What is a UK ETA for Singaporean Citizens?

The ETA is the new immigration security protocol for the UK. It is an electronic travel authorization that allows visitors from eligible countries entry into the UK. After the screening, travel is authorized and the authorization is electronically linked to the recipient’s passport.

The UK ETA is very similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) used for travel to the USA, and it has also replaced the Electronic Visa Waiver scheme (EVW) for GCC nations. It will become a new requirement for non-visa nationals (excluding British or Irish citizens). The ETA was launched on October 25, 2023, for Qatari citizens and has since been implemented for visitors from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The UK ETA for Singaporean Citizens will officially be required starting January 8, 2025, with applications opening on November 27, 2024. This is particularly important because Singaporean citizens usually travel visa-free; they now need to be aware of this new requirement and apply accordingly.

The UK ETA for Singaporeans will be needed if you are;

  • Visiting the UK for up to 6 months for the purposes of tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study.
  • Entering the UK on the Creative Worker visa concession for up to 3 months.
  • Visiting the UK for a permitted paid engagement.
  • Transiting through the UK, even if you will not be going through the UK border control.

Applications are opening for Singaporeans, and it is essential to understand this new requirement for traveling to the UK, including what it is, how to obtain it, and its purpose.
Here is everything you need to know about the scheme set to “digitize the UK border.”

Singaporean Visitor Statistics to the United Kingdom

In 2023, the UK received 191,000 visits from Singapore with a total expenditure of £227.2 million, averaging at £1,190 per visit.

Singaporeans choose the UK as one of their top vacation locations and this is why the introduction of the ETA for the UK is highly significant.

Benefits of the UK ETA for Singaporean Citizens

Although the ETA for the UK is a recent requirement for citizens traveling from Singapore to the UK, it still provides the benefits of visa-free entry and it optimizes the travel experience and security by offering other advantages.

Here are some of the things Singaporeans will benefit from while processing a UK ETA:

Quick and easy application process

The application process is done online and takes minimal effort to complete. Regardless of the applicants’ location or demanding schedules, the straightforward process is accessible to every Singaporean citizen.

Cost-effective

The ETA UK fee is affordable and the ETA, when obtained, is valid for two years making it an affordable and economical option.

Rapid approval

After completing the UK ETA application, it will be evaluated. This processing takes a short duration. It generally takes 3 working days for travelers to receive a validation. However, in many cases, it could be received in a matter of a few hours. The swift processing allows individuals to plan their trips with ease. 

Seamless processing and authorization

Another benefit of the ETA is its uncomplicated process. Information regarding approval or rejection is sent via email. You can easily rely on our services for the whole process. Once an individual’s application is successful, the ETA is linked digitally to their passport.

Multiple entry and exit validity

The UK ETA permits an unlimited amount of short visits, not longer than 6 months,  to the UK within two years. This is what separates it from a typical UK visa application from Singapore. This is only valid if your passport doesn’t expire during the two-year interval. With multiple entries allowed, a new application is not required for every trip. 

Improved security

Every application submitted includes the biometrics and contact information of the applicants. These details will be used to screen and identify eligible individuals for the ETA. The screening improves the security of the UK’s border by providing background and key information about travelers before they enter the country. This sounds more like a benefit for the UK government, but it also ensures your safety as a tourist.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Singaporean Citizens

To be eligible to apply for the UK ETA from Singapore, here are some boxes that you have to tick:

  • The Applicant Must Be a Citizen of Singapore The applicant must be a citizen of Singapore (or another ETA-eligible country) and have a valid Singaporean passport which will be used for applying and will assist in identification.
  • Applicants Are Planning To Stay In The UK For No More Than Six Months Applicants from Singapore who intend to stay for six months or less are eligible to apply for the UK ETA. Visits beyond that timeline will require you to complete a UK visa application from Singapore to obtain an appropriate visa.
  • Applicant Does Not Have a Criminal Record An application for a UK ETA could be refused where the applicant either:
    • Has been convicted of a criminal offense in the UK or overseas for which they have received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more.
    • Has been convicted of a criminal offense in the UK or overseas unless more than 12 months have passed since the date of conviction.

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

The UK ETA for Singaporeans will grant unlimited visits to the UK for two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first. This is because the ETA is digitally linked to the applicant’s passport. If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new ETA. 

Applicants using a UK ETA are allowed to stay in the UK for no more than six months at a time. You can always come back, as long as the ETA is still within its validity period.

UK ETA Requirements for Singaporean Nationals

During the application process for a UK ETA, Singaporeans are required to provide the following to apply for a UK ETA:

Singaporean Passport

Applicants will need to provide a copy of their valid Singaporean passport and its details. It is best practice for the passport validity to be at least two years in order to cover the ETA validity period.

Singaporean Passport

Digital Photograph

Applicants will need to upload a valid passport-sized photo. The parameters of the digital photo should comply with the provided guidelines stated on the application page.

Digital Photograph

Payment Method

Applicants will need a valid payment method to pay the UK ETA application fees for the completion of the process, this payment method can be a debit or credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

Payment Method

Email Address

During the application process, you will be required to provide an email address to reach out to you once your ETA is ready.

Email Address

Applying for a UK ETA for Singaporean Citizens

All Singaporeans can apply for an ETA from November 27, 2024. The entire process is done through the UK ETA online application and is quite simple. Follow these steps to get started on your UK ETA.

1

Fill Out the Application Form

  • Ensure you read and complete the UK ETA application form. 
  • Provide accurate information including your contact details.
  • Answer all questions in the application form accurately.
2

Attach Required Documents

  • Essential documents to be uploaded include a clear copy of your passport and a personal photo that was recently taken.
  • Take note of the required size and format guidelines for the digital attachments. They can be found on the above link to the application form.
3

Pay the Application Fee

  • Each application costs £70 covering the standard government fees and our professional service fees.
  • The payment options for the application fee include a valid credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
4

Submit the Application

  • Review the application before submission.
  • Make sure to fill all required sections of the form with the correct information.
  • Check all documents attached and ensure they meet the format guidelines.
5

Receive Your ETA

  • The UK ETA processing takes up to 3 working days and upon approval, you will receive a notification by email. 
  • If the application is rejected, a notification will also be received via email including the reason for the rejection.

UK ETA Processing Time and Fees for Singaporean Citizens

The UK ETA for Singaporean citizens is typically processed within 3 working days, provided the application process is correctly followed and there are no issues causing rejection.

The total cost of obtaining a UK ETA is £70. This amount includes both the standard government fees and our professional service fees.

Other Key Details of the UK ETA for Singaporean Citizens

For anyone who will be traveling to the UK from Singapore anytime from January 8, 2025,
there are some preparations to make regarding the newly introduced ETA scheme. 

Here are some important details for Singaporeans regarding the UK ETA.

  • Your Passport and the ETA
    • A valid passport must be submitted for the UK ETA application. The passport submitted will be linked electronically with the ETA after the application is approved. 
    • After an individual’s ETA is approved, if they get a new passport, they will need to submit another application for a new ETA with the new passport.
    • For those with more than one passport, ensure that the passport you intend to travel with matches the one used for the application. Using a different passport for the application and to travel will not allow you entry into the UK with that ETA.
    • The UK ETA can be used for up to two years from the date it was issued or until the passport linked to the ETA expires, which ever happens first.
  • Travel and Entry process
    • From January 8, 2025, the ETA will be required for Singaporean citizens traveling to the UK.
    • The passengers in transit who change planes at airports in the UK will also need an ETA. 
    • The application for the ETA must be completed and submitted before traveling as valid ETAs will be verified by carriers prior to boarding and upon arrival in the UK. 
    • Entry into the UK is not guaranteed by the UK ETA. This is still within the jurisdiction of the Border Force Officer.
    • Singaporeans must ensure that their visit to the UK aligns with the reasons and activities permitted under the UK ETA.
  • Traveling within the UK after passing through border control.
    • The UK ETA does not permit entry to the Republic of Ireland or other European countries. Singaporeans planning to visit these destinations should check their specific entry requirements.
    • Traveling within regions in the UK is not limited by the UK ETA. However, it is necessary to have a valid means of identification at hand at all times.

FAQs

No, the ETA is not a visa. It is simply a pre-authorisation system to screen visitors coming into the UK.

Yes, a UK ETA for Singaporeans requires each traveler to apply separately, including children and babies. Each individual may get a decision at different times, regardless of when they applied.

No, the UK ETA is valid for all routes and modes of transport into the UK, including traveling via the Common Travel Area (CTA).

Singaporeans do not need a visa to travel to the UK if they aren’t spending more than six months. However, starting January 8, 2025, all Singaporeans will be required to apply for an ETA to the UK for short visits.

No, the ETA is only a screening tool. You still need to see a Border Force officer to enter the UK.

On the rare occasion that a UK ETA application is refused, you can always address the refusal reason, if the reason can be corrected, and reapply for a new ETA. Alternatively, you can apply for a traditional UK visa.

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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