What is a UK ETA for Portuguese Citizens?

The UK ETA is a digital travel permit that pre-screens travelers visiting the UK for short-term stays of up to 6 months.

As of June 2024, 128.4 million people worldwide visited the UK. A significant percentage of these arrivals were citizens of European nations, including Portugal. Evidently, the UK is an attractive destination for Portuguese citizens. Based on the provisions of the UK ETA for Portuguese citizens, short-term stays without a visa are available. This comprehensive guide discusses this provision, its implications, and its application.

UK announces ETA requirement for non-Europeans starting 2025. However, the more significant news is the announcement of the ETA for European nations, such as Portugal. The UK ETA launch date was on 28 April 2022. While initiating this scheme, the UK government announced changes to its immigration laws.

A major part of these changes is the introduction of the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). What is a UK ETA? This scheme allows visitors from selected nations to stay in the UK without a visa for up to six months. Previously, the UK ETA for EU citizens was not required.

However, the new regulation requires travelers to obtain a travel permit before arriving in the UK. The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme allows non-visa nationals to stay in the UK for up to 6 months on the following grounds:

  • Creative Worker Concession (up to three months)
  • Tourism, visiting family or friends, business trips, and short-term studies
  • Transiting in the UK to another nation, even if you will not go through border control

When will the UK ETA start? Applications for UK ETA for non-European travelers opened on 25 October 2023. Meanwhile, the UK introduced ETA for non-Europeans from 8 January 2025. However, this applies to Portuguese nationals on 5 March 2025.

Statistics on Portuguese Visitors to the United Kingdom

The UK is an attractive destination for Portuguese nationals. The UK welcomed 494,000 visits from Portugal in 2022. Portuguese football stars such as Pedro Neto and Joao Felix play in the English Premier League. Therefore, Portuguese nationals have reasons to visit the UK for short periods.

Portuguese visitors spent a total of £223 million during their visits, demonstrating their contribution to the UK economy. This statistic highlights the significant economic role the UK ETA from Portugal will have.

Advantages of the UK ETA for Portuguese Citizens

The inclusion of Portugal as one of the UK ETA-eligible countries can offer several  advantages, such as:

Fast Screening

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization allows Portuguese nationals to complete the pre-arrival screening process quickly.

Multiple Visits

The UK ETA for Portuguese citizens allows multiple entries for two years, making it both convenient and cost-effective, as one permit enables unlimited visits within that period.

Enhanced Security Measures

The UK ETA’s automation will enhance national security. Therefore, Portuguese citizens have more reasons to feel safe during their visits.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Portuguese Citizens

The UK ETA is not necessary for Portuguese citizens with a British passport or permanent residency. Others will have to meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Short-term Stay Only Portuguese citizens planning to stay for less than six months qualify for the UK ETA. For the Creative Worker visa concession, the duration is three months.
  • Previous Records Portuguese citizens with a criminal record are not eligible for the UK ETA.
  • Valid Passport A valid Portuguese passport is necessary for a UK ETA application.

UK ETA Application Process

How to apply for a UK ETA? The UK ETA application process for Portuguese citizens involves the following steps:

1

Complete the Application Form

Access the application form and start the application online. Provide the required information, including your full name and email address. You must also upload documents, including a full-page scan of your passport’s photo page. You will also need to upload a recent digital photo of yourself.

2

Pay the Required Fee

Use a credit or debit card to complete the payment.

3

Receive Your UK ETA

Review your information and documents carefully before submitting your application. You will receive an email notification regarding the status of your application.

Requirements for UK ETA Application

Before you apply for a UK ETA, make sure you meet the following UK ETA requirements as a Portuguese citizen:

A Valid Passport

A valid Portuguese passport is a vital part of the UK ETA requirements. Ensure it is valid before starting the process.  

A Valid Passport

Clear Digital Photo

A clear digital photo of your face is required for the UK ETA application.

Clear Digital Photo

Electronic Payment

A valid credit or debit card is required for payment.

Electronic Payment

Valid Email

A valid email address is required for application updates.

Valid Email

UK ETA Fees and Processing Time

The UK ETA application fee is £78. This covers the government fee and our professional services fee. This fee is reasonable, given the positive impact professional services can have on the success of your application.

The processing time for the UK ETA is a maximum of three working days. Within that period, you will receive an email notification of the application status. Further delay may be a sign of an issue.

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

According to the UK government, an approved UK ETA is valid for up to two years. During that period, you can visit or transit through the UK multiple times. After two years, you will need to apply for a new ETA.

Do not stay in the UK for more than six months with an ETA. Overstaying the approved duration is a breach UK immigration regulations. This may impact your chances of future entry into the UK.

UK ETA: Renewal and Extension Options

Portuguese citizens can stay in the UK for more than six months without a visa under the following circumstances:

  • Health Grounds A Portuguese national receiving medical treatment at a health facility in the UK may apply for an extension after six months.
  • Academics Portuguese students studying in the UK may be eligible for an extension.
  • Graduates Taking Professional Exams Graduates completing a clinical attachment or taking a professional exam may stay beyond six months with an approval.

Note: An extension requires a payment of £1,000 to the UK government.

UK ETA Application: Refused vs. Rejected – What to Do Next

A UK ETA refusal and rejection are not the same; each has different implications. A rejection indicates there were issues with the application process. It is strongly recommended that you carefully review your information and documents to avoid such issues. If your application is rejected, you will need to correct any wrong information or provide any missing documents then resubmit the application.

Meanwhile, a refused application could be due to ineligibility or criminal record. In this case, an appeal is not possible, and you must apply for a UK visa instead.

Traveling with a UK ETA: Important Details

Consider the following important details if you are considering obtaining an ETA to enter the UK:

  • Pre-planned purpose for Travelling: Ensure that your reason for travel aligns with the permitted purposes under the UK ETA. If you plan to stay longer than six months, you must apply for a visa instead.
  • Travel and Entry Process: Your UK ETA approval requires proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay. Additionally, ensure you have your return tickets and travel itinerary as evidence of a short-term visit.
  • Check Passport Expiry Date: Note that your ETA for the UK will be become invalid if your passport expires. Therefore, ensure your passport is valid for the entire intended period of stay intended before starting your UK ETA application.
  • After Passing Border Control Considerations: You will need to transport yourself to your destination after passing through border control. The efficient and cost-effective UK train system is your best bet.

FAQ

You will have to start over. The application is straightforward and does not take much time to complete; so it is best to make sure you have enough time to complete the full application in one go before you begin the application.

It all depends on your purpose of travel and duration of stay. The most common visa type is the standard visitor visa which allows short stays for purposes such as tourism and visiting family or friends. However, paid employment is not permitted under this visa. Make sure you research the different available visa types and pick the type that best suits your plans. 

Criminal records, breach of immigration laws, previous deportation, and unpaid NHS charges are the most common reasons for UK ETA refusal. 

It depends on the eligibility of your nation and your migration status. If you are a national of a country that was previously allowed visa-free travel to the UK, you will need an ETA before traveling to the UK.

You have to be deliberate about your application. Get accurate information from trusted sources before application. Employing the services of experts will also come in handy.