What is a UK ETA for Danish Citizens?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA) is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt travelers, including Danish citizens who are traveling to the United Kingdom for a short stay of up to 6 months. The UK ETA for Denmark passport holders is part of the United Kingdom’s plan to completely digitalize its immigration system.
The primary purpose of the UK ETA is to enhance border security and streamline the travel experience. It is similar to a visa waiver, while not being a visa. Although Denmark passport holders previously traveled to the UK visa-free, it is now a requirement for them to obtain a UK ETA before traveling to the UK as of April 2025.
The ETA for the UK was first made available to Qatari citizens in October 2023 and became mandatory the following month. It was then rolled out to nationals of the other GCC countries in February 2024. The scheme was subsequently expanded to non-European citizens in November 2024 and to European citizens in March 2025.
The UK ETA is required for travel for purposes such as tourism, transit (only if going through border control), business, and short-term study for up to 6 months. It can also be used for other purposes like for permitted paid engagements, and for stays of up to 3 months on the Creative Worker Visa Concession.
If you’re wondering, “Do I need a UK ETA?” or “Who needs an ETA for the UK?”, the answer is simple. UK ETA eligible countries consist of all visa-exempt countries, including EU citizens. Make sure to check the UK ETA requirements before booking your trip.
Statistics on Danish Visitors to the United Kingdom
Danish citizens love traveling, and the UK is often a popular choice for them. In 2024, Danish citizens made 7.9 million outbound visits and spent a total of 11.2 billion US Dollars internationally. In 2023, the United Kingdom welcomed 629,000 visits from Denmark. During these visits, travellers spent a total of 361.7 million Great British Pounds throughout the year, with the average traveller spending £575 per visit.
Advantages of the UK ETA
There are many benefits of the UK ETA for EU citizens and the United Kingdom.
The UK ETA system makes the process for Danish passport holders to travel to the UK simple. They don’t need a visa, making short-term trips more convenient.
The ETA for the UK is completely electronic, allowing Danish travellers to apply quickly online, which eliminates the need for paperwork and embassy visits.
The ETA is valid for two years (or until the holder’s passport expires), so it allows for flexible travel plans.
Danish citizens previously entered the UK visa-free, so this may seem like an inconvenience. The ETA allows the UK to pre-screen visitors, which strengthens border security without major inconvenience, making the United Kingdom safer for its residents and for travelers.
Most UK ETA applications are processed within 72 hours, providing Danish travellers with rapid confirmation.
UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Danish Citizens
While it is a simple and straightforward application process for Danish citizens, there are still some requirements that need to be met in order to apply for an ETA for the UK.
- You Hold a Valid Danish Passport To apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) as a Danish citizen (or a citizen of any other eligible country), you must hold a valid passport issued by the Danish government.
- You Plan to Stay in the UK for No More Than Six Months The UK ETA is only valid for short-term visits of up to six months, so if you plan on staying in the United Kingdom longer than this, you should look into a different visa, appropriate for your travel purposes.
- You Intend to Travel for Permitted Purposes The UK ETA allows travel for tourism, transit, short business engagements, and certain short-term study purposes. It does not permit holding employment or staying long-term. If you plan on staying long-term or obtaining employment, you should apply for the appropriate visa.
- You Must Not Have a Serious Criminal Record If you are applying for an ETA, you should not have recent or serious criminal convictions. Applicants with a criminal history may be denied entry. If you are worried about your record, you may want to consult an immigration lawyer to find the best option for your circumstances.
- You Must Pay the ETA Fee The application fee must be paid to apply. This fee is non-refundable and is required for your ETA to be processed.
If you meet these requirements, securing a UK ETA from Denmark is straightforward.
UK ETA Application Process
The UK ETA application process is very simple and straightforward for Danish citizens.
Gather the Required Documents
Before you start the application process, make sure you have your Danish passport, a digital photo that meets the official guidelines, a valid email address, and a valid payment method ready to pay the application fee.
Complete the ETA Application Form
You can fill out the ETA application form here. You will be prompted to provide your personal details, travel plans, passport information, and some basic security and background questions. It is essential to make sure this form is filled out completely and accurately.
Upload your Digital Photos
After you finish filling out the personal details, you will need to upload a recently taken digital photo and a photo of the bio page of your passport. Make sure they meet the United Kingdom’s photo requirements.
Pay the Application Fee
Lastly, you will be required to pay the application fee using a valid payment method such as a credit or debit card. The fee is £98, which includes the UK government fees and our professional service fees.
Requirements for UK ETA Application
The requirements for applying for the UK ETA from Denmark are simple. All you need in order to apply is the following:
UK ETA Fees and Processing Time
The UK ETA is quick and cost-efficient. The full cost of obtaining the UK Electronic Travel Authorization through our service is £98. This fee includes the official government fee as well as our professional service fee. Most applications will be processed within 72 hours. Although there may be unforeseen circumstances that delay your application processing so we recommend applying in advance.
UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay
Once your ETA is approved, it is valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires. If your passport expires during this time period, you must reapply using the passport with which you will enter the UK. Danish citizens holding an ETA can stay in the United Kingdom for up to 6 months per visit for tourism, business, short-term study, medical purposes, or transit through the United Kingdom (only if they are going through border control). It’s important to note the ETA is for short-term stays only. If you are traveling with the goal of working or settling down in the UK, you should apply for the appropriate visa.
UK ETA: Renewal and Extension Options
The UK ETA cannot be renewed or extended. You must leave the country before your ETA expires and submit a new ETA application if you want to continue your travels in the UK. It is important to note that the ETA is strictly only for short-term visits, and you cannot obtain employment with this visa. If you wish to stay longer or work while in the UK, you should apply for a long-term visa, such as a Work Visa or Student Visa.
UK ETA Application: Refused vs. Rejected—What to Do Next
If your ETA Application was not approved, the first step is to determine the reasoning behind this. Your ETA was either rejected or refused. If it was rejected, your application was deemed invalid due to errors or incomplete information. If it was refused, your application was denied based on eligibility criteria or security concerns.
If your ETA was rejected, it was likely due to incomplete or incorrect personal details or technical details during the application process. You should correct the error and reapply.
If your ETA was refuse,d it may have been due to criminal convictions, security concerns, or previous immigration violations. You cannot appeal the ETA decision, but you should apply for a traditional Standard Visitor Visa, which will allow you to explain your circumstances.
Traveling with a UK ETA: Important Details
Once your application is approved, there are a few key details to remember when traveling to the United Kingdom.
- Your ETA Must Match Your Passport Your UK ETA is electronically linked to the specific passport you used when applying. If you have more than one passport, you must use the passport you applied for the ETA with when entering the UK. If you got a new passport after you applied for the ETA, you will be required to reapply with your current, valid passport.
- Airline Checks Before Departure Airlines will verify that you have a valid UK ETA before boarding. If you don’t have your ETA or your passport, you will be denied boarding.
- Border Control on Arrival When you arrive in the UK, your passport will be scanned by UK Border Force officers. If it does not raise any concerns, you will be permitted entry into the UK.
FAQs
Danish citizens are required to obtain the UK ETA to travel to the United Kingdom as of April 2, 2025. The UK ETA start date for European citizens was April 2, 2025.
As your professional service provider, we can answer any questions you may have. You can also find answers on our website.
The ETA is a simpler and quicker process specifically for short-term travel. A traditional visa may require more extensive documentation and have a more rigorous application process.
Apply for UK ETA
Begin your application for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization now. Just fill out the online form to get started.