UK Electronic Travel Authorisation
UK ETA Application for Travel to the United Kingdom
Check your eligibility, understand the requirements, and prepare to apply online for your UK Electronic Travel Authorisation.
Do You Need a UK ETA?
Select your passport nationality to check whether you may be eligible to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation.
What is a UK ETA?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a modern, streamlined travel authorisation for eligible travellers visiting the United Kingdom. Rather than a traditional visa, it's an electronic permission linked to your passport.
An ETA allows qualifying international travellers to travel to the UK for tourism, business, family visits and other permitted short-term purposes. The application process is quick, straightforward, and completed entirely online.
Once approved, your ETA remains valid for multiple entries to the UK during its validity period, making it ideal for frequent travellers and those planning return visits.
UK ETA vs UK Visa
Understand the difference between these two travel authorisations.
UK ETA
- ✓Intended for eligible passport holders
- ✓Electronic travel authorisation
- ✓Linked electronically to your passport
- ✓Supports qualifying short visits
- ✓Can authorise multiple journeys during validity
- ✓Not the same as a visa
UK Visa
- ◆May be required based on your passport nationality
- ◆May be required based on your purpose of travel
- ◆Different visa categories for different circumstances
- ◆Conditions depend on the relevant visa route
- ◆Required for certain purposes or nationalities
- ◆Application process varies by visa type
Important: Not all travellers without ETA eligibility require the same visa. Your specific visa requirements depend on your nationality, passport, and reason for travel. Consult official UK immigration guidance for your circumstances.
What Can I Do with the UK ETA?
The UK ETA permits qualifying travel for various purposes. Ordinary visitor stays are generally permitted for up to 6 months on each visit.
Tourism
Holidays, sightseeing and travel
Visiting Family and Friends
Social visits and family connections
Business Visits
Meetings, conferences and professional activities
Short-term Study
Temporary courses and educational visits
Permitted Paid Engagements
Speaking, performances and professional services
Creative Worker Activities
Eligible cultural and creative work
What an ETA Does Not Allow
- ✗Staying longer than the permitted visitor period
- ✗Ordinary paid work for a UK company (except where specifically permitted)
- ✗Unpaid work or volunteering (except where specifically permitted)
- ✗Claiming public funds or benefits
- ✗Using repeated visits to effectively live in the UK
- ✗Marrying or forming a civil partnership where a specific visa is required
Important: An ETA permits you to travel to the UK to seek entry, but it does not itself guarantee admission at the UK border. Border officials will assess your individual circumstances upon arrival.
Countries Eligible for UK ETA
The UK ETA is available to passport holders of 83 countries and territories worldwide.* indicates specific eligibility conditions apply
*Special Condition: Taiwan passport holders may be eligible where the passport includes the required identification-card number.
Have questions about eligibility? Use the Do You Need a UK ETA? checker above to verify your passport nationality.
Who Doesn't Need the UK ETA?
Many travellers do not require an ETA to travel to the UK. Check if you fall into one of these categories.
- ✓British citizens
- ✓Irish citizens
- ✓People who already hold a valid UK visa
- ✓People with permission to live, work or study in the UK
- ✓People with settled or pre-settled status under UK immigration rules
- ✓Certain Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man permission holders
- ✓Qualifying airside transit passengers
- ✓British Overseas Territories Citizen passport holders
- ✓British National (Overseas) passport holders
- ✓Qualifying residents of Ireland with relevant travel privileges
- ✓Eligible children on France–UK school trips
- ✓People exempt from immigration control
- ✓Other categories with specific permission to enter
Note: Some exemptions depend on specific circumstances or immigration status. If you're unsure whether you need an ETA, it's best to verify your individual situation with official UK immigration guidance before travelling.
Use the Do You Need a UK ETA? eligibility checker above to confirm your passport nationality.
UK ETA Requirements
Information and documents needed for your application
Valid Passport
The passport you will use to travel. Your ETA will be linked electronically to this passport.
Passport Details & Image
A clear image of the passport photo/details page and accurate passport information.
Face Photograph
A recent digital photograph of the applicant that meets the required photo standards.
Personal Information
Required details such as your address, employment information and other nationalities where applicable.
Email & Contact Details
A valid email address and other required contact information for application communications.
Application Questions
Required declarations and questions, including criminal conviction information where applicable.
ETA Validity and Duration of Stay
Understand how long your ETA is valid and how long you can stay on each visit.
ETA Validity
Your UK ETA is normally valid for up to 2 years from the date it is granted.
However, your ETA validity also depends on your passport. If your passport expires before 2 years, your ETA expires at the same time as your passport.
If your passport changes or expires, you will need to apply for a new ETA linked to your new passport.
*Terms and conditions apply; see official guidance for full details.
Typical Visitor Stay
On each visit to the UK, visitors travelling on an ETA can generally stay for up to 6 months.
Qualifying visitor stays can generally be for up to 6 months per visit. This is separate from the ETA itself, which may remain valid for multiple journeys during its validity period.
Your permitted stay length on any visit depends on the purpose of your visit and what immigration officers decide at the border.
*Terms and conditions apply; see official guidance for full details.
Important Distinction
Your ETA validity (how long the authorisation lasts) is different from the duration of your stay (how long you can remain on each visit).
Do not confuse these two concepts. A 2-year ETA does not mean you can live in the UK continuously for 2 years on each visit.
Multiple Journeys: Your ETA can support multiple trips to the UK during its 2-year validity period, as long as you meet the conditions for each visit.
How to Apply for the UK ETA?
Five simple steps to submit your UK ETA application
Check Eligibility
Select your passport nationality using the eligibility checker to confirm you may be eligible for a UK ETA.
Prepare Your Passport and Photo
Have your passport and the required photo information ready before you begin your application.
Complete the Online Application
Enter your required details carefully, including personal information and travel purpose.
Review and Submit
Check all your information before submitting your application.
Receive Your Decision
Get your decision electronically. When granted, your ETA is linked to your passport.
UK ETA Processing Time
How long it typically takes to receive an ETA decision.
Many Within a Day
Decisions for straightforward applications
Up to 3 Working Days
Standard processing timeframe
Longer if Needed
Applications requiring additional review
What You Should Know
- →Many applicants receive a decision within one day
- →Allow up to 3 working days for your decision
- →Some applications may take longer if they require additional consideration
- →Decisions are sent to you electronically by email
- →Check your spam/junk folder as well as your inbox
Important: We do not control the processing time. Actual decision times depend on application complexity, volume, and other factors. Do not travel to the UK until you have received confirmation that your ETA has been granted.
UK ETA Decision
After you submit your application, here's what to expect.
ETA Granted
- ✓Confirmation is sent to you electronically by email
- ✓Your ETA is linked to the passport used in your application
- ✓Use that same passport when travelling to the UK
- ✓Wait until you receive confirmation before travelling to the UK
Taking Longer
- →Some applications require additional time for consideration
- →Check your email carefully, including spam/junk folders
- →If no decision after the expected timeframe, follow up through official channels
- →Do not make travel arrangements until you have confirmation
ETA Not Granted
- •Your ETA application has not been approved
- •An ETA refusal is not the same as refusal of entry to the UK
- •If you still wish to travel, you may be able to apply for an appropriate UK visa
- •Consult official UK immigration guidance for your options
Remember: The decision on your ETA application is made by UK immigration authorities. After submission, you will receive communications electronically. Always check official channels for updates on your application status.
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