UK ETA

Start your journey to the UK with a simple ETA online application, offering multiple payment methods including Apple Pay and Google Pay.

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What is the United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA)?

The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA) is a digital authorisation required for citizens of certain countries to travel to the UK. The UK ETA is designed to accommodate various short visit purposes, for up to 6 months, such as tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study.

The UK ETA application process is entirely online and is digitally linked to the applicant’s passport once issued, eliminating the need for additional documentation to verify its status. Travelers with an approved UK ETA will only need to present their passport at UK entry points, facilitating a seamless entry experience.

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Who Needs
the UK ETA?

The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is undergoing a phased rollout, meaning that nationals from certain countries will become eligible for the scheme in stages. Implementation began in November 2023, with Qatar becoming the first eligible country, followed by nationals of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan in February 2024. However, the UK government made the decision to exclude Jordanian nationals from the ETA scheme in September 2024, with visitors from Jordan now requiring a visa to travel to the UK. The UK expanded its ETA program to 49 more non-European countries on November 27, 2024. Applications are now open for qualifying individuals from these countries traveling on or after January 8, 2025.

Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina Argentina
Australia Australia 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 (including British National Overseas) Hong Kong (including British National Overseas)
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
The Bahamas The Bahamas
The United States The United States
Tonga Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu Tuvalu
UAE UAE
Uruguay Uruguay

Following this, the next phase of implementation begins on April 2nd, 2025, when nationals of 34 European countries will require an ETA to travel to the UK. Applications for nationals from the following countries will open on March 5th, 2025. Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Vatican City.

What can I do
with the UK ETA?

Embark on your journey to the United Kingdom with the UK ETA and explore a multitude of opportunities. Here’s what you can do with UK ETA:

Short-term business activities

Tourism or visiting family and friends.

Academic purposes

Creative workers

Transit through the UK.

With the UK ETA, travelers enjoy the flexibility to make the most of their time in the United Kingdom, whether it’s for leisure, business, education, or transit purposes.

ETA Validity
and Duration of Stay

1Validity
2 years

The UK ETA grants travelers a validity period of two years from approval, allowing for multiple visits to the United Kingdom within this timeframe. This extended validity offers convenience and flexibility for recurrent travel plans, ensuring hassle-free entry for frequent travelers.

2Duration of Stay
6 month

With the UK ETA, travelers can enjoy stays of up to six months per visit to the United Kingdom. This generous duration provides ample time to explore attractions, conduct business, or spend quality time with family and friends, enhancing the overall travel experience.

3Renewal
Extensions

Renewing or extending the UK ETA is not possible. Travelers must apply for a new ETA if they plan to visit the UK again after the current authorization expires. This ensures compliance with immigration regulations and facilitates seamless travel arrangements for future visits.

UK ETA requirements

Before applying for a UK ETA, it’s essential to understand the requirements to ensure a smooth and successful application process. Here’s what you need to know:

Passport

Applicants must possess a valid passport from an eligible country with a minimum validity period beyond their intended stay in the UK.

Passport

Personal Photo

A recent, clear passport-sized photo of the applicant is required, meeting specific size and format requirements outlined by the UK authorities.

Personal Photo

Payment Method

Applicants need a valid payment method, such as a credit or debit card, to pay the processing fee for the UK ETA application.

Payment Method

Email address

A valid email address is essential for receiving updates, notifications, and the final decision on the UK ETA application.

Email address

How to Apply for the UK ETA?

Applying for a UK ETA is a straightforward process that can be completed online.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to obtain your UK ETA:

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1

Fill Out the Application Form

Complete the online application form with accurate personal and travel details as required. Ensure all information provided is correct and matches your passport.

2

Pay the Required Fees

Once the application form is submitted, pay the required processing fee using a valid payment method, such as a credit or debit card.

3

Receive Your ETA

After the payment is processed and the application is reviewed, you will receive your UK ETA decision via email. Ensure to check your inbox regularly for updates and notifications regarding your application status.

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UK ETA
Processing Time

Features
Normal

The processing time for a UK ETA is typically within three (3) working days. Applicants can expect to receive their ETA confirmation within this timeframe after submitting the required documents and payment.

Delay

Factors Extending Processing Time:

  • Additional Security Checks Some applications may undergo additional security screenings, which can extend the processing time.
  • High Volume of Applications During peak seasons or busy periods, a surge in applications may lead to delays in processing.
  • Errors or Incompleteness Inaccurate information or missing documents can result in processing delays as additional verification may be required.

UK ETA Decision

After submitting a UK ETA application, applicants eagerly await the decision outcome. Here’s what happens in case of approval or rejection:

Approval

Upon successful review of the UK ETA application, applicants receive an approval notification via email. This confirmation grants them the authorization to travel to the United Kingdom hassle-free. The approved UK ETA, electronically linked to the passport, ensures a smooth entry process, offering peace of mind and convenience for the journey ahead.

Rejection

In the event of a rejected UK ETA application, applicants receive a notification outlining the reasons for the decision. Common causes may include inaccuracies in provided information or failure to meet eligibility criteria. However, applicants usually have the opportunity to rectify errors and reapply if necessary, ensuring fairness and transparency in the process.

Frequently
Asked Questions

Citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to the UK for short stays typically require a UK ETA.

A UK ETA is typically valid for two years from the date of approval, allowing multiple visits within this timeframe.

No, extensions or renewals of the UK ETA are not possible. Travelers must apply for a new ETA if needed.

The processing time for a UK ETA varies but usually takes within three (3) working days.

You’ll need a valid passport, a recent personal photo, and a valid payment method for the processing fee.

If your application is rejected, review the reasons provided and ensure accuracy in your reapplication.

Apply for UK ETA

Begin your application for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization now. Just fill out the online form to get started.

Apply now