1M
happy customers
24/7
support
1
years of experience
1%
visa approval rate
UK ETA World
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is a travel permit introduced by the British government for nationals from visa-exempt countries. This authorization must be secured prior to entering the United Kingdom and is required for purposes such as visits, transit, or for certain Creative Workers under specified conditions.
As part of the government’s vision to digitize border control by 2025, the UK ETA simplifies travel for eligible individuals. It supports various travel purposes, including tourism, family visits, business, and short-term study, offering a modern and efficient alternative to traditional visa applications.
UK Visa vs ETA
Understanding UK ETA and Visa?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is not a visa but a streamlined entry clearance for travelers from visa-exempt countries. Unlike the traditional UK visitor visa, which involves a more comprehensive application process with potential offline steps, the ETA simplifies travel with an entirely online procedure.
Key differences include validity and cost. The UK ETA is valid for up to two years or until the associated passport expires, allowing multiple entries with each stay capped at six months. In contrast, the standard visitor visa offers varying validity periods depending on the visa type and often comes with higher costs. The ETA provides a more convenient and affordable option for eligible travelers.
Who Needs the UK ETA
UK ETA Requirements
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is required for travelers from certain visa-exempt countries who wish to visit the United Kingdom. It is mandatory for short-term visits, business trips, family visits, transit, and other eligible travel purposes , APPLY NOW
list of countries where travelers need to apply for a UK
How to Apply for the UK ETA
Applying for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a quick and fully online process. Eligible travelers can complete their application in just a few steps:
01
Complete the Online Application
Provide your personal details, upload the required documents, and ensure all information is accurate before submitting the form.
02
Pay the Application
Fee
Use a valid payment method, such as a credit or debit card, or a digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay, to cover the application fee.
03
Receive Your Approved ETA
nce your application is reviewed and approved, the UK ETA will be sent directly to your email. It will be electronically linked to your passport, allowing smooth entry into the United Kingdom.
Essential Requirements for the UK ETA
Applying for the UK ETA
Applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requires all eligible travelers to meet a set of essential conditions. Below are the key requirements that every applicant must fulfill:
ETA Validity and Stay Duration
VALIDITY PERIOD
2 YEARS
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) remains valid for up to two years from the date of issuance, enabling multiple entries during this time. However, the ETA is tied to the passport used during the application process. If the passport expires before the two-year validity, the ETA automatically becomes invalid. Travelers must ensure their passport is valid for the entire duration of their UK visit.
STAY DURATION
6 MONTHS
With a valid ETA, travelers can stay in the UK for up to 6 months for purposes such as tourism, visiting family, short-term study, or business engagements.
Creative Workers: Eligible for stays of up to 3 months under specific conditions.
Permitted Paid Engagements: Visitors can stay for up to 1 month when meeting the criteria for this pathway.
RENEWALS
NOT POSSIBLE
ETAs cannot be extended or renewed. If a traveler’s passport expires or is replaced, they must apply for a new ETA. Each application is processed independently, and previously issued ETAs cannot be transferred to a new passport or updated for continued use.
UK ETA Processing Time
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is typically processed within three (3) working days after submission. In some cases, decisions may be issued sooner. However, certain factors can extend the processing time.
Factors That May Affect Processing Time
Additional Security Checks
High Application Volume
Errors or Missing Information
To avoid delays, applicants are encouraged to double-check all information and submit accurate, complete applications. Processing times may vary, so it is recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
UK ETA Decision
What Happens After You Submit Your Application
After submitting the application, the decision on the UK ETA will be communicated to the applicant via email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about the UK ETA
Nationals from the following countries can apply for the UK ETA :
Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay.
Asia-Pacific: Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong (including British National Overseas), Japan, Kiribati, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Tonga, Tuvalu.
Africa: Botswana, Mauritius.
United States: Nationals of the United States.
This list may expand in the future as the UK government rolls out the ETA to additional countries.
Yes, the following individuals are exempt from applying for a UK ETA:
British and Irish citizens.
Individuals with a valid UK visa or permission to live, work, or study in the UK.
Residents with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Travelers entering the UK from Ireland, provided they do not require a visa.
A UK ETA allows entry for the following purposes:
- Tourism and holidays.
- Visiting family and friends.
- Business-related activities such as attending meetings or conferences.
- Short-term study for up to six months.
- Creative Worker concessions for up to three months.
- Permitted Paid Engagements for up to one month.
- Transit through the UK to another destination.
The UK ETA is valid for two years from the date of issue or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries into the UK, with stays of up to six months per visit for general purposes.
At this time, citizens of countries not listed above are not eligible to apply for a UK ETA. They may need to apply for a standard UK visa depending on their travel purpose and duration. Additional countries may be added to the eligibility list in the future.
No, the UK ETA is not an electronic visa. The ETA is a travel authorization for visa-exempt nationals, granting short-term entry for specified purposes. An eVisa is a digital visa that outlines a traveler’s immigration status and conditions for their stay in the UK.
It is recommended that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. If your passport expires before the two-year validity of the ETA ends, the ETA will automatically become invalid, and you will need to reapply with a new passport.
If your application is denied, you will receive an email explaining the reasons for the refusal. Common reasons include failing to meet eligibility criteria, providing incorrect information, or security concerns. In such cases, you may need to apply for a standard UK visa depending on your travel purpose and duration.