The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is a digital travel authorization issued by the British government to nationals of visa-exempt countries. This mandatory authorization must be obtained before traveling to the UK.
This streamlined electronic system is part of the government's digital border control initiative by 2025. The UK ETA supports various travel purposes including tourism, family visits, business activities, and short-term study programs.
Each traveler, including children, requires a separate ETA application.
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization 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.
The process of applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is straightforward and fully digital. Travelers are not required to visit a visa application center, attend an interview, or submit physical documents. Instead, everything is completed online from the comfort of your home.
The UK ETA is designed to allow eligible travelers a convenient way to experience all the UK has to offer. However, there are specific guidelines for what ETA holders can do during their stay.
The ETA allows visitors to travel to the UK for up to six months for leisure, sightseeing, or visiting family and friends. Travelers can explore cultural landmarks, enjoy tourist attractions, and spend quality time with loved ones during their stay.
Holders of the ETA may also undertake limited business-related activities. This includes attending meetings, conferences, or training sessions, as well as participating in short professional events. The ETA is not intended for long-term employment or work requiring sponsorship.
Travelers may use the ETA to attend academic events such as workshops, research projects, or short-term courses lasting up to six months. It is designed for temporary academic engagement rather than full-time study programs, which would require a student visa.
The ETA supports creative professionals who need to enter the UK for up to three months under the Creative Worker visa concession. This applies to performers, artists, musicians, and others involved in cultural or artistic projects, allowing them to participate in events, performances, or collaborations.
The ETA also allows travelers to pass through the UK while en route to another country. This applies when passing through border control at UK airports, ensuring smooth onward travel. Travelers are advised to confirm with their airline if they will need to pass through immigration during their connection.
Certain groups of travelers are automatically exempt, while others are covered under specific exceptions for entering the UK.
Anyone holding a British or Irish passport, including dual nationals, is free to travel to the UK without needing an ETA.
Travelers with a valid UK visa, right of abode, or official permission to live, work, or study do not require an ETA.
Residents of Ireland or those travelling from the Common Travel Area—Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man—remain exempt from ETA rules.
Passengers who only transit through a UK airport, without crossing border control, are not required to apply for an ETA.
Holders of British Overseas Territories Citizen or British National (Overseas) passports are fully exempt from ETA requirements.
Children on official France–UK school trips, and individuals exempt from immigration control such as diplomats, also remain exempt.
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.
Applicants must submit a recent portrait-style photograph capturing the upper body, which complies with standard specifications.
Applicants must possess a valid credit/debit card or have access to Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay the ETA UK fee.
A valid email address is required to receive the UK ETA after approval.
Start by filling in the online form with your personal details. Upload any required documents to support your application. Make sure all information matches the passport you plan to travel with.
Proceed to the payment section and cover the application fee. Your request will only move forward once the payment has been confirmed.
When approved, your ETA will be emailed directly to you. It will be digitally connected to your passport, allowing smooth entry into the UK with that document.
Applicants are encouraged to submit their ETA requests well in advance of their intended travel date to allow for any unforeseen delays. Preparing accurate documentation and double-checking personal details can help reduce the risk of extended processing times.
In most situations, travelers can expect their UK ETA application to be reviewed and decided within three (3) working days from the time of submission. Many applicants will receive their confirmation email even sooner, depending on the complexity of their case and the overall workload at the time of review. This decision will be sent directly to the applicant’s email address and automatically linked to the passport used in the application. With standard processing, the vast majority of travelers are able to finalize their travel plans without delay.
Some applicants may be selected for extra verification or background checks. This is a normal part of the process and may require more time to complete.
During periods of heavy demand, such as holiday seasons, major events, or peak travel months, applications may take longer to be processed due to higher volumes.
If an application is incomplete, contains inaccurate details, or supporting documents are unclear, additional time will be needed to verify or request corrections.
After the application is processed, the applicant will receive a decision on their ETA application by email.
When an ETA application is approved, the applicant receives a confirmation email with the authorization details. The ETA is automatically linked to the passport used during the application, which means travelers do not need to carry a printed document or show proof at the UK border. Airline staff and border officials can verify the authorization electronically by scanning the passport. The ETA remains valid for two years or until the associated passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, travelers may enter the UK multiple times without reapplying, with each stay permitted for up to six months. The approval allows visitors to travel for purposes such as tourism, business, short-term study, or visiting family and friends, providing flexibility and convenience for frequent travelers.
If an ETA application is refused, the applicant is informed of the decision by email. While the process is generally straightforward, rejections can occur for various reasons. These may include not meeting the eligibility requirements, providing incorrect or incomplete information, or concerns raised during security and background checks. A refusal does not necessarily prevent the individual from traveling to the UK, but it does mean that a standard visa application may be required instead. Depending on the traveler’s purpose and length of stay, this could involve applying for a visitor visa, study visa, or another category that aligns with their circumstances. Applicants are encouraged to review their information carefully before submitting an ETA request, as accuracy and completeness help reduce the likelihood of delays or refusals.
It costs £65 to apply online. The fee is not refundable in case of approval or rejection.
You’ll need your passport, email address, and a payment method (credit/debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay). You must upload or take a photo of the applicant’s face.
You must have their permission to apply for them, you will need to submit image of the passport bio page and personal photo of the traveler.
You’ll get a decision by email (usually within a day) with a 16-digit ETA reference. Contact us if no decision after 3 days. ETA is linked to your passport number – just show it when travelling.
An ETA lasts for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want while it is valid.
Start your UK ETA application process today
