Since 23 April 2026, some passengers coming directly to the Isle of Man from outside the Common Travel Area (CTA) will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before their journey.
An ETA is a digital permission to travel. Having one has been a legal requirement for many people travelling into the UK from outside of the CTA since 25 February 2026, including by air or sea, private aircraft and pleasure craft.
Passengers can apply online at GOV.UK or on the UK ETA app.
ETAs issued in the Isle of Man, United Kingdom and the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey will be mutually recognised. That means valid ETAs issued in each of the four jurisdictions will be valid for travel to any of them.
Who does ETA affect?
Non-visa nationals travelling as Visitors for up to six months require an ETA.
- Isle of Man ETA requirements mirror those of the UK.
- An Isle of Man ETA costs £20 and is valid for two years from the date of issue or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner.
- Each person travelling will require an ETA, including children.
Who does ETA not affect?
You do not need an ETA if you are:
- A British citizen or Irish citizen - any British citizen or Irish citizen who holds dual nationality is not eligible for an ETA and must use their British or Irish passports when travelling into the CTA. Please note an Isle of Man variant passport is a British passport
- A person who already has a valid visa or Immigration permission(s) to live, work or study within the CTA.
- A person who holds settled or pre-settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme.
- A child travelling to the Isle of Man as part of an organised French school trip.
- Travelling with a British Overseas Territories citizen or British National (Overseas) passport.
- A resident in the Republic of Ireland and you are travelling from the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Jersey or Guernsey.
The introduction of ETA does not change travel within the CTA (excluding the Republic of Ireland as defined above), for example between the Isle of Man and the UK. The legal requirements to travel between the jurisdictions within the CTA have not changed and there is no routine Immigration control. Non-Visa National Visitors entering the CTA via the Republic of Ireland will require an ETA.
Carriers & Travel Documents
All travellers must ensure they comply with the requirements of the travel provider, or carrier, they are travelling with and ensure they have the necessary valid documentation with them. Some carriers have announced changes to what they require from their customers prior to travel. For example, some airlines now require passengers to show their passport, even for journeys inside the CTA.
Those with a British or Irish passport should check its validity and make sure they carry it with them when travelling. Dual nationals must travel to the CTA using either:
- A valid British passport or Irish passport
- Any other valid passport with a Certificate of Entitlement
Those holding an Isle of Man immigration Status – whether it be to visit, live, work or study – must ensure they take any relevant additional documentation with them when travelling between jurisdictions. This takes the form of visa vignettes, wet ink stamps or status letters. If holders have changed their personal details or travel document since their last Immigration Permission, they should contact the Immigration Service to update their details prior to travel.
Travellers traveling back into the CTA who experience problems with carriers should request that the carrier contact the UK Home Office Carrier Support Hub which is available 24 hours a day.
More information can be found on the Immigration Service website.
