The Escape

UK ETA, US ESTA and Europe’s ETIAS: The Travel Authorisations Singaporeans Now Need

Posted by eduKate Asia on

By The Escape desk · Last verified 28 September 2026

Singaporeans can still visit the UK, the US and Europe without a visa, but each now requires, or soon will require, an online travel authorisation before you fly. The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has been mandatory since 8 January 2025 and costs £20 from 8 April 2026. The US ESTA costs about S$51. Europe’s ETIAS, costing €20, is due to start in the last quarter of 2026. None of them is a visa: each is a pre-clearance linked to your passport, and airlines check for it before you board.

Quick facts

  • UK ETA: £20 per person, valid two years or until the passport expires.
  • Everyone needs a UK ETA, including babies.
  • US ESTA: about S$51, valid two years.
  • EU ETIAS: €20, valid three years; due in the last quarter of 2026.
  • ETIAS fees are waived for under-18s and over-70s.
  • Apply only on official websites; copycat sites charge extra.

How do they compare?

UK ETAUS ESTAEU ETIAS
StatusMandatory since 8 Jan 2025MandatoryDue in the last quarter of 2026
Fee£20 (from 8 Apr 2026)About S$51€20
ValidityTwo years, or until the passport expiresTwo yearsThree years, or until the passport expires
Who needs itEvery traveller, including infantsEvery travellerEvery traveller; fee waived under 18 and over 70

What about Europe’s new border checks?

Separately from ETIAS, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) registers non-EU travellers at the Schengen border with fingerprints and a facial scan, and records entries and exits to check the 90-day limit. It applies only when entering or leaving the Schengen area, not when travelling within it.

Do I need one just to transit?

For the UK, transit passengers who stay airside and don’t pass through immigration are exempt. If your journey involves separate tickets that mean clearing immigration, you’ll need the authorisation for that country.

The WahLiao Verdict

Apply as soon as a trip is booked, on the official site only, and for every member of the family. A multi-year authorisation costs less than a taxi to the airport, and being refused boarding at Changi costs the whole trip.

Questions people ask

Is an ETA a visa?

No. Singaporeans can still visit the UK visa-free for up to six months at a time; the ETA is an extra check before travel.

Do I need to print it?

No. The UK ETA is linked electronically to your passport.

What if I renew my passport?

The authorisation is tied to the passport, so a new passport needs a new one.

Has ETIAS started?

It has been delayed several times and is scheduled for the last quarter of 2026. Check the EU’s official ETIAS site before a trip to Europe.

Sources: Mainly Miles on the UK ETA fee from April 2026 and how the ETA works; The Milelion on ETIAS timing; The Local on EES and the ETIAS fee. Fees change; confirm on each government’s official site before paying.

Read next: Renewing Your Singapore Passport · Changi Airport Departures · Back to The Escape

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