What is the UK ETA for Brazilian Citizens?

A UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Brazilian citizens is a digital permit for Brazilians to enter the UK. It permits Brazilian citizens to travel to the UK for short visits and was introduced to enhance border security. With this electronic system for travel authorization, all travelers to the UK will be pre-screened before their arrival, thereby reducing potential threats to national security.

This system is being rolled out in phases, with Qatari nationals having been the first to benefit from the UK ETA in October 2023. In the next phase, applications for the ETA were opened to Jordan and the remaining 5 countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in February 2024. The UK ETA replaced the UK Electronic Visa Waiver scheme, making it easier for Gulf nationals to travel to the UK. However, in September 2024, Jordan was removed from the list of eligible countries for the ETA.

From January 8, 2025, all non-European visa-exempt countries will require an ETA to enter the UK. This includes Brazilian citizens who can currently travel visa-free to the UK. Applications opened on November 27, 2024. In the final phase, nationals from European countries will need an ETA to enter the UK from April 2, 2025, with applications opening on March 5, 2025. 

The ETA will allow travelers to stay in the UK for up to six months for the following purposes: 

  • Sightseeing the UK, visiting family or friends, doing business, or taking a short academic course.
  • Working in the creative sector for up to three months under the Creative Worker visa concession.
  • Visiting the UK for up to six months for a permitted paid engagement (pre-arranged and pre-approved work).
  • Entering the UK for a layover, even if you’re not going through the UK border control

Statistics on Brazilian Visitors to the United Kingdom

The UK had over 344,000 visits from Brazil in 2023, a sharp increase from 267,000 visits in 2022. The majority of the visitors were also visiting the UK for the first time and 91% of Brazilian visitors said they were “extremely likely” to recommend Britain for a holiday.

Advantages of the UK ETA

Even though you now have to apply for a UK ETA to enter or transit through the UK, there are several benefits to this new system. Here are some of the main features and advantages of this new scheme:

Quick and simple application process

The application process can be completed online without needing to make any trips to the UK embassy. You only need to provide some personal details and upload a few documents. After submitting your application, you can also get your ETA for the UK in a couple of days.

Inexpensive

As the ETA is valid for two years, the application price is reasonable.

Multi-entry validity

You can make multiple trips to the UK using the same ETA, as long as it’s valid and the passport it is digitally linked to is valid as well.

Less waiting time at borders

As all travelers would have been pre-screened during the ETA application, you may expect to clear immigration more quickly than usual.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Brazilian Citizens

Ensure that you’re eligible to apply for a UK ETA for Brazilian citizens by reviewing this list:

  • You must be a citizen of Brazil You must be a Brazilian passport holder to get the UK ETA for Brazilian nationals. If you’re residing in Brazil but are a citizen of another country, check if you’re eligible for the UK ETA according to your nationality.
  • You must be planning to stay in the UK for no more than six months As the UK ETA allows a short stay of a maximum of six months per entry, you should not plan to stay for a longer period. If you’re planning to work, reside with family, or do long-term study, you’ll need to apply for an appropriate UK visa.
  • You must not have a criminal record You’ll be asked about your criminal history in the application. If you have been convicted of a criminal offense and received a sentence exceeding 12 months, your ETA application will be refused. You’ll then need to apply for a UK visa to enter the United Kingdom.

UK ETA Application Process

The application process for a UK ETA from Brazil is simple and can be completed quickly. Read on so that you can get ready to apply once the applications are open for Brazilian citizens:

1

Complete the application form

Fill in details such as your name, date of birth, and phone number. You’ll also need to answer questions about your job, criminal history, and other nationalities (if you have any).

2

Upload the necessary documents

  • Attach a color copy of your passport, making sure that all the corners of the bio page can be seen.
  • You will also need to upload a recent photograph of yourself that follows specific guidelines.
3

Pay the required fees

Fill in your payment method details and make the payment securely on the website. You can use a valid credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

4

Receive your ETA

Finally, you’ll receive your ETA for the UK by email. Print a hard copy or download a digital copy onto you. You’ll receive an email notification even if your application has been rejected or refused with the reason for the rejection/refusal.

Requirements for the UK ETA Application

When applying for a UK ETA from Brazil, you’ll need to provide certain personal information and prepare some documents. Here are more details:

Your passport

You’ll need to have at least six months of validity on your passport. If your passport is expiring in less than six months, renew it before applying for the ETA.

Your passport

A recent photo

  • Take a photo of yourself in even lighting, against a plain, light-colored background. 
  • Look directly at the camera and maintain a neutral expression. 
  • Your head and shoulders should be within the frame and your eyes should be visible. 
  • Do not wear a head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons).
  • Make sure there are no shadows or objects in the background.
  • Make sure to follow the size and format guidelines mentioned on the application page.
A recent photo

Payment method

Decide how you’re going to pay for the UK ETA fees. You can pay using a valid debit or credit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay.

Payment method

Email address

Ensure you have a working email address as you’ll receive the outcome of your application on your email.

Email address

UK ETA Fees and Processing Time

The UK ETA fee is £78. This fee includes both the UK government fees and our professional service fees. You can expect to receive the result of your application within three working days. Sometimes, you may get a quicker decision. Occasionally, it may take more than three working days so make sure to apply beforehand to make room for any unexpected delays.

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

Brazilian citizens can stay for a maximum of up to six months at a time in the UK over a period of two years or until their passport expires, whichever is sooner. You can make multiple visits to the UK during this period. 

UK ETA: Renewal and Extension Options

The UK ETA cannot be renewed or extended. You will need to apply for a new ETA once the two-year period is over or when your passport expires, whichever is sooner. If you wish to stay for a longer time in the UK, travel out of the UK and apply for a new ETA. Once you get the approval, you can enter the UK again. 

If you want to stay for more than six months, you’ll need a visa for the UK according to the purpose of your stay. For example, if it’s for long-term study, you’ll need a UK student visa.

UK ETA Refusals: Common Reasons and Solutions

Even though the UK ETA application is a straightforward and quick process, there are situations where ETAs are refused or rejected. Understand some of the main reasons why ETAs are refused/rejected and review the possible solutions:

  • Exclusion or deportation order Individuals who are the subject of an exclusion or deportation order will have their ETA applications refused.
  • Criminality
    • Your ETA will be refused if you’ve been convicted of a criminal offense and received a sentence of more than 12 months and if less than 12 months have passed since the date of conviction.
    • Provide details of the conviction as the officer will consider the nature of an overseas conviction. If the offense is not recognized in the UK, your ETA might not get refused.
  • War crimes, terrorism, and extremism If an applicant doesn’t disclose their involvement in alleged war crimes, terrorism, and extremism, their application will be refused.
  • Previous breach of immigration If an applicant previously overstayed their permission in the UK, their application will be refused.
  • False representation
    • Your application will be refused if you submit false documents or information.
    • To avoid refusal on these grounds, self-declare all the necessary information honestly.
  • Previous refusal as a visitor Your ETA will be refused if you’ve previously been refused entry clearance

If your ETA has been refused for any of these reasons, it means that you don’t qualify for an ETA. To enter the UK, you’ll need to apply for a visa instead.

Your application may be rejected for the following reasons:

  • Incomplete or missing information You may have filled in the passport number, address, and other details incorrectly.
  • Expired passport Your passport may have expired or have less than six months of validity from your planned departure date.
  • Unsuitable photo ETAs can be rejected when the identity of the person cannot be confirmed based on the photo submitted.

If  your application has been rejected, you’ll be informed of the reason for the rejection. This doesn’t mean that you’re ineligible for an ETA. You’ll need to correct the issues and reapply for an ETA.

Traveling with a UK ETA: Important Details

Note this essential information before you travel to the UK with your ETA to avoid any disruptions to your travel plans: 

  • As your ETA is digitally linked to the passport you applied with, you must only use the same passport to travel to the UK. You may have lost the passport you applied with or it may have expired and you got a new passport. In either of these cases, you’ll need to reapply for an ETA with your new passport. 
  • If you’re a dual citizen and own multiple passports, present the one you applied with for your UK ETA at the immigration.
  • The UK government will impose a fine on airlines and ferry operators if they board passengers who don’t have a valid ETA. This means that you’ll be checked for a valid UK ETA before boarding. When you arrive in the UK, the immigration officers will also check their system to confirm you have a valid ETA. Be prepared to answer additional questions about the purpose of your visit and the amount of funds you have for your trip. 
  • Upon passing through border control, you can travel freely throughout the UK.

FAQ

An ETA is digital permission for eligible travelers to visit the UK. This scheme is for short-term travel to the UK and is an electronic-only authorization. All non-visa nationals (except Irish nationals) will eventually require an ETA to travel to or transit through the UK.

Brazilian nationals don’t need an ETA to travel to the UK in 2024. However, you will need an ETA for the UK in 2025, starting from January 8th.

By April 2, 2025, every non-visa national to the UK who is staying for less than six months and doesn’t meet one of these exemptions will require a valid ETA to enter and transit through the UK: 

  • British and Irish passport holders.
  • Individuals who already have permission to live in the UK.
  • Individuals who have an Irish residence permit and don’t need a visa to enter the UK.

If your ETA application gets refused, you can’t appeal the decision. The next step would be to apply for a UK visa instead.

If Brazilian citizens try to travel to the UK without an ETA from January 8, 2025, onwards, they will most likely be refused boarding.