for Your Whole Family at Once

Planning a family trip to the United Kingdom is exciting — but there is one administrative step that catches many families off guard: every single member of your family, including children and infants, needs their own UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling.

This guide covers everything families need to know about UK ETA applications: what documents you need, how to apply for multiple family members, how much it costs, and how to do it efficiently without making costly mistakes.

Does Every Family Member Need a Separate UK ETA?

Yes — absolutely. The UK ETA is tied to an individual's passport. There are no family ETAs, no joint applications, and no ETA for children attached to a parent's passport.

This means:

• Adults need their own individual ETA
• Children (including teenagers) need their own individual ETA
• Infants and babies need their own individual ETA (linked to their own passport)

Each ETA is linked to the specific passport number of the individual. A child travelling on their own passport must have an ETA for that passport.

Does My Child Need Their Own Passport?

To apply for a UK ETA, each person must have their own passport. Children cannot travel internationally on a parent's passport — they need their own.

If your child does not yet have a passport, obtain one before applying for an ETA. In most countries, child passports must be renewed more frequently than adult passports (every 5 years in many countries, compared to 10 years for adults).

Who Does Not Need a UK ETA?

Before applying, check whether every member of your family actually needs an ETA. The following people do not need a UK ETA:

• British citizens (including children with British passports)
• Irish citizens
• People with a valid UK visa
• UK residents with the right to abode or indefinite leave to remain

ETA requirements are based on passport nationality. If one parent holds a British passport and the other holds a US passport, the British parent does not need an ETA but the American parent does.

What Documents Do You Need for a Family ETA Application?

For each family member, you will need:

• Valid passport — for each individual, including children
• Passport photo page — a clear photo or scan of the bio-data page
• Date of birth — for each family member
• Email address — one email address can receive all confirmations for the family
• Travel date — your planned arrival date in the UK

For young children and infants, the application details come from their passport. You will need a photo of their passport photo page just like for adults.

How to Apply for Multiple Family Members

Option 1: Apply Individually for Each Family Member

You can make separate applications for each family member, either through the UK Government's official app/website or through a third-party service like Swift ETA. This means paying the fee separately for each person.

For a family of four applying individually through Swift ETA at $42 each, that would total $168.

Option 2: Use a Family Package (Best Value)

Swift ETA offers a Family Package for $150 for up to 4 people — saving you $18 compared to applying individually. You fill in one combined form with details for each family member, pay once, and receive all ETAs in a single email.

This is by far the most convenient and cost-effective option for families of up to 4 people.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Your Family Using Swift ETA

• Visit swifteta.com/apply and select the "Family of 4" plan
• Step 1 — Family lead applicant details: Enter the details of the primary applicant (typically one parent)
• Step 2 — Add passport details for all family members: Enter each person's passport number, dates, and issuing country. Upload a photo of each passport's photo page.
• Step 3 — Review and pay: Review all details for every family member before proceeding to payment
• Receive confirmation: All ETAs will be delivered to the single email address you provide

Our team reviews all applications before submission — so if we spot an error in any family member's details, we'll contact you before submitting.

Special Considerations for Children's ETA Applications

Minors applying without both parents present at check-in: If a child is travelling with only one parent (or with a guardian), some airlines and immigration authorities may ask for a letter of authorisation from the absent parent. This is separate from the ETA requirement, but it is worth preparing in advance.

Children with different surnames: If your child has a different surname to the adults they are travelling with, carry the child's birth certificate or other proof of relationship. Again, this is separate from the ETA but is good practice.

Children born in a different country to their parents: Children's ETA eligibility is based on their own passport nationality, not their parents'. A child born in Australia to American parents who holds an Australian passport needs an Australian ETA.

Infants who have never travelled internationally: Make sure your infant has a valid passport before applying. In many countries, baby passports can take several weeks to process, so plan ahead.

How Long Is a Family UK ETA Valid?

Each individual ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue, or until the relevant person's passport expires — whichever comes first. Children's passports often expire sooner than adults', so be aware that your child's ETA may expire before yours.

If your child renews their passport, their ETA becomes invalid (as it is tied to the old passport number). You will need to apply for a new ETA using their new passport number.

Common Family ETA Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying for an ETA but forgetting one child

It is surprisingly easy to forget to apply for the youngest member of the family — particularly an infant who has rarely or never travelled. Make a checklist: one ETA per passport, no exceptions.

2. Mistyping a child's passport number

Children's passports are not used as often as adult passports, and their numbers can be less familiar. Double-check every digit carefully.

3. Using an outdated passport for a child

If your child has recently renewed their passport, make sure you are applying with the new passport number and that you are using the new passport for travel.

4. Not checking passport expiry for children

Children's passports expire more quickly. Check that every family member's passport will remain valid for the duration of your trip.

5. Applying at the last minute

With multiple applications to coordinate, it is sensible to start the process well in advance. We recommend applying at least 72 hours before departure, and ideally a week ahead for peace of mind.

How Much Does a Family UK ETA Cost?

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The Swift ETA Family Package at $150 is the most convenient option — one form, one payment, all ETAs delivered together.

Swift ETA Family Package: What's Included

• Up to 4 individual ETA applications
• Human review of all applications before submission
• All submitted within 2 hours of payment confirmation
• All ETAs delivered to your email inbox within 24 hours
• Email support throughout the process (hello@swifteta.com)
• Money-back guarantee if any application is rejected due to our error

Ready to Apply for Your Family?

Planning a family trip to the UK should be exciting, not stressful. Let Swift ETA handle the paperwork so you can focus on the trip.

Apply for your family at swifteta.com/apply — select the Family Package for up to 4 people at $150. Any questions? Email us at hello@swifteta.com.