UK Travel Authorization
UK ETA Application Apply Online for Travel to the UK
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for eligible citizens from 8 January 2025. It allows visa-free travel to the United Kingdom for up to 6 months for tourism, business, short-term study, or transit, and 3 months for paid creative work—simple, secure, and fully online.
Do You Need a UK ETA?
Select your country of residence to instantly check your eligibility for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation
What is the UK ETA?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a new digital travel requirement for citizens of eligible countries who wish to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, business, or transit.
Quick Online Application
Apply entirely online in just a few minutes
Instant Digital Process
Approved in minutes, fully digital and linked to your passport
Valid for 2 Years
Unlimited visits to the UK during the validity period
UK ETA vs UK Visa
See how they compare
What Can I Do with the UK ETA?
The UK ETA opens doors to diverse opportunities. Discover what you can do during your visit to the United Kingdom.
Explore iconic landmarks like Big Ben, enjoy the countryside, visit museums, and spend quality time with family and friends across the United Kingdom.
Attend business conferences, meetings, networking events, academic seminars, and professional development workshops across UK cities.
Enroll in short-term language courses, professional training programs, university summer schools, and educational workshops.
Pass through UK airports and ports as a connection point to your final international destination without leaving the secure transit area.
Visit UK healthcare facilities for medical consultations, treatments, surgeries, and specialized medical care from world-renowned institutions.
Work on short-term creative projects including music performances, film productions, art exhibitions, theater shows, and cultural events.
Attend or participate in wedding ceremonies and civil partnership celebrations with loved ones across the beautiful UK destinations.
Enjoy sporting events, music festivals, theater shows, cultural exhibitions, conferences, and major entertainment venues across the United Kingdom.
Countries Eligible for UK ETA
See if your country is on the list
North America
South America
Europe
Middle East & Gulf
Who Doesn't Need the UK ETA?
Not every traveler requires the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom. Some individuals may need a visa instead, while others might be exempt from both ETA and visa requirements based on their specific circumstances and nationality.
Other Nationalities
Citizens from visa-exempt countries (other than those eligible for ETA) do not require this authorisation to visit the UK.
Visa Holders and UK Residents
Those who already possess a valid UK visa or have permanent residence do not need to apply for an ETA.
British or Irish Passport Holders
Individuals with British or Irish passports are not required to obtain an ETA to travel to the UK.
Residents of Ireland and CTA
Non-Irish citizens residing in the Republic of Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man are exempt from ETA requirements.
British passport holders and individuals with permanent residence permission in the United Kingdom are not required to obtain an ETA for travel within UK territories.
Non-Irish citizens who are legally resident in the Republic of Ireland and traveling from within the Common Travel Area (which includes Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man) do not require an ETA.
UK ETA Requirements
Before you apply for your UK ETA, ensure you meet all the essential requirements. Here's what you need to have ready to complete your application successfully.
Your passport must be valid and issued by an eligible country. We recommend having at least two years of remaining validity to benefit from the full 2-year validity period of your ETA. Your passport number will be linked to your authorization.
You'll need a recent portrait-style photograph capturing your upper body. The photo must meet standard specifications: clear, well-lit, showing your face directly, taken within the last 6 months, with a plain white or light background.
You must have a valid payment method to cover the UK ETA fee. We accept credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. The processing fee is £1 for Standard processing or £2 for Express processing. Keep your payment details secure.
A valid email address is essential and will be used to send your UK ETA decision after approval. You must have access to this email account to receive important updates, your approval notification, and ETA details. Make sure it's accurate.
ETA Validity and Duration of Stay
Understanding the validity period and how long you can stay with your UK ETA is crucial for planning your trip. Here's everything you need to know about your authorization duration.
The UK ETA is a multiple-entry authorization that remains valid for two years from the date of issuance. This means you can travel to the UK multiple times within this period without needing to reapply. However, if your passport expires before the two-year deadline, your ETA authorization will become invalid. ETA holders must use their authorization by traveling to the UK before it expires, as unused approvals cannot be carried forward.
Eligible travelers who obtain an ETA can stay in the United Kingdom for up to 6 months per visit for purposes including tourism, visiting family or friends, conducting business, and short-term study. Creative Workers approved under the specific visa concession can visit the UK for up to 3 months. For those utilizing the Permitted Paid Engagement pathway, the maximum permitted stay is 1 month. The total duration depends on your travel purpose and the specific conditions of your authorization.
The UK ETA cannot be renewed or extended once issued. The authorization is permanently linked to the specific passport used during the initial application. If your passport expires or you obtain a new one, you must apply for a new ETA. There are no provisions for extending an existing authorization or modifying its validity period once it has been granted.
How to Apply for the UK ETA?
The UK ETA application process is straightforward and can be completed entirely online. Most applicants receive a decision within minutes, allowing you to finalize your travel plans quickly and conveniently from home.
Follow these simple steps to complete your UK ETA application and get approved for your UK travel:
Fill Out the Application Form
Complete the online application by entering your personal information, passport details, and travel purpose. The form typically takes 10-15 minutes to complete with all necessary documents attached.
Pay the Required Fees
Proceed with payment using your preferred method. Choose between Standard processing (£1) or Express processing (£2). We accept credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay securely.
Receive Your ETA
Once approved, your ETA decision will be emailed directly to you. It will be digitally linked to your passport, allowing seamless entry into the UK. Your ETA is valid for 2 years from approval.
UK ETA Processing Time
Up to 3 Working Days
Most UK ETA applications are processed and approved within three working days. Our streamlined digital system ensures quick verification of your eligibility and documentation. You'll receive your decision notification via email, and your ETA will be immediately linked to your passport for use.
Security Verification Required
Enhanced background checks may be needed for certain cases or travel histories.
Peak Travel Seasons
During holiday periods and summer months, application volumes increase significantly.
Incomplete Information
Missing or unclear details require additional clarification before approval.
UK ETA Decision
After your application is processed, you will receive a decision regarding your UK ETA status via email. The decision will clearly indicate whether your application has been approved or requires further action.
Approved
Once your application is approved, your ETA confirmation is sent directly to your email address. Your authorization is digitally linked to your passport, eliminating the need to carry physical documents. Your ETA remains valid for two years from the date of issue or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This allows you to make multiple entries into the UK, with each visit permitting stays of up to six months for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends.
Rejected
If your application is rejected, you will receive notification by email explaining the reason for the decision. Common reasons for rejection include not meeting the eligibility criteria, providing inaccurate or incomplete information, failing security checks, or having a passport issued by an ineligible country. In such cases, you may need to apply for a standard UK visa instead, depending on your purpose of travel and intended length of stay. We recommend carefully reviewing the feedback provided and consulting with immigration services if you plan to reapply.
Ready to Start Your UK Journey?
Begin your UK Electronic Travel Authorization application today.
Our streamlined process makes it quick and simple to get approved in just three working days.
Join thousands of travelers who have successfully obtained their UK ETA. Fill out our secure online form and start planning your UK adventure now.