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The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA) is a travel authorization issued by the British government to nationals of countries who are exempt from obtaining a UK visa. It is mandatory to apply for and obtain this authorization before traveling to the United Kingdom, and is designed for visits, transit, or Creative Workers under certain conditions.
This electronic authorization is a streamlined option for eligible individuals and is a key part of the government’s effort to digitize border control by 2025. The UK ETA facilitates various travel purposes, including tourism, family visits, business, and short-term study, offering an efficient alternative to the traditional visa process.
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation 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.
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The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) was implemented in stages, starting with nationals from certain countries, including those in the Gulf region, with further expansion taking place over time. The latest update occurred in April 2025, when EU citizens were included in the ETA requirement.
The requirement for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) was first introduced for Qatari nationals on November 15, 2023. As part of the scheme’s expansion, from February 1, 2024, nationals from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Jordan became eligible to apply for an ETA, effective for travel starting from February 22, 2024. However, in September 2024, Jordan was removed from the list of eligible nationalities for the UK ETA. On November 27, 2024 the UK ETA was expanded to an additional 49 non-European countries. Currently, the following countries are required to apply for a UK ETA in advance before traveling to the United Kingdom. The latest UK ETA update, implemented on March 5, 2025, introduced 34 European countries whose nationals could apply for a UK ETA starting from that date. As of April 2, 2025, travelers from these countries are now required to hold a valid ETA to enter the UK. Currently, nationals of the following countries are eligible to apply for a UK ETA in advance of traveling to the United Kingdom.
Not every traveler is required to obtain the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for entry into the United Kingdom. Some individuals might need a visa instead, or they might be exempt from both the visa and ETA requirements due to their specific circumstances. The UK ETA permits engagement in several activities, such as the following:
Other Nationalities
Currently, nationals from countries that are visa-exempt, other than those eligible for the ETA, do not require this authorization.
Visa Holders and UK Residents
Those who possess a valid visa or have permission to live, work, or study in the UK do not need the ETA.
British or Irish Passport Holders
Individuals holding a British or Irish passport are not required to obtain the ETA.
Residents of Ireland
If traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, they are also exempt from the ETA.
Individuals who already hold a UK visa or have permission to live, work, or study in the UK are exempt.
Non-Irish citizens who are legally resident in the Republic of Ireland and travelling from within the Common Travel Area (which includes Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man) do not require an ETA.
The UK ETA is designed to allow eligible travelers a convenient way to experience all the UK has to offer. However, there are some guidelines for what ETA holder can do.
While the UK ETA accommodates various travel activities, it’s important to note that for other purposes not specifically mentioned here, travelers, including those eligible based on their nationality, may require a different relevant visa type.
The ETA is a multiple-entry permit and remains valid for two years from the date of issuance. If the ETA holder’s passport expires before the two-year deadline, then the authorization is invalidated. ETA holders must use their authorization by traveling to the UK before it expires.
Eligible travelers who obtain an ETA can stay for up to 6 months in the UK for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or engaging in business or short-term study. Those traveling under the Creative Worker visa concession can come to the UK for up to 3 months. Additionally, individuals utilizing the Permitted Paid Engagement pathway are allowed to stay for up to 1 month.
The United Kingdom ETA cannot be renewed or extended. Once issued, it is linked to the specific passport used during the initial application. If a traveler’s passport expires or they obtain a new passport, they must apply for a new ETA. There are no provisions for renewing or extending the validity of an existing ETA.
To apply for a UK ETA, all eligible travelers must provide some basic requirements. The following are mandatory requirements for all applicants:
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.
The United Kingdom ETA application process is very straightforward and can be completed online. Eligible nationals can swiftly finalize their application within moments.
Applicants can take the following basic steps to complete their ETA application:
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Complete the online application by entering your personal information and attaching necessary documents.
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Applicants will most likely receive their ETA UK decision within three (3) working days after submitting their application. It is possible that the decision will be made in less time, depending on the applicant’s unique case. However, certain circumstances can extend this processing time.
Additional Security Checks
If further verification or security checks are needed.
High Volume of Applications
Delays can occur during peak travel times or due to operational reasons.
Errors or Incompleteness
Applications with mistakes or missing information may take longer to process.
After the application is processed, the applicant will receive a decision on their ETA application by email.
If approved, the ETA confirmation is sent to the applicant by email and will be digitally linked to the applicant’s passport, meaning travelers are not required to show proof of the ETA when entering the UK. The ETA remains valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever occurs first, allowing for multiple entries into the UK with each visit lasting up to six months.
Nationals of the following countries are now eligible to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, The United States, Tonga, Tuvalu, UAE, Uruguay, Vatican City.