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ETA vs ESTA vs ETIAS vs K-ETA — 2026 Travel Authorization Guide

Who requires what · definitions, fees and validity in one table

FitTrip Editor · 2026.06.14

A travel authorization (ETA) is a pre-arrival permit that visa-free travelers obtain online before departure. As of 2026 the United States uses ESTA ($40.27, valid 2 years), the UK uses the UK ETA (£20, 2 years) and Canada uses eTA (C$7, up to 5 years). EU ETIAS (€20) is scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026 but is not accepting applications. Korea uses K-ETA (about KRW 10,000), Australia uses ETA (A$20) and New Zealand uses NZeTA (NZ$23 plus IVL). Issuing authority, validity and stay limits differ by country, so each destination must be checked separately.

By 2026, traveling visa-free no longer means traveling paperwork-free. Most major destinations now require an online travel authorization obtained before you board Fact. The names differ — ESTA, ETA, ETIAS, K-ETA — but the idea is the same: a quick pre-arrival screening that replaces a full visa. This guide puts them side by side.

The 2026 comparison at a glance

Country / SystemFee (2026)ValiditySince
🇺🇸 US ESTA$40.272 years · 90 days/stay2008
🇬🇧 UK ETA£202 years · 6 months/stay2025–26
🇨🇦 Canada eTAC$7up to 5 years2016
🇪🇺 EU ETIAS€20to be confirmed at launchQ4 2026 · not open
🇰🇷 Korea K-ETA~KRW 10,000multiple entry2021
🇦🇺 Australia ETAA$201 year · 3 months/stay1996
🇳🇿 NZ NZeTANZ$23 + IVL NZ$100up to 2 years2019

Fees are official government fees as of June 2026; agencies add a service charge. ETIAS launch details remain subject to official confirmation Unverified.

North America — US & Canada

The US ESTA ($40.27, valid 2 years) is the model the rest of the world copied Fact. Canada eTA is among the cheapest at C$7 and is often needed alongside ESTA on a North America trip. US ESTA, in full ›   Canada eTA ›

Europe — UK & the Schengen area

The UK ETA (£20) became mandatory across 85+ visa-waiver nations in 2025–26 Fact. Separately, the EU ETIAS (€20) is scheduled to start in the last quarter of 2026 and will cover 30 countries, including the 29 Schengen states and Cyprus Fact. Applications are not open. UK ETA series ›   EU ETIAS ›

Oceania — Australia & New Zealand

Australia ETA (A$20) has run since 1996, and NZ NZeTA (NZ$23) adds a NZ$100 IVL conservation levy — the two are commonly applied for together. Australia ETA ›   New Zealand NZeTA ›

Asia — Korea

Korea K-ETA (about KRW 10,000) is waived for 22 countries/regions through the end of 2026, but travelers outside that list still need one before boarding Fact. K-ETA for visitors to Korea ›

The one rule that applies to all of them

Whatever the country, an approved authorization is boarding eligibility, not a guarantee of entry. The final decision is always made by that country government at the border Fact. And because each system is separate, a multi-country trip means several applications — which is exactly where a single integrated filing helps. Handling several countries at once ›

FAQ

What is a travel authorization (ETA)?
It is a pre-arrival permit that visa-free travelers obtain online before departure. It is simpler than a visa, but approval is only boarding eligibility — the final entry decision rests with each government.
What does the US, UK, EU and Korea each require?
The US requires ESTA, the UK requires the UK ETA, Canada requires eTA, Schengen Europe requires ETIAS, and Korea requires K-ETA. Australia uses ETA and New Zealand uses NZeTA.
Which is the cheapest and the most expensive?
As of June 2026 Canada eTA is among the cheapest at C$7, while US ESTA is $40.27. New Zealand adds a NZ$100 IVL on top of the NZ$23 NZeTA fee.
Can one authorization cover several countries?
No. Each travel authorization is country-specific. The one exception is EU ETIAS, which covers entry to all 29 Schengen countries.
When should I apply?
It varies by system, but applying at least 72 hours before departure is generally recommended. Approval can be delayed, so leave a buffer in your schedule.
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