What is a UK ETA for Danish Citizens?

The UK ETA for Danish citizens is a new digital travel authorization that Danish passport holders require to travel to the United Kingdom for short stays. It allows Danish citizens to travel to the UK visa-free, making it a simple and quick entry process. The UK ETA system was designed to enhance border security and streamline entry for eligible countries.

The ETA was first launched for citizens of Qatar in October 2023, replacing the old UK Electronic Visa Waiver (UK EVW) scheme. The UK ETA start date for Denmark passport holders to apply is March 5, 2025. Even though citizens from Denmark previously traveled visa-free, it will be a requirement to enter the United Kingdom starting in April 2, 2025.

The ETA for the UK for Danish citizens allows visits for the following purposes:

  • Tourism, visiting friends and family, business trips and short-term study (up to 6 months).
  • Transit through a UK airport, if going through border control.
  • Traveling for up to 3 months on a Creative Worker Visa Consession
  • Visiting the UK for a permitted paid engagement such as speaking at an event, or other permitted activities.

On this page, we will answer all the UK ETA questions you may have.

Danish Visitor Statistics to the United Kingdom

In 2023, the UK welcomed approximately 629,000 visits from Denmark. These travelers spent an average of 575 pounds per visit, collectively spending over 361 million pounds. The main purpose of Danish citizens traveling to the UK was holidays, business trips, and visiting friends or family. 78% of Danish travelers who visited the United Kingdom had previously visited before and 97% said that they would recommend the UK to others as a travel destination.

Benefits of the UK ETA for Danish Citizens

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization has many benefits for both, the UK and Danish citizens.

Simplified Entry Process

Danish citizens can apply for a UK ETA online, which makes pre-travel simple and efficient. Most ETAs are granted within 3 business days and it can be processed even quicker most of the time.

Multiple Entries for Two Years

The UK ETA for Denmark passport holders is valid for two years (or until your passport expires), allowing multiple entries without reapplying.

Cost-Effective

Unlike a traditional visa, the ETA for the UK fee is lower, making travel more affordable for Danish visitors.

Improved Border Security

The UK ETA system enhances security by pre-screening travelers before they arrive, ensuring smoother entry and making the United Kingdom a safer travel destination.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Danish Citizens

To be eligible for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), Danish passport holders must meet the following requirements:

1

Applicants are Planning to Stay in the UK for No More Than Six Months

The UK ETA for Danish Citizens allows travel for up to six months for tourism, business, study, or visiting family and friends, and other allowed purposes.

2

Applicants Hold a Valid Danish Passport

Your Danish or any other qualifying passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK. If your passport expires during the validity of your ETA, you must apply for a new ETA with your new valid passport.

3

Applicants Have No Criminal Record

Those with a serious criminal record or previous immigration violations may be denied a UK ETA application. You also cannot have a history of overstaying visas or violating UK immigration rules. You may want to consult a UK immigration expert if you think you might have a record that will affect your ETA eligibility.

The Eligibility requirements for applicants with a criminal record is:

  • Your application might be refused if you have been convicted of a crime anywhere in the world and sentenced to at least 12 months in prison.
  • Additionally, your application could be refused if you were convicted of a crime within the past 12 months (counting back from the application date).
  • You are not required to report convictions for actions that are lawful in the UK, such as being part of a trade union.
4

Applicants Do Not Intend to Work in the UK

The UK ETA for EU citizens does not permit employment in the UK. Danish citizens wishing to work must apply for the appropriate UK visa.

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

The UK ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval. With a UK ETA, travelers can enter the UK multiple times without reapplying for a new travel authorization. Each visit to the United Kingdom allows a stay of up to 6 months for tourism, business trips, short-term study, or visiting friends and family. It’s important to note that if your passport expires during the 2-year validity period, your ETA is no longer valid. You must apply for a new ETA using the valid passport you will be entering the United Kingdom with.

UK ETA Requirements for Danish Citizens

To apply for a UK ETA, Danish passport holders must provide the following documents:

Passport

Applicants must have a valid Danish passport. The passport must be valid for the entire duration of their stay in the UK.

Passport

Photo

A recent digital passport-style photo will be required during the UK ETA application process.

Photo

Payment Method

A credit or debit card is required to pay the UK ETA fee during the online application process. Google Pay and Apple Pay are also accepted.

Payment Method

Email Address

Applicants must provide a valid email address to receive ETA approval, updates, and notifications from the UK authorities.

Email Address

Applying for a UK ETA for Danish Citizens

The UK ETA application is entirely online and typically takes just a few minutes to complete. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the ETA for the UK.

1

Check UK ETA Eligibility

Ensure you meet the UK ETA requirements, including holding a valid Danish passport and traveling for eligible purposes such as tourism, business, short-term study, or transit.

2

Gather Required Documents

Before you start the application, make sure you have a valid Danish passport, a digital passport-style photo, a valid payment method with sufficient funds, and a valid email address where you can receive updates regarding your application.

3

Fill Out the Online Application Form

Complete the UK ETA application form by providing personal details, passport information, and travel plans, and uploading the required documents.

4

Pay the UK ETA Fee

Use a credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay to pay the UK ETA fee securely online. The fee amount is £79.

5

Submit the Application and Wait for Approval

Once submitted, most UK ETA applications are processed within three working days, but some may take longer. You will receive an email notification when a decision is made.

UK ETA Processing Time and Fees for Danish Citizens

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Danish passport holders is typically processed within three business days. However, in some cases, additional checks may cause slight delays. It is recommended to apply for a UK ETA well in advance of your planned travel date. The total cost of obtaining a UK ETA from Denmark is £79. This fee covers both the official UK government processing and the professional service fees for application facilitation.

Traveling to the UK with an ETA: Key Details

There are a few key details to remember when applying for the UK ETA with a Danish passport. 

  • Your UK ETA for Danish citizens is electronically linked to the passport used during the application. Travelers must use the same passport when boarding and passing through UK border control. If you have multiple passports, ensure you apply with the one you plan to travel with.
  • Upon arrival, present your Danish passport at the UK border. The UK ETA system allows for smoother entry, but border officers may still ask questions about your trip. You may be required to show proof of onward travel, accommodation details, or sufficient funds for your stay.
  • Once you have cleared UK border control, you are free to travel anywhere within the UK. Danish citizens can stay in the UK for up to six months for tourism, business, short-term study, or visiting family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

UK ETA eligible countries From 25 October 2023: Nationals of Qatar can apply for an ETA

From 1 February 2024: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates can apply for an ETA.

From 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 (including British National Overseas), Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao Special Administrative Region, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan (for passport holders with an identification card number), Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States, and Uruguay.

From 5 Marchj 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.

The UK ETA system is part of the government’s new border digitalization program. The UK ETA system was introduced in 2023 and is being gradually rolled out. For Danish citizens and other European nationals, the UK ETA is becoming a requirement in 2025.

If you are from an eligible country for the electronic travel authorization and you are traveling to the United Kingdom for less than 6 months for tourism, business, short-term study, or to visit friends and family, you will require the ETA.

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Apply for your UK Electronic Travel Authorization today. Simply fill out the online form to get started.

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