What is the UK ETA for Singaporean Citizens?
A United Kingdom (UK) electronic travel authorization (ETA) for Singaporeans is an official travel permission that allows the holder to travel to the UK for a specified period. It is a digital document that is linked to the holder’s passport.
The UK ETA was originally launched on October 25, 2023. It was initially only available to Qatari nationals. The UK government extended it to include citizens of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates in February 2024. In September 2024, Jordan was removed from the list of countries whose nationals are eligible to apply for the UK ETA. In recent UK ETA news, the UK government has decided to expand the UK ETA to include 49 non-visa nationals including Singaporean nationals.
Singaporean citizens were previously eligible to travel to the UK visa-free. However, starting January 8, 2025, Singaporeans need an ETA to the UK before arriving there. Applications open on November 27, 2024, to give plenty of time for those traveling on or shortly after January 8.
A UK ETA permit for Singaporeans allows for short stays of up to 6 months for the following purposes:
- Visiting the UK for short stays of up to 6 months for the purposes of tourism, business, visiting family and friends, or engaging in a short-term study course.
- Visiting the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession.
- Visiting the UK for a permitted paid engagement such as speaking at a conference or teaching a short study course.
- Transiting through the UK, including travelers who do not intend to pass border control.
Statistics on Singaporean Visitors to the United Kingdom
In 2023, Travellers from Singapore made 15.6 million visits to international destinations in 2023 and spent $25.5 billion in tourism expenses. In the same year, there were 191,000 visits from Singapore to the UK. While there, these travelers contributed to the tourism sector with a total expenditure of £227.2 million, roughly £1,190 per visit.
As of 2023, Singaporean visitors to the UK can fly directly from Singapore Changi Airport to one of four major British airports: Birmingham International, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Manchester International.
Advantages of the UK ETA
Expanding the UK ETA for Singaporeans has many benefits. Here are some of the top advantages of adopting this new type of travel permission:
Easy application process
The UK ETA application can be completed quickly and efficiently online. Applicants need to only upload the required documents, answer the application questions, enter their details, and pay the application fee.
Multiple-entry validity
The ETA for the UK is valid for up to two years and allows for multiple entries into the country. Holders can come and go as needed, provided they do not exceed the allowed stay duration of six months.
Increased security for travelers
The UK ETA is designed to improve security for all travelers to the UK and make the country’s borders more secure.
Quick processing time
The UK ETA can be applied for in less than 30 minutes. The processing time is usually very quick as well. While the official processing time is 3 business days, most application decisions are made in a few hours.
UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Singaporean Citizens
Singaporean citizens applying for the UK ETA for Singaporeans must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include the following:
- Singaporean citizenship Applicants from Singapore applying for the UK ETA must be citizens of Singapore and hold a Singaporean passport or a passport of an ETA-eligible country.
- Length of stay The UK ETA for Singaporean citizens allows for stays of up to six months. Therefore, applicants should not plan to stay for longer than six months on the UK ETA. If the applicant needs to extend their stay in the UK, they should apply for an alternate type of visa.
- Clean criminal record For a successful application, it is ideal if the applicant has a clean criminal record. An application can be refused if the applicant has either:
- been convicted of a crime in the UK or abroad and served a prison sentence of 12 months or more.
- been convicted of a crime in the UK or abroad within the previous 12 months.
UK ETA Application Process
The UK ETA online application process for Singaporean citizens can be completed easily by following a few straightforward steps. To apply for an ETA, applicants can take the following steps to obtain the UK ETA from Singapore:
1
Complete the application form
Singaporean citizens must complete all online UK ETA application form sections with up-to-date and accurate biographic and contact details.
They will be required to upload documents, including a recent personal passport-sized photo, and a copy of their passport, and answer the application questions.
2
Pay the required fees
All Singaporeans applying for the UK ETA must pay the application fees. Fees can be paid using a valid credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
3
Receive the UK ETA
Whether the application is approved or rejected, the applicant will receive an email notification. Approved applicants will have the UK ETA electronically linked to their passport, while those rejected will receive details about the decision and any next steps to be taken further. The official processing time for the UK ETA is three working days but usually is processed in a few hours.
Requirements for the UK ETA Application
To complete the UK ETA requirements for Singaporeans and ensure the best possible outcome, Singaporean nationals must be able to provide some required documents. These documents include the following:
Passport
All applicants must upload a copy of their valid Singaporean passport during the application process. This passport will be digitally linked to the UK ETA, so it should be the one the applicant plans to travel with. This applies to Singaporean nationals with multiple passports as well.
A personal photograph
All applicants must submit a personal photo during the application process. Photos must comply with the guidelines offered on the application page. The photo should be clear and unedited.
A valid payment method
Applicants must ensure they have a valid credit or debit card, or access to Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay the application fees.
Email address
Applicants must have a valid working email address to use for the application process. This email will be used to send the final UK ETA decision, so applicants must have access to it after completing the application.
UK ETA Fees and Processing Time
The UK ETA is a very affordable travel permission. For just £78, applicants can access our entire suite of professional application services and support and cover the government fees. As experienced service providers, we ensure that every application is completed to ensure the best outcomes.
The UK ETA processing time for Singaporean citizens is officially three working days. However, many applicants receive a decision in just a few hours.
UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay
The UK ETA for Singaporean citizens allows for short stays of up to six months. It is valid for two years, or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever happens first.
The UK ETA is a multiple-entry travel permission and allows the holder to travel for tourism, business, or to visit family and friends as many times as they want provided they meet the validity requirements.
UK ETA: Renewal and Extension Options
Singaporean citizens cannot renew a UK ETA. They must apply for a new one once theirs has expired. They should also apply for a new UK ETA if their passport expires before the expiration date of the UK ETA since it is linked digitally to the passport.
UK ETA Refusals: Common Reasons and Solutions
There may be some cases where a Singaporean national is refused a UK ETA and their application is unsuccessful. Here are some of the major reasons why this could occur:
An active criminal record
Reason
Applications for the UK ETA can be refused if the applicant was convicted of a crime in the UK or abroad and sentenced to 12 or more months. This also applies if they were convicted of a crime in the UK or abroad unless it took place more than 12 months prior. This falls under “non-conducive grounds” for refusal.
Solution
Applicants who were convicted of a crime in the last 12 months should wait to apply for the UK ETA and make other travel plans as needed. Those who were convicted for more than 12 months should speak to an immigration lawyer.
Completing the application incorrectly
Reason
A common reason for UK ETA application rejections is filling out the application with outdated or incorrect information. This might be by mistake or due to unforeseen changes after the application is submitted.
Solution
Applicants should take the time to complete the application form and double-check their information before submitting it online. The instructions for the application are easy to follow, but it is still essential to read all the information before starting any of the online steps.
Previous cancellation of a UK ETA
Reason
If the applicant was denied or had their UK ETA cancelled by the UK government before, their next application may likely be refused.
Solution
Applicants can explore other options for traveling to the UK, such as a traditional visa.
Potential intent to overstay
Reason
If the immigration authorities suspect the applicant intends to overstay their UK ETA, their application will be refused. This might be due to records of previous attempts to breach another visa or entry permit.
Solution
Applicants must provide proof of their intent to stay no more than 6 months in the UK. They should strive to have a clean immigration record.
Failure to provide a valid travel document
Reason
An application can be refused if the applicant fails to provide a valid travel document, typically a passport. Applicants can be refused during the application process or at the border upon arrival in the UK if their travel document does not match the one provided in the application.
Solution
Travel documents must be recognized by the UK government and be valid at the time of application. They should not be damaged, expired, or fraudulent. Applicants must use the same travel document to enter the UK as they did in their application.
Traveling with a UK ETA: Important Details
- Singaporean citizens must travel to the UK ETA with the same passport they used to apply online. The UK ETA is digitally linked to the holder’s passport and is non-transferable. This applies to holders of multiple passports as well.
- Citizens of Singapore with a UK ETA can travel to the country normally with the passport they used to apply. Once they arrive, they should head to border security. The UK ETA is a travel permission but does not guarantee entry into the UK. The UK border officials make the final entry decision upon arrival.
- While traveling inside the UK, Singaporean citizens must have their passports with the UK ETA accessible at all times. That passport is considered the holder’s official permission to remain inside the country, so it’s important to keep it safe.
FAQ
Only certain nationalities are eligible to obtain a UK ETA. Starting on November 27, 2024, applications will open for 49 non-visa nationalities, including nationals of Singapore. If you are interested in traveling to the UK ETA in 2025, it’s essential to check the list of eligible nationalities for the UK ETA before completing any travel plans.
Previously, Singaporean nationals did not have to complete a UK visa application from Singapore to travel to the UK. Starting January 8, 2025, they will be required to have an ETA to the UK for short stays of up to six months. Applications will open on November 27, 2024, to allow for plenty of time to acquire a UK ETA before the deadline. The UK ETA is a digital travel permission that is linked to their passport for two years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Singaporean nationals can easily apply for a UK ETA online by filling out the application form and paying the fees. The UK ETA decision is sent by email within three working days
Singaporean citizens must meet the requirements for the UK ETA application, including possessing a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photograph, and a valid email address. They should also have a valid credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay to cover the ETA for the UK fee.
No, a UK ETA cannot be obtained upon departure or arrival at the airport. It can only be obtained online through the proper platforms before arriving in the UK.