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.
Who We Are and What We Offer
We are a professional travel and tourism company specializing in providing travelers with reliable information, expert assistance for online visa and ETA applications, and customized travel packages. Please note that we are not affiliated with the UK government in any way.
With our expertise, you can confidently apply for your UK ETA and plan your journey, knowing that every detail has been reviewed and optimized for a smooth travel experience.
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Who Needs
the UK ETA?
The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) was implemented in stages, starting with nationals from certain countries, including those in the Gulf region, with further expansion taking place over time. The latest update occurred in April 2025, when EU citizens were included in the ETA requirement.
The requirement for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) was first introduced for Qatari nationals on November 15, 2023. As part of the scheme’s expansion, from February 1, 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. However, in September 2024, Jordan was removed from the list of eligible nationalities for the UK ETA. On November 27, 2024 the UK ETA was expanded to an additional 49 non-European countries. Currently, the following countries are required to apply for a UK ETA in advance before traveling to the United Kingdom. The latest UK ETA update, implemented on March 5, 2025, introduced 34 European countries whose nationals could apply for a UK ETA starting from that date. As of April 2, 2025, travelers from these countries are now required to hold a valid ETA to enter the UK.
Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Botswana
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
Nauru
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 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 the following countries are now eligible to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, 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, Nauru, 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.
Yes, individuals with a valid visa, permission to live, work, or study in the UK, or those holding a British or Irish passport are 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.
Yes, starting from April 2025, EU citizens are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the United Kingdom, including 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.
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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