UK ETA
Your guide to the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) and application assistance service.
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What is the United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation?
The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation, referred to as UK ETA, is a travel authorization issued by the UK government to nationals of countries that have a visa-free agreement with the UK. It is mandatory to apply for and obtain this authorization before traveling to the United Kingdom, and it 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 effort to digitize border control. This travel permission facilitates various travel purposes, including tourism, family visits, business, and short-term study, offering an efficient alternative to the traditional visa process.
How is an ETA different from a Visa?
The ETA is not a visa but a digital travel permit for nationals of certain visa-exempt countries. Unlike the standard visitor visa, which is required for many nationalities and typically involves a more detailed application process, often including offline steps, the ETA offers a streamlined, fully online application.
Another key difference between the UK ETA and the standard visitor visa lies in their validity and cost. The ETA can be valid for up to two years and allows multiple entries, with stays of up to six months per visit. By contrast, the standard visitor visa is issued for varying durations depending on the visa type and may permit either single or 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.
Who We Are and How We Can Help You
We are a professional travel and tourism company dedicated to providing travelers with accurate information, expert support for online visa and ETA applications, and tailor-made travel packages.
With our experience and attention to detail, you can apply for your UK ETA with confidence and plan your trip knowing every aspect has been carefully reviewed to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
Please note that we are not affiliated with any government authority.
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Who needs this ETA?
This travel authorisation was implemented in stages, starting with nationals from certain countries, including those in the Gulf region, with further expansion over time. The latest stage took place in April 2025, when EU citizens were included in the requirement.
- 15 November 2023 The requirement for an ETA was first introduced for Qatari nationals.
- 1 February 2024 nationals from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Jordan became eligible to apply for an ETA, effective for travel starting from February 22, 2024.
- September 2024 Jordan was removed from the list of eligible nationalities for the UK ETA.
- 27 November 2024 the list was expanded to include an additional 49 non-European countries.
- 2 April 2025 All European visa-exempt nationals were added to the ETA required list, with the exception of Irish citizens.
- 25 February 2026 eligible visitors without an ETA will not be able to board their transport and cannot legally travel to the UK.
Currently, nationals of the following countries are eligible to apply for an ETA in advance of traveling to the United Kingdom.
Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kiribati
Kuwait
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Oman
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Samoa
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Spain
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
The United States
Tonga
Tuvalu
UAE
Uruguay
Vatican City
Who Does Not Need an ETA?
Not every traveler is required to obtain an ETA to travel to the UK. Some individuals might need a visa instead, or they might be exempt from both the visa and ETA requirements due to their specific circumstances.
You do not need an ETA to travel to the UK if:
- You are a British or Irish citizen
- You are transiting through a UK airport, and you will not pass through border control
- You are travelling with a British Overseas Territories citizen passport or British National (Overseas) passport
- You have a valid UK visa
- You already have permission to live, work, or study in the UK
- You are a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship
- You live in Ireland, and you are a national of a country that is eligible for a UK ETA, and you are entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man
What can or can’t I do in the UK with an ETA?
Things you can do with an ETA
Visit the UK for business activities or short-term study for up to six months
1
Travel for tourism or leisure purposes for up to six months
2
Travel to the UK to take part in a permitted paid engagement
3
Enter the UK under the Creative Worker visa concession for up to three months
4
Transit through a UK airport, where you will pass through border control
5
What you cannot do with an ETA
- Remain in the UK for more than 6 months
- Undertake paid or unpaid work for a UK employer, or work as a self-employed individual, unless it falls under a permitted paid engagement, approved event, or the Creative Worker visa concession
- Marry, register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership (a Marriage Visitor visa is required)
- Reside in the UK through frequent or successive visits
- Apply for public funds or state benefits
ETA Validity
and Duration of Stay
Validity
2 years
The ETA is a multiple-entry permit and remains valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. If the ETA holder’s passport expires before the two-year period, the ETA will automatically become invalid.
Duration of Stay
6 month
During the validity of the ETA, eligible travelers may enter the UK multiple times and stay for up to six months per visit.
Requirements for the UK ETA Application
To apply for this ETA, all eligible travelers must provide some basic requirements. The following are mandatory requirements for all applicants:
Passport
Passports must be valid for the whole duration of stay in the UK and from an eligible country. To get the maximum 2-year value from your ETA fee, it is best to apply with a passport that has at least 2 years of validity left.
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.
UK ETA Photo Requirements
Below is a detailed overview of the photo requirements to help you submit a compliant photo and avoid any issues or delays with your application.
Having the correct lighting and background in your photo is incredibly important. This photo must meet the following requirements:
- It must be free of objects or people in the background
- It must be taken against a plain, light-colored background
- You must be in clear contrast to the background
- You must look into the camera, and your eyes should be open and visible (remove your glasses if there is a glare)
In terms of how you should present your photo, you should follow these guidelines:
- Face forward and look directly at the camera
- Keep your mouth closed and have a neutral expression
- Keep hair out of your face
- Take off any head coverings (head coverings for medical or religious reasons are exempt from this guideline)
- Make sure there are no shadows covering any part of your face or behind your head
How to apply for a UK ETA
The UK ETA online application can be completed in just a few straightforward steps. The application process is simple, fully online, and can be completed quickly. The following are the basic steps all applicants will take to apply for a UK ETA:
How to apply for a UK ETA
The UK ETA online application can be completed in just a few straightforward steps. The application process is simple, fully online, and can be completed quickly. The following are the basic steps all applicants will take to apply for a UK ETA:
1
Start the application and upload your passport
Applicants begin the ETA application by providing their nationality, planned arrival date, and passport details. As part of this step, a copy of the passport identity page must be uploaded. All information must match the passport exactly.
2
Provide personal details and upload your photo
Applicants must enter their personal information, including their full legal name, date of birth, contact information, and home address. During this step, a recent passport-style personal photo must also be uploaded in accordance with the photo requirements mentioned above.
3
Complete additional application information
Applicants are required to answer further questions related to their travel plans, employment details, and security or background declarations. All responses must be accurate and complete.
4
Review your application and pay the application fee
Applicants should carefully review all information entered in the application before proceeding. Once confirmed, the ETA application fee must be paid using a valid payment method.
5
Submit the application
After payment has been completed, the application can be submitted online. Once submitted, changes cannot be made, so applicants should ensure all details are correct.
6
Receive your ETA
If approved, the UK ETA will be sent to the applicant’s email address and electronically linked to their passport. If the application is refused, the applicant will also be notified by email.
Processing Time
Normal Processing Time
Applicants will most likely receive their UK ETA decision within three (3) working days after submitting their application. In most cases, a decision may be issued sooner, depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances.
Possible Delays
Certain situations may result in longer processing times, including:
- Additional security checks If further verification or security screening is required.
- High volume of applications Delays may occur during peak travel periods or due to operational reasons.
- Errors or incomplete applications Applications containing mistakes or missing information may take longer to process
Frequently
Asked Questions
If you are from an ETA-eligible country, then from 25 February 2026, you will require a valid ETA before boarding your transport to the UK, as carriers must check for it before boarding.
If you are not from an ETA-eligible country, you must apply for a UK visa, as an ETA is not available to you.
The UK’s ETA system follows international models such as the U.S. ESTA and Australia’s ETA, strengthening border security while ensuring that only eligible visitors are granted entry. This approach helps reduce potential risks and supports a streamlined, fully digital border process.
No. An ETA is a digital permit to allow travel to the UK. You will have to go through border control, and the immigration officers make the final decision whether you can or cannot enter the UK.
You do not need any other documents other than your passport, as the ETA is a digital permit that is electronically linked to your passport; officials should be able to verify your ETA using your passport. However, it is best to keep your reference number handy and save an offline copy of the approval email.
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.
If your ETA application is not approved, the next steps depend on the type of decision you receive.
- If your application is rejected, you will be informed of the reason. In most cases, you can correct the issue and submit a new application.
- If your application is refused, the decision cannot be appealed. If you still wish to travel to the UK, you will need to apply for an appropriate UK visa instead.
Since Northern Ireland is part of the UK, the same rules apply to anyone traveling to Northern Ireland. They must obtain a UK ETA if eligible for that. If not, they should look into other visa options.
Yes. Children and minors must have their own UK ETA if they are nationals of an ETA-eligible country. Each child must have an individual application submitted on their behalf by a parent or legal guardian.
When entering the UK with children, border officers may ask for documents to prove the relationship between the child and the accompanying adult. This can include a birth or adoption certificate, marriage/divorce certificates if names differ, or a letter of consent from a parent or legal guardian if the child is travelling with someone other than their parent.
You may still be eligible depending on the nature and timing of the offense. However, you must answer all suitability and character questions on the application truthfully. Failure to declare a criminal record that is later discovered will result in an automatic refusal.
Your application will likely be refused if:
- You have received a custodial sentence (prison sentence) of 12 months or more for a crime committed anywhere in the world.
- You have been convicted of a criminal offense within the last 12 months.
No. While the application asks detailed character questions regarding groups and organizations, you are not required to disclose membership in a trade union.
We will assist you in every step
Apply for your UK Electronic Travel Authorization today. Simply fill out the online form to get started.
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