uk eta eligibility: Do you need an ETA for the UK?

Traveling to the UK in the next year? You may be required to obtain a “UK ETA” before you go. This page will help you understand what an ETA is and whether you need to apply for one.

The UK electronic travel authorization (ETA) is a new entry requirement designed to improve border security and keep better track of immigration into the UK. It is also meant to streamline travel for certain nationalities. If you’re planning to travel to the UK, it’s important to know whether or not you need to apply for one.

By learning about the latest travel requirements, you can avoid any delays and have a smooth arrival to the UK.

What is the UK ETA?

The United Kingdom (UK) electronic travel authorization (ETA) is a digital travel permission that allows eligible citizens from selected countries to travel to the UK. It is intended for specific travel purposes such as business, tourism, and short-term study courses (less than 6 months). The UK ETA is valid for up to 2 years, or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

The UK ETA was first introduced in October 2023 for Qatari citizens to travel seamlessly to the UK. In February 2024, it was extended to nationals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. However, Jordan was removed from the list of ETA-eligible countries in September of the same year.

In the last year, the list of countries that need an ETA for the UK was expanded. The UK government chose to include all non-visa nationalities including those from non-European countries and European countries. They set up a staged release so that travelers from non-European countries will need an ETA to enter the UK starting in 2025, while the second group of European nationalities would need an ETA to travel on or after April 2025. Details about these dates and nationalities can be found below. As of January 8, 2025, US citizens need an ETA for the UK and ETIAS for the EU.

There are many benefits to the UK ETA that make it more efficient than any other travel permit or visa process. The UK ETA application has a very quick turnaround time and can be completed entirely online. It takes less than an hour and has a maximum processing time of three working days. It is also very cost-effective and allows for multiple entries. The ETA makes the UK safer for everyone traveling there, by increasing border security and improving the vetting process for travelers with a criminal record.

Do You Need an ETA To Enter the UK?

If you are traveling to the UK soon, you might be asking yourself, “Do I need an ETA to enter the UK?” This is a good question as there have been some recent changes to the list of eligible countries.

The following countries can obtain an ETA to travel to the UK. The dates below indicate when they can travel to the UK and when the application opens. Many nationalities that previously traveled to the UK visa-free will now need a UK ETA to travel to the UK.

Travel date	Applications open	Countries
15 November 2023	25 October 2023	Qatar was the first country whose nationals were eligible to obtain an ETA to travel to the UK.
22 February 2024	01 February 2024	Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Jordan was also on this list. However, it was removed from the ETA-eligible countries list in September 2024; Jordanians need to apply for a visa to travel to the UK.
8 January 2025	27 November 2024	Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas), Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States, and Uruguay.
2 April 2025	5 March 2025	Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Vatican City.

Who Does NOT Need an ETA for the UK?

The following travelers do not need an ETA to travel to the UK but need to apply for a visa instead.

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

There are many types of visas available to live, work, and study in the UK for various purposes.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria

In order to apply, applicants must meet certain UK ETA eligibility requirements.

The following are the criteria that all nationals of eligible countries should meet to have the best chance of obtaining the UK ETA:

Valid passport from an eligible country

Applicants must be citizens of a UK ETA-eligible country to apply. They must possess a valid passport and be able to upload a digital copy during the application process. This passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond their intended departure to the UK.

The intended purpose of travel

All applicants must have the intention to adhere to the UK ETA rules for the purpose of travel. The UK ETA is only open to those who want to:

Travel for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, conducting a short business trip, or enrolling in a short study course.
Travel for up to 3 months on a Creative Worker visa concession.
Participate in permitted paid engagements such as conducting business or academic conferences, sales meetings, or other related activities.

Transit through the UK, if you will pass through UK border control (‘landside’ transit)

Duration of travel

Eligible nationals should only obtain a UK ETA if they plan to spend 6 months or less in the UK during each trip. Any travelers who plan to live or work in the UK for more than 6 months at a time should not apply for a UK ETA. They should seek out another type of work or study visa.

Clean immigration and criminal records

Applicants will ideally possess clean immigration and criminal records. In terms of immigration, they should not be in violation of the UK entry laws or those of any other country. There are exceptions for those with minor criminal convictions.

The UK ETA eligibility requirements for those with a criminal record are as follows:

The application may be refused if the applicant was convicted of a crime anywhere in the world and received a sentence of 12 months or more.
The application can be refused if the applicant was convicted of a crime anywhere in the world within the last 12 months (from the application date).
You do not need to disclose convictions for activities that are legal in the UK, for example, trade union membership.

Requirements for UK ETA Application

All eligible nationals must provide certain required documents to apply for a UK ETA. These are essential for a successful application.

The following are the general requirements for all applicants:

Passport

All applicants must possess a valid passport and be able to provide a digital copy of the biographic page. It’s highly recommended that applicants double-check the validity of their passports before applying. If the expiration is in less than two years, they will not get the full benefits of the UK ETA.

Photo

Applicants must upload a digital personal photo during the application process that meets the standard guidelines. Digital photographs must be at least 600 x 750 pixels and between 50 KB and 10 MB. They must be clear, unedited, and include the applicant’s head and shoulders.

Payment method

Applicants must pay the application fee in order for their application to be processed. This can be done using a valid form of payment, a valid credit or debit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. Applicants should ensure they have sufficient funds before starting the application process.

Email address

All applicants must provide a valid email address. This should be accessible to them throughout the processing period and checked regularly. All application correspondence, including the final decision, will be sent to this email.

UK ETA Application Steps

One of the benefits of the UK ETA is the straightforward application process. Applicants can take the following steps to complete their UK ETA application:

Fill out the application form

All applicants will apply for the UK ETA online. They must complete the application form with the required documents, biographic information, and contact details.

Attach the required documents

All applicants must upload a copy of their valid passport and a personal photo that meets the standard guidelines. All size and format guidelines for the digital attachments can be found at the application link above.

Pay the application fee

Applicants must pay the application fee of £78 before submitting their UK ETA application. Payments can be made using a valid credit or debit card, GooglePay, or Apple Pay. This payment includes the government fee and our comprehensive professional service fees.

Submit the application

Review all information for accuracy before submitting the application to avoid any delays or rejection.

Receive your ETA

Whether the application is approved or rejected, you will receive an email notification of the ETA decision. The UK ETA will be electronically linked to your passport.

Frequently Asked Questions

While a visa is a document that allows the holder to stay for longer periods to work, study, or live, an ETA is a digital travel permit. It does not guarantee entry into the UK or allow for stays of more than 6 months.

The UK ETA is a travel permit. It does not guarantee entry into the UK. The final decision of entry will be made by the border police once the holder arrives at border control. If everything is in order, they will be granted entry.

The UK ETA is valid for up to 2 years and allows for multiple entries into the UK. Holders can stay for up to 6 months each time they visit. If their passport expires within the 2 year period, the ETA will become void.

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.

No, if you are traveling to the UK on a UK ETA, you must use the same passport that you applied with. The ETA is linked to that passport. Another passport without a travel permit will not be permitted unless it’s a UK passport or you have another type of visa or travel document that allows entry.

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Do I Need an ETA for the UK?