What is the UK ETA for Australian Citizens?

The UK ETA (electronic travel authorization for the United Kingdom) is a new digital travel permit that allows Australians to enter the UK for short stays. Starting January 8, 2025, Australian citizens will be required to obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) to enter the United Kingdom. Previously, Australians had visa-free entry to the UK, but this is a new entry requirement for short-term stays. 

The United Kingdom’s government first introduced the ETA for the UK in October 2023 for Qatari citizens as a replacement for the UK Visa Waiver scheme with hopes of managing immigration more effectively. The main purpose of this is to enhance border security and streamline the entry process for those traveling to the UK from Australia. The application process for the UK ETA for Australians will open on November 27, 2024, with it being required for those traveling from January 8, 2025. The UK ETA for Australian citizens will allow them to stay in the UK for up to 6 months for the following purposes: 

  • Visiting the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, family and friend visits, business purposes, or short-term studies.
  • Staying in the UK for up to 3 months under the Creative Worker visa concession.
  • Visiting the UK for a permitted paid engagement.
  • Transiting through the UK, including instances where UK border control is not crossed.

Even though the UK ETA is usually confused with a UK Visa from Australia, it is actually an electronic travel permit. The following page will give you a head start on how it works.

Statistics on Australian Visitors to the United Kingdom

There were 1.2 million visits from Australia to the United Kingdom in 2023, spending 1.6 billion GBP. Reports have shown that the average spend was £1,367 per visit. 89% of Australian visits to the UK were for the purpose of tourism or visiting friends and family. Studies have shown that Australians traveling to the United Kingdom stay almost twice as long and spend 33% more per visit than other international travelers.

Advantages of the UK ETA

The UK ETA system will make entering the United Kingdom simple for Australian citizens. There are many advantages of the new system being rolled out in January. Some of these advantages are the following.

Quick and Easy Application Process

The process was designed to be straightforward and it allows travelers to do a simple online application. The online ETA application is accessible and efficient for travelers.

Cost-Effective

The UK ETA for Australian citizens is an affordable option for short-term visits.

Multi-Entry Validity

The UK ETA allows for multiple entries during its validity period. This allows Australian citizens to enter and exit the UK multiple times during the validity period of the ETA.

Allows a Range of Short-Stay Activities

There is a wide range of purposes permitted with the ETA. These include, but are not limited to; tourism, business, and short-term study.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Australian Citizens

In order to obtain a UK ETA from Australia, specific eligibility criteria must be met.

  • Applicant Must Be an Australian CitizenOnly Australian citizens and citizens from eligible countries can apply for the UK ETA. This does not include temporary or residency permit holders in the country that do not have Australian citizenship. Those may need to apply for a UK visa.
  • Planned Stay of No More Than Six MonthsThe UK ETA allows for stays of up to six months. Applicants planning to stay longer will need to apply for a different type of UK visa for Australians.
  • No Criminal Record or Security ConcernsIn order to qualify for an ETA for the UK, you must not pose a security risk to the United Kingdom. Those with criminal convictions or who otherwise pose a threat to security may not qualify for an ETA.
  • Purpose of Visit Aligns with the ETA Permitted ActivitiesYou should only apply for the UK ETA if your purpose for travel aligns with the intended travel purpose of the ETA. These include tourism, business, short-term study, transiting, etc. Purposes beyond the permitted activities may require a visa.
  • Valid PassportA valid Australian passport is required to apply. Your Australian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure from the UK.

UK ETA Application Process

Applying for the UK ETA is a simple online process. The steps are very straightforward.

1

Complete the Application Form

Begin the application process by filling out the online application form. You will provide basic information, such as personal and passport details. You will also be required to upload a copy of your passport and a recent personal photograph.

2

Pay the Application Fee

After you submit the form, you will be required to pay the application fee. You can use any valid payment method to pay, including credit or debit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

3

Receive your UK ETA

Once the application has been reviewed, you will receive your ETA by email. If approved, be sure to either keep a digital copy or print your ETA to have with you when you travel to the United Kingdom.

Requirements for the UK ETA Application

To apply for a UK ETA, Australian citizens must prepare specific documents to ensure a smooth application process.

Passport

A valid passport is required to apply for the UK ETA for Australians. It is essential that your passport is valid throughout your intended stay in the United Kingdom.

Passport

Photo

A recent passport-style photo is a requirement. This should be a clear, high-quality image that meets certain provided photo requirements.

Photo

Payment Method

Payment is required in order to process your ETA application. Accepted methods of payment include credit or debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

Payment Method

Email Address

A valid email address is required as you will receive all communication about the status of your ETA via email, as well as the decision on your application.

Email Address

UK ETA Fees and Processing Time

The UK ETA application fee is £70, covering both the official government fees and our professional service fees to guide applicants through the process. This comprehensive fee ensures a smooth application experience, with additional support to help applicants meet all requirements.

The UK ETA processing time for Australians is typically 3 working days. It is advised to apply well in advance in case of any unforeseen circumstances regarding your application. 

As for traditional visas, the UK Visa processing times for Australians depend on your exact circumstances and the visa you are applying for.



UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

The UK ETA for Australian citizens is valid for multiple entries over the course of either 2 years or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever takes place first. Each visit allows for a maximum stay of 6 months, unless you are entering on the Creative Worker visa concession, which allows for 3 months.

UK ETA: Renewal and Extension Options

The UK ETA is not renewable or extendable. Once the validity period for the ETA is up you have plans to extend your stay in the UK, you will need to exit the UK and apply for a new ETA, then reenter the UK with it.

Depending on your reason for wanting to stay in the United Kingdom, you may consider applying for a UK visa for Australians. Options include Australians coming to the UK to study for a longer period of time, or a Work Visa. These visas have different application processes and requirements. It is best to research the visa for the UK from Australia that best suits your needs.

UK ETA Refusals: Common Reasons and Solutions

A UK ETA application might be refused for several reasons. The most common reason for denial is often related to the accuracy of the application. Other reasons for your application being rejected include incomplete application, insufficient supporting documents, concerns about your criminal record, or previous immigration issues. Your rejection email will include the reason your ETA application was not approved. 

Your next steps depend on your reason for denial. If you simply made a mistake in your application or didn’t fill it out completely, you can correct your mistake and reapply. If your application was rejected for something of a larger scale, such as a security or immigration concern, you may want to consult with an immigration advisor to assist you with the next steps.

Traveling with a UK ETA: Important Details

Once your application has been approved and you are ready to travel to the UK, there are a few important details to be aware of.

  • The ETA Will Be Linked To Your PassportIt is required for travelers to use the same passport linked to their ETA to enter the UK. If you have multiple passports, it is essential to use the passport you applied for the ETA with.
  • Entry Process and ChecksOnce you arrive in the UK, travelers with a valid UK ETA can proceed through border control with streamlined checks. Border officials may verify your passport, ETA approval, and potentially the purpose of your visit. You should have a digital or printed copy of your ETA approval email and any relevant supporting documents, such as a return ticket or proof of accommodation.
  • Traveling Within the UKOnce you pass through immigration, you are free to travel within the UK. Australian citizens with a UK ETA can visit England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for the duration specified by the ETA, as long as they adhere to the permitted activities.
  • Renewing Passports During ETA ValidityIf your passport expires before the ETA’s validity ends, you’ll need to reapply with your new passport. It’s essential to know that the ETA cannot be transferred between passports.

FAQs

As of right now, Australians do not require a visa to enter the UK for a short stay. However, starting January 8, 2025, the UK ETA will be a requirement.

The UK ETA stands for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization, which is a simple online travel authorization required from citizens from certain eligible countries to enter the United Kingdom.

Currently, Australians do not need a visa to enter the UK as a tourist coming for a short stay. Starting January 8, 2025, if Australians are visiting the UK for a short-term stay, they can apply online for a UK ETA.