The UK ETA is mandatory for all EU citizens since April 2025 and strictly enforced since February 2026. No ETA = no boarding at Calais. It takes 10 minutes and costs £20.
P&O Ferries, DFDS Seaways and Irish Ferries are required to turn away passengers without a valid ETA at Calais port. The ETA is checked at check-in – not in Dover. No ETA = no crossing.
The UK ETA is an electronic travel authorisation – similar to the US ESTA. It is linked to your passport and checked digitally at the ferry port. You do not need to print anything – just show your passport at check-in.
Use the free 'UK ETA' app (App Store / Google Play) or apply at gov.uk/eta. Never use third-party websites – they charge unnecessary fees.
You need: a valid passport (not an ID card – those are not accepted in the UK) and a photo of your face. The app scans both using your phone camera.
Name, date of birth, address, employer and a few security questions. Takes about 5–10 minutes. Parents can apply for their children.
£20 per person (approx. €23). No PayPal. No refunds. Every traveller – including babies – needs their own ETA.
Most applications are approved automatically within minutes. Officially allow up to 3 working days. You'll receive an email with your 16-digit ETA reference. Don't travel until you have it.
The ETA is digitally linked to your passport – no need to print anything. At check-in simply show your passport.
Official UK Government website – free, secure, no surcharges.
Although most applications are approved in minutes, during peak season (July/August) or if manual review is required it can take up to 3 working days. Apply as soon as you book your ferry – the ETA lasts 2 years so there's no reason to wait.
Once approved, your ETA covers unlimited entries to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for 2 years. You don't need to reapply before each ferry crossing.
Compare P&O Ferries, DFDS & Irish Ferries – live prices for Calais–Dover.