UK ETA
Your guide to the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) information and the submission of UK ETA applications.
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What is the Electronic Travel Authorisation?
The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA) is a travel authorization issued by the British government to nationals of countries who are exempt from obtaining a UK visa. It is mandatory to apply for and obtain this authorization before traveling to the United Kingdom, and is designed for visits, transit, or Creative Workers under certain conditions.
This electronic authorization is a streamlined option for eligible individuals and is a key part of the government’s effort to digitize border control by 2025. The UK ETA facilitates various travel purposes, including tourism, family visits, business, and short-term study, offering an efficient alternative to the traditional visa process.
UK Visa vs. ETA
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is not a visa, but a special entry authorization for nationals from specific visa-exempt countries. Unlike the standard visitor visa, which is required for a wide range of nationalities and typically involves a detailed application process, including offline steps, the ETA offers an efficient, entirely online application method.
Another difference between the UK standard visitor visa and the ETA is their validity and associated costs. The ETA United Kingdom remains valid for up to two years or until the passport it’s linked to expires, allowing for multiple entries into the UK for stays of up to six months each. In contrast, the standard visitor visa is tailored to various durations based on the visa type and typically permits multiple entries. Notably, the ETA is cost-effective compared to the diverse fees required for different types of visitor visas.
UK ETA
- Entirely online application method.
- Simple and streamlined application process.
- Valid for up to two years.
- More cost-effective than traditional visas.
UK Visa
- Includes offline steps.
- Involves a detailed application process.
- Duration varies based on the visa type.
- May include additional visa fees.
What do we offer?
We offer insights into Electronic Travel Authorization, UK ETA requirements, and eligibility criteria, along with step-by-step instructions for preparing and submitting your application.
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Who Needs
the UK ETA?
The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is being rolled out in stages, initially targeting nationals from certain countries, to specific foreign nationals, starting with those from the Gulf region, with further expansion planned for the near future.
The requirement for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) was initially introduced for Qatar nationals on November 15, 2023. Expanding this program, starting February 1, 2024, nationals from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Jordan will also be eligible to apply for an ETA, effective for travel on or after February 22, 2024. Furthermore, the UK government plans to extend the ETA requirement to other visa-exempt nationalities, including European countries, by the end of 2024.
Bahrain
Jordan
Kuwait
Oman
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Who Doesn’t Need
the UK ETA?
Not every traveler is required to obtain the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for entry into the United Kingdom. Some individuals might need a visa instead, or they might be exempt from both the visa and ETA requirements due to their specific circumstances. The UK ETA permits engagement in several activities, such as the following:
- Other NationalitiesCurrently, nationals from countries that are visa-exempt, other than those eligible for the ETA, do not require this authorization.
- Visa Holders and UK ResidentsThose who possess a valid visa or have permission to live, work, or study in the UK do not need the ETA.
- British or Irish Passport HoldersIndividuals holding a British or Irish passport are not required to obtain the ETA.
- Residents of IrelandIf traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, they are also exempt from the ETA.
Visa Holders and UK Residents, Citizens
Individuals who already hold a UK visa or have permission to live, work, or study in the UK are exempt.
Irish Residents and Citizens
Non-Irish citizens who are legally resident in the Republic of Ireland and travelling from within the Common Travel Area (which includes Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man) do not require an ETA.
What can I do
with the UK ETA?
The UK ETA is designed to allow eligible travelers a convenient way to experience all the UK has to offer. However, there are some guidelines for what ETA holder can do.
Short-term business activities
1
Tourism or visiting family and friends.
2
Academic purposes
3
Creative workers
4
Transit through the UK.
5
While the UK ETA accommodates various travel activities, it’s important to note that for other purposes not specifically mentioned here, travelers, including those eligible based on their nationality, may require a different relevant visa type.
ETA Validity
and Duration of Stay
1Validity
2 years
The ETA is a multiple-entry permit and remains valid for two years from the date of issuance. If the ETA holder’s passport expires before the two-year deadline, then the authorization is invalidated. ETA holders must use their authorization by traveling to the UK before it expires.
2Duration of Stay
6 month
Eligible travelers who obtain an ETA can stay for up to 6 months in the UK for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or engaging in business or short-term study. Those traveling under the Creative Worker visa concession can come to the UK for up to 3 months. Additionally, individuals utilizing the Permitted Paid Engagement pathway are allowed to stay for up to 1 month.
3Renewal
Extensions
The United Kingdom ETA cannot be renewed or extended. Once issued, it is linked to the specific passport used during the initial application. If a traveler’s passport expires or they obtain a new passport, they must apply for a new ETA. There are no provisions for renewing or extending the validity of an existing ETA.
UK ETA requirements
To apply for a UK ETA, all eligible travelers must provide some basic requirements. The following are mandatory requirements for all applicants:
Passport
Passports must be valid and from an eligible country. It’s recommended to have at least two years of validity to benefit from the full validity period of the ETA.
Personal Photo
Applicants must submit a recent portrait-style photograph capturing the upper body, which complies with standard specifications.
Payment Method
Applicants must possess a valid credit/debit card or have access to Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay the ETA UK fee.
Email address
A valid email address is required to receive the UK ETA after approval.
How to Apply for the UK ETA?
The United Kingdom ETA application process is very straightforward and can be completed online. Eligible nationals can swiftly finalize their application within moments.
Applicants can take the following basic steps to complete their ETA application:
Learn more about the Application Process
1
Fill Out the Application Form
Complete the online application by entering your personal information and attaching necessary documents.
2
Pay the Required Fees
Proceed with the payment to finalize your application submission.
3
Receive Your ETA
Once approved, your ETA decision will be emailed directly to you. It will be digitally linked to your current passport, allowing entry into the UK with this passport.
Learn more about the Application Process
UK ETA
Processing Time
Normal
Applicants will most likely receive their ETA UK decision within three (3) working days after submitting their application. It is possible that the decision will be made in less time, depending on the applicant’s unique case. However, certain circumstances can extend this processing time.
Delay
Certain circumstances can extend this processing time:
- Additional Security Checks If further verification or security checks are needed.
- High Volume of Applications Delays can occur during peak travel times or due to operational reasons.
- Errors or Incompleteness Applications with mistakes or missing information may take longer to process.
UK ETA Decision
After the application is processed, the applicant will receive a decision on their ETA application by email.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Nationals of Qatar can apply ETA now, and nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE can apply for ETA UK starting February 1, 2024, for travel on or after February 22, 2024.
Yes, citizens of other visa-exempt countries, such as Canada, Australia, the EU countries, and the United States, currently do not need an ETA but may be required to apply for one in the future. Individuals with a valid visa, permission to live, work, or study in the UK, or those holding a British or Irish passport are also exempt.
An ETA is suitable for various purposes, including tourism, visiting family and friends, business, short-term study (up to 6 months), Creative Worker concessions (up to 3 months), Permitted Paid Engagements (up to 1 month), and transit through the UK.
The ETA is valid for two years and allows stays based on the specific purpose, ranging from up to 6 months for general visits to shorter durations for creative work or permitted paid engagements.
Currently, EU citizens do not need an ETA. However, the UK ETA for EU citizens is expected to become a prerequisite requirement for travelers to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The United Kingdom ETA is an electronic travel authorization, serving as a necessary prerequisite for entry for nationals of countries who are exempt from obtaining a UK visa, not an e-visa UK. This differs from the UK eVisa, which is an online record detailing a traveler’s immigration status and the conditions of their permission to enter or stay in the UK.
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