What is a UK ETA for Portuguese Citizens?

A UK ETA for Portuguese citizens is a digital permit that needs to be obtained in advance to enter the UK. The UK ETA, or electronic travel authorization, gives individuals permission to enter or transit in the UK and was first launched in October 2023 to strengthen border security. The ETA has been introduced primarily to nationals of visa-exempt countries. With the UK ETA system, the government can pre-screen travelers before their arrival to the UK. This enables them to prevent any individuals who may pose a threat to public security and prevent immigration law violations.

Portuguese nationals could previously travel visa-free to the UK but will require an ETA to enter the UK for travels on or after April 2, 2025. Applications for the UK ETA (Electronic travel authorization) for EU citizens open on March 5, 2025. With a UK ETA, you can do the following:

  • Stay in the UK for up to six months for:
    • Tourism: You can visit culturally and historically significant sites, go shopping, or participate in other leisure activities.
    • Family and friends visits: If you have friends or family residing in the UK, you can spend time with them in the UK with an ETA.
    • Business: You may want to travel to the UK to meet business partners, negotiate deals, or attend conferences.
    • Short-term study: If you’re planning to do a short course in the UK, such as a language course, you can do so with an ETA.
  • Come to the UK for up to three months on a Creative Worker concession
    • You can work in the creative industry as a dancer, actor, singer, or as a part of a film crew. Note that you’ll need to get a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor before you depart for the UK.
  • Travel to the UK for up to six months for a permitted paid engagement
    • If you’ve been invited for a paid engagement, such as to give a lecture, represent a client, or assess students, you can do so with an ETA. However, you must complete the paid engagement within the first month of your stay in the UK.
  • Transit through the UK
    • If you’re having a flight layover in the UK and will need to go through border control, you’ll need an ETA as well.

Portuguese Visitor Statistics to the United Kingdom

The UK welcomed 494,000 visits from Portugal in 2022. During their visits, they spent a total of £223 million, with an average spend of £451 per person.

Benefits of the UK ETA for Portuguese Citizens

Even though Portuguese citizens have to apply for an ETA to enter the UK, there are several advantages to the UK ETA scheme. Here are a few of them:

Multi-entry validity

With a single ETA application, you can visit the UK multiple times within the validity period. You do not need to reapply every time you visit the UK.

Cost-effective

A UK ETA costs less than a UK visa and is valid for a longer duration.

Quick application process

A UK ETA from Portugal application can be completed quickly as it only requires basic information from you. You also receive the outcome of your application much sooner than a visa. 

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Portuguese Citizens

Read on to determine if you’re eligible for an ETA: 

  • You’re not planning to stay in the UK for more than six months; if you intend to work, live, or do long-term study in the UK, you’ll need a UK visa instead. An ETA for the UK is for short stays only.
  • You do not have a criminal record. If you’ve been convicted of a crime and have received a sentence of 12 months or more, your ETA will be refused.

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

A UK ETA from Portugal is valid for two years, or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner). During this period, you can make multiple trips to the UK and stay for up to six months each time.

UK ETA Requirements for Portuguese Citizens

Before you apply for an ETA to the UK, review this list of documents that you need to ensure a smooth application process: 

Passport

Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your intended date of arrival in the UK. If you’re a dual citizen, apply with the passport that you’ll be traveling to the UK with.

Passport

Photo

You’ll need to upload a photo of yourself as part of the application. Here are the requirements for the photo:

  • It should be taken in even lighting against a solid, white background.
  • It should be a color photo that was taken recently.
  • Maintain a neutral facial expression and look straight at the camera.
  • Your eyes should be visible, so remove your glasses if there’s a glare.
  • There shouldn’t be any shadows or objects in the background.
Photo

Payment method

As the ETA for the UK application is completed online, you’ll need to have a valid debit or credit card to make a payment.

Payment method

Email address

Ensure you have a working email address as the ETA decision will be sent to you via email.

Email address

Applying for a UK ETA for Portuguese Citizens

The UK ETA application process is simple and can be completed in a short amount of time. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a UK ETA:

1

Fill out the application form

  • Fill in basic personal information, such as your full name, residential address, and date of birth, and provide your contact details.
  • Provide your passport details and describe your current job.
  • The UK ETA form also has a section where you’ll be asked to declare your criminal history and participation in terrorism or war crimes.
2

Attach the required documents

  • Attach a copy of your passport biodata page, ensuring all the information is clearly visible.
  • You’ll also need to attach a photo of yourself that meets the requirements outlined in the previous section.
3

Pay the application fee

  • Make payment using a valid debit card or a credit card.
4

Submit the application

  • After you’ve successfully made the payment, submit your application.
5

Receive your ETA

Check your email for the outcome of your application. If successful, you’ll receive your ETA via email. If your application is unsuccessful, you’ll also be notified via email.

UK ETA Processing Time and Fees for Portuguese Citizens

The UK ETA fee is £79. This fee includes the official government charges and our professional service fees. After submitting your application, you can expect to receive your ETA to the UK within three working days. You may also get your ETA sooner than this time frame. Occasionally, it may take more than three days. Apply well in advance to avoid any disruptions to your travel plans. 

Traveling to the UK with an ETA: Key Details

Here are a couple of things to note when traveling with a UK ETA:

  • You will be checked for a valid ETA before you depart for the UK as airlines and ferry operators are responsible for onboarding passengers with valid immigration documents.
  • As your ETA is digitally linked to your passport, you must use the passport you applied for the ETA with. If your passport got lost or stolen after you got your ETA, you must submit a fresh ETA application after you’ve received your new passport.
  • If you’re a dual citizen, travel with the passport you used in the ETA application.
  • After you pass through border control, you’re free to travel throughout the UK with your ETA. Take note that you should not pursue long-term study, gain employment, get married, or attempt to permanently reside in the UK with your ETA. To do any of the above, you’ll need to apply for an appropriate UK visa.

FAQ

Portuguese citizens need an ETA for travel on or after April 1, 2025. Thereafter, they will need an ETA to enter the UK for a short stay or transit. 

The UK ETA-eligible countries are those whose citizens were able to travel to the UK visa-free. The UK announced that it was going to launch the UK ETA in phases, with the Gulf countries being the first to be eligible for the scheme. ETA applications for non-European travelers are open, and the UK ETA launch date for them is January 8, 2025. 

A rejection does not necessarily mean that you’re ineligible for an ETA. It is often due to missing or incorrect information in the application. For example, the photo you submitted might have been unclear, making it challenging to confirm your identity. In other cases, you may have missed a digit in your passport number or entered your date of birth incorrectly. If your application is rejected, correct the issues and resubmit your ETA application

A refusal means that your application was processed and that you were not deemed to be an eligible applicant for a UK ETA. You cannot appeal this decision or reapply. The next step would be to apply for a UK visa instead. However, a rejection often happens due to missing or incorrect information in the application. For example, the photo you submitted might have been unclear, making it challenging to confirm your identity. You need to simply rectify the issues and resubmit your ETA application. 

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