UK ETA

A complete guide to the United Kingdom's Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA), including essential information and the application process.

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What is the Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA)?

The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is a mandatory travel permit issued by the British government for nationals of visa-exempt countries. Required before travel, the UK ETA applies to visitors for tourism, business, transit, short-term study, or Creative Worker roles under specific conditions.

As part of the UK's initiative to digitize border control by 2025, this electronic authorization offers a streamlined alternative to traditional visas, making the entry process more efficient for eligible travelers.

UK ETA

  • Quick online application process
  • Valid for multiple visits over 2 years
  • Lower cost than traditional visas
  • No biometric data required
  • Decision typically within 2-72 hours

UK Visa

  • Complex application process
  • Validity varies by visa type
  • Higher application fees
  • Biometric data collection required
  • Processing time several weeks or months

Who needs UK ETA?

Citizens of the following countries will need to apply for a UK ETA before traveling to the United Kingdom

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda

Argentina

Argentina

Australia

Australia

Bahamas

Bahamas

Bahrain

Bahrain

Barbados

Barbados

Belize

Belize

Botswana

Botswana

Brazil

Brazil

Brunei

Brunei

Canada

Canada

Chile

Chile

Costa Rica

Costa Rica

Grenada

Grenada

Guatemala

Guatemala

Guyana

Guyana

Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Israel

Israel

Japan

Japan

Kiribati

Kiribati

Kuwait

Kuwait

Macao

Macao

Malaysia

Malaysia

Maldives

Maldives

Marshall Islands

Marshall Islands

Mauritius

Mauritius

Mexico

Mexico

Micronesia

Micronesia

Nauru

Nauru

New Zealand

New Zealand

Nicaragua

Nicaragua

Oman

Oman

Palau

Palau

Panama

Panama

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea

Paraguay

Paraguay

Peru

Peru

Qatar

Qatar

Samoa

Samoa

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia

Seychelles

Seychelles

Singapore

Singapore

Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands

South Korea

South Korea

St Kitts and Nevis

St Kitts and Nevis

St Lucia

St Lucia

St Vincent and the Grenadines

St Vincent and the Grenadines

Taiwan

Taiwan

Tonga

Tonga

Tuvalu

Tuvalu

United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

United States

United States

Uruguay

Uruguay

What can I do with UK ETA?

Tourism and Leisure

Visit the UK's iconic landmarks, experience British culture, and explore historic cities.

Business Meetings

Attend conferences, business meetings, and networking events.

Visit Family & Friends

Spend time with family and friends residing in the United Kingdom.

Transit Through UK

Connect through UK airports on your way to other destinations.

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

2 Years Validity

Your UK ETA remains valid for 2 years from the date of issue or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Duration of Each Visit

You can stay in the UK for up to 6 months on each visit for tourism or business purposes.

Multiple Entries

Your UK ETA allows for unlimited entries during its validity period, making it perfect for frequent travelers.

UK ETA Requirements

To apply for a UK ETA, you will need to meet the following requirements and provide necessary documentation

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK. It should be in good condition with at least one blank page.

Payment Method

A valid credit or debit card to pay the UK ETA application fee. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.

Email Address

A valid email address where we can send your UK ETA confirmation and updates about your application status.

Travel Details

Information about your planned travel dates, accommodation in the UK, and your return journey.

Employment Info

Details about your current employment status, occupation, and employer information if applicable.

Clean Record

No serious criminal convictions or immigration violations in any country. You may need to declare any previous offenses.

UK ETA Application Process

Follow these simple steps to apply for your UK Electronic Travel Authorization

Fill Application Form

Complete the online application form with your personal and travel information

Pay ETA Fee

Make the payment using a valid credit or debit card

Application Review

Your application will be reviewed by UK Visas and Immigration

Receive ETA

Get your approved ETA via email within 2-72 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the UK Electronic Travel Authorization

Most UK ETA applications are processed within 2-72 hours. However, some applications might take longer if additional checks are required. We recommend applying at least 3 days before your planned travel date.

If your UK ETA application is refused, you will receive an email explaining the reasons. You may be able to apply again, addressing the reasons for refusal, or you might need to apply for a standard visa instead. The application fee is non-refundable.

Yes, your UK ETA is valid for multiple entries over 2 years, so you can travel on different dates than initially planned. You don't need to update your travel dates as long as your ETA and passport remain valid.

Yes, travelers of all ages need a UK ETA, including infants and children. Each traveler must have their own individual ETA linked to their own passport.

Your UK ETA is linked to your passport and will expire when your passport expires. If you get a new passport, you will need to apply for a new UK ETA, even if your previous ETA hasn't reached its 2-year validity period.

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