What is the UK ETA for Japanese Citizens?

The UK ETA Electronic Travel Authorization is digital permission to travel allowing citizens from certain countries – including Japan – to travel to the UK without a visa for short-term visits up to 6 months. 

Here’s what you need to know:

  • The ETA first launched in October 2023 for Qatari citizens and has expanded in phases to cover other countries.
  • Japanese citizens have been eligible to apply for a UK ETA since the ETA for the UK launch date on 27 November 2024 and can use it to travel to the UK for travels planned on or after 8 January 2025.
  • The ETA replaces the UK electronic visa waiver scheme, making travel easier for visitors and secure for UK border control.
  • The ETA can be used to transit through or travel to the country for the following purposes:
    • Tourism; you can travel around the UK for tourism for up to 6 months. 
    • Business purposes.
    • Visiting family or friends for up to 6 months.
    • Short-term study for up to 6 months.
    • Permitted paid engagement like performing, public speaking, and entertainment.
    • Under the Creative Worker Visa Concession for up to 3 months.

If you want to learn more about the UK ETA application process, this guide will explain it all.

Japanese Visitor Statistics to the United Kingdom

  • The UK welcomed 225,000 visits from Japan in 2023.
  • The average Japanese tourist spent £1,079.
  • 77% of Japanese visitors are ‘extremely likely’ to recommend visiting Britain.

This shows a growing number of Japanese citizens visiting the UK and it’s possible that near future statistics will show a return to pre-pandemic travel levels.

Benefits of the UK ETA from Japan

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) was first introduced for Qatari citizens before it was rolled out to other countries around the world. The success of the ETA shows just how beneficial it is for travelers and the UK border control.

Fast and Easy to Apply

The UK ETA is fast and easy to apply for. Japanese citizens can apply for the ETA online without visiting an embassy. In most cases, the application takes just 3 business days.

Affordable Cost

The UK ETA online application is very affordable. Even with our professional service fees added, applicants only need to pay £78 per application.

Repeat Visitation

The UK ETA system allows you to enter the country multiple times while the ETA is valid. This means you can enter the UK repeatedly until your passport or the ETA expires (usually 2 years).

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Japanese Citizens

To travel to the UK, you need to pass these UK ETA requirements.

  • Japanese Citizenship You must be a citizen of one of the countries eligible for the UK ETA. The ETA has been open to applicants with Japanese citizenship since 27 November 2024. Remember, every applicant must have an eligible citizenship and apply individually – even children and dependents.
  • Travel Up To 6 Months The ETA is not a visa. To be eligible for travel under the ETA scheme, you cannot stay in the UK for more than 6 months at a time for business, tourism, or visiting friends and family. If you intend to stay in the UK for longer or for other purposes, you won’t be eligible for the ETA.
  • Valid Passport Having a valid Japanese passport is very important for ETA eligibility. Make sure that your passport is valid during your stay in the UK. As the ETA is digitally attached to your passport, it will expire when your passport expires!
  • Clean Travel and Criminal History You must have a clean travel and criminal history to apply for the ETA. You cannot be:
    • Subject to exclusion or deportation orders.
    • A criminal with an offense conviction that resulted in a 12+ month sentence.
    • A criminal with any conviction in the last year, regardless of the sentencing.
    • Involved with terrorism, extremism, or war crimes.
    • Recorded as previously breaching UK immigration laws.

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

The UK ETA for Japanese citizens is valid once your application is approved. Applications were open on 27 November 2024 and visit the UK using the ETA for travels on or after 8 January 2025. Your ETA is valid for up to 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner.

While the ETA is valid, you can visit the UK for up to 6 months without a visa. You can also come back to the UK multiple times without reapplying while your ETA is valid.

UK ETA Requirements for Japanese Citizens

To apply for an ETA to the UK, you must supply the following documents and information.

Passport

Your Japanese passport must be valid for your entire intended stay in the UK. Remember, the ETA will be digitally linked to the passport you use for the ETA application.

Passport

Photo

You’ll be asked to upload a photo to your application. It must be:

  • A recent photo of your face (not older than 3 months), free of distractions or coverings.
  • A plain background behind your face and a neutral expression on your face.
  • Between 600 and 750 pixels, and between 50KB and 5MB in file size.
Photo

Payment Method

The ETA for the UK fee must be paid when your application is submitted. You can pay via credit card, debit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay.

Payment Method

Valid Email Address

Use a valid email address on the digital application form. The system will send your payment receipt and the ETA decision to this email address.

Valid Email Address

Applying for a UK ETA for Japanese Citizens

To get a UK ETA from Japan, follow this five-step process.

1

Fill Out the Application Form

Complete the application form and provide your name, email, address, and other key personal details.

2

Attach Required Documents

Next, upload a copy of your passport and a photograph of your face.

3

Pay the Application Fees

You must cover the ETA for the UK fee to submit your application. The fees to apply for the ETA are non-refundable.

4

Submit the Application

Your application can be submitted online with a click of a button. You won’t need an appointment at an embassy.

5

Receive Your ETA

The ETA is a digital permission to travel, so you won’t receive any physical paperwork. Instead, you will get an email either confirming or denying your ETA application.

UK ETA Processing Time and Fees for Japanese Citizens

The ETA for the UK launch date for Japanese citizens was in November 2024 – applications are now open for travel. Make sure you apply well in advance of your travel plans. Most ETA applications are processed within 3 working days, however, it can take longer depending on the demand for the service. 

For the ETA for the UK, you must pay before your application is submitted rather than when it is approved. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. It costs £79 for an application using our services, including both the government fee and our professional service fee.

Traveling with a UK ETA: Important Details

Here are some important details about traveling with the ETA to the UK:

  • The ETA is applied to the passport you used during the application. If you have multiple passports, make sure you travel using the one linked to the ETA.
  • You must apply for the ETA before you travel instead of at border control.
  • Regardless of whether you have an ETA or a visa, you still need to pass through border control and security measures upon arrival.
  • You can travel anywhere within the UK (including England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland) on an ETA, but you cannot stay in the country for more than 6 consecutive months.
  • You cannot get married, claim benefits, work, or live in the country using the ETA. For these purposes, you must apply for the relevant visa instead!

FAQs

If your application is rejected, you’ll be emailed with a reason for the rejection – this is often due to incorrect information on the application form. You can reapply for the ETA and pay the application fee again. However, if your application is refused, it may be due to ineligibility or previous travel breaches, or your criminal record. In the case of refusal, you cannot reapply for the ETA and must apply for a UK visa instead.

Yes, the ETA is replacing the UK visa waiver scheme for all Japanese travelers. You either need to apply for an ETA or a visa for UK travel if you are eligible for an ETA.

Applications have been open since late November 2024. Japanese citizens can travel using the ETA from 8 January 2025. Until then, they must continue to use the visa waiver scheme or apply for the relevant visa.

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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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