The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and the Europe ETIAS are two completely separate digital border passes that require different applications, costs, and validities. If you plan a trip that includes both London and Paris, you must apply and pay for both systems individually before you fly.
The UK Home Office launched the ETA to pre-screen visa-exempt visitors entering Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, the European Union created ETIAS to secure the borders of 30 participating Schengen countries. Neither document acts as a traditional visa, but airlines will deny your boarding pass if you arrive at the airport without the correct digital approval linked to your passport.
Comparing the Exact Costs and Fees
The UK ETA costs a flat fee of £10 (approximately $13 USD) for every single applicant, regardless of age. Babies, toddlers, and senior citizens must all hold their own approved ETA, and parents must pay the full £10 fee for every child traveling with them. You pay this fee online using a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment system like Apple Pay.
The European ETIAS costs exactly €7 (approximately $8 USD), but it offers generous age-based exemptions. The European Commission officially waives this fee for any applicant under the age of 18 or over the age of 70. Families traveling to Europe save significantly more money on processing fees compared to a UK vacation.
| Feature | UK ETA | Europe ETIAS |
| Government Cost | £10 (approx. $13) | €7 (approx. $8) |
| Age Exemptions | None. Everyone pays. | Free for under 18s and over 70s. |
| Total Validity | 2 Years | 3 Years |
| Maximum Stay | 6 months per visit | 90 days in a 180-day period |
| Required For | United Kingdom (incl. Northern Ireland) | 30 European Schengen Countries |
Also read – The 2026 Visa-Free Country List for US Passport Holders …
How Long Does Each Authorization Last?
The UK ETA remains valid for exactly two years from the date of approval, or until your physical passport expires, whichever comes first. During this two-year window, you can enter the United Kingdom multiple times. The border rules allow you to stay for up to six months per visit for tourism, visiting family, or short-term business trips.
The European ETIAS gives travelers a slightly longer validity period of three years. However, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) strictly limits your total stay inside the Schengen Zone to 90 days within any 180-day period. This rolling 90-day limit remains entirely separate from your UK stay limits.
Can You Use One Pass for Both Regions?
You absolutely cannot use a UK ETA to enter France, nor can you use an ETIAS to enter England. The United Kingdom is not part of the Schengen Zone or the European Union, meaning their border databases do not share digital travel authorizations.
If you take the Eurostar train from London to Paris, you will pass through both UK and French border controls before boarding the train. Border agents at St Pancras International will scan your passport to verify your UK exit, and French police will instantly check your passport chip for a valid ETIAS approval.
3 Essential Tips for Dual-Destination Travelers
Many travelers accidentally ruin their European vacations by assuming one application covers the entire continent. You must organize your paperwork based on your exact flight routes.
Follow these specific fixes to ensure a smooth border crossing:
- Apply for both early: The U.S. Department of State advises dual-destination travelers to apply for both the ETA and ETIAS at least one month before departure to avoid manual processing delays.
- Watch your passport expiration: If your passport expires in six months, do not apply for either authorization yet. Both systems link permanently to your current passport number, so a new passport requires paying for new applications.
- Print backup copies: Always carry a printed paper confirmation of both your UK ETA and European ETIAS. If your phone battery dies while crossing the English Channel, you still have physical proof of approval.
