You can apply for an ETA from the UK government on the official ETA website or via the UK ETA app (available from Google Play and the Apple App Store on smart devices). Be sure to only apply through the official ETA website or app, as there may be scam websites operating. For help with obtaining visas, we recommend contacting our preferred provider, CIBT, on 0207 620 6487 (additional charges will apply). 

Please check the most up-to-date information about costs on the UK government website.

This can vary, so we recommend applying for your ETA well in advance of your holiday. Proof of an ETA will be required to board your ship. Failure to present proof will result in you being denied boarding at your own expense. 

If your holiday departs from, disembarks in, or enters the UK for a port call, and you’re an eligible EU or non-EU citizen who doesn’t require a visa for travel, you’ll need an ETA for your holiday, even if you don’t intend to leave your ship in the UK.

More information on ETA requirements can be found on the UK government website. We recommend familiarising yourself with ETA requirements to make sure you have all the correct paperwork needed for your P&O Cruises holiday.

Yes, if you’re on board when the new travel rules take effect, you’ll need an ETA to disembark in Southampton. If you haven’t already done so, please apply for an ETA as soon as possible. You’ll need this to board your ship at the start of your holiday. 

It's your responsibility to apply and pay for an ETA, and to check that it’s been granted before you travel.

For non-EU nationals
An ETA for eligible non-EU nationals is a requirement to travel to the UK from 8 January 2025.
 

For nationals from Gulf Cooperation Council countries

It’s already a requirement for nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council countries to have an ETA to travel to the UK.
 

For EU nationals
ETA applications for eligible EU nationals can be submitted from 5 March 2025, and will be needed for travel to the UK from 2 April 2025.

Up to six months at a time. There’s no limit on the frequency of visits and there’s no maximum cumulative period you can spend in the UK.

If your ETA application has been denied, we recommend contacting the UK government. Guests must ensure that they have the necessary travel documents for their holiday. P&O Cruises is not responsible for obtaining the necessary travel documents for any Guest; this is the responsibility of the individual Guest.

Your ETA will be checked at the cruise terminal, so be sure to bring proof of it with you (a screenshot or printout).

You can apply for an ETA for someone else, but each person’s application must be made and paid for separately. If you’re using the ETA app, the other person will need to be with you when you apply for them so you can take their photo. If the other person isn’t with you at the time of applying, you’ll need to use the website instead.

If you don’t have the correct travel documents, including an ETA, you’ll be denied boarding at the airport or cruise terminal. If this happens, you won’t receive a refund for your holiday, and you’ll be liable for any fine or other costs incurred by P&O Cruises as a result.

You can apply for your own ETA, but, if you need your travel agent to apply on your behalf, please speak to them directly. You’ll need to give them authorisation and you’ll both need to sign to confirm this. You can find out more about this here.

If you arrive at the cruise terminal without a valid ETA, you’ll be denied boarding at your own expense.

An ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first) and for an unlimited number of journeys to the UK within that period.

You’ll receive a decision on your application from the UK government. P&O Cruises is not involved in processing, approving or informing guests about decisions on ETA applications.

Your ETA must be valid until after you’ve left the UK following your holiday. 

It’s your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documents before you travel to or transit through the countries included in your itinerary. Therefore, we can’t offer a refund if you’ve attempted to travel without the correct documents.

An ETA is advanced permission to travel to, or transit through, the UK. An ETIAS is advanced permission to travel to, or transit through, Europe.

All guests who are visa-exempt will require an ETA. ETIAS has no bearing on whether you need an ETA. If you’re unsure whether you need an ETA, please check the rules on the UK government website.

You can travel with an ETA until its expiry date. 

Once your ETA has been granted, you don’t need to do anything except bring a screenshot or printout on holiday with you. 

Yes, every infant and child will need their own ETA.