What Is A UK ETA For Polish Citizens?
The UK ETA for citizens of Poland is a travel document required by the United Kingdom for people visiting the country from Poland. It is a permit to enter the country without a visa for short-term stays.
The ETA is a digital authorization that prescreens travelers before traveling to the United Kingdom. Application for the UK electronic travel authorization (ETA) opens on March 5th, 2025 (the UK ETA start date). Although the UK ETA application opens in March, it will be required for travel on or after April 2nd, 2025. The ETA grants visitors access to stay in the United Kingdom for up to six months, but just for short-term purposes like:
- Tourism, visiting family and friends.
- Permitted paid engagements, such as performing or entertaining.
- Conducting business or short-term study (up to 6 months).
- Performing in the UK under the Creative Worker Concession Program (for up to three months).
- Transiting through the UK and will go through border control.
Statistics on Poland Visitors to the United Kingdom
In 2023 alone, about 1.6 million visits from Poland were welcomed by the United Kingdom, with the average amount spent per visit being £290.
97% of the visitors from Poland would recommend the UK as a holiday destination.
Advantages of the UK ETA
The UK ETA system offers several benefits for visitors to the country. Some of these advantages are:
Better Travel Experience
Considering the quick processing time, minimal paperwork needed, and streamlined online application, the UK ETA is a convenient experience for travelers especially since it grants multiple-entry for 2 years for up to 6 months period of stay each visit.
Enhanced Security
Security is another unmissable advantage of the system, as authorities pre-screen prospective visitors before their arrival reducing the risk of potential threats or immigration law violations.
Easy Application Process
The application process is straightforward and quick, it is done online and is usually processed in no time. This beats out lengthy and tiring visits to the embassy and paperwork.
UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Poland Citizens
While the ETA is available to every citizen of Poland, there are a few eligibility criteria to be checked before it can be approved. Some of these include:
- Criminal records; Applicants must have a clean criminal record with no prior serious offenses carrying a sentence of 12 months or more.
- Applicants must be nationals of Poland or one of the eligible countries for the UK ETA
- The ETA only allows short stays of up to 6 months and for the permitted activities only i.e. work is not permitted under the ETA.
UK ETA Application Process
The application process for an ETA for the UK from Poland is straightforward and entirely completed online in the following steps:
1
Complete the online application
This means visiting the website and filling out the online application form. Applicants will also have to upload the necessary documents.
2
Pay the application fee
After completing the application form and uploading the required documents, applicants need to pay the application fee using a valid debit or credit card.
3
Application review and receiving UK ETA
The UK personnel will review and process the application, and an email notification of the decision will be sent to the email used in the application.
Requirements for UK ETA Application
Like every other official application, there are compulsory requirements for the application. These include some documents and information that will be submitted or requested like:
Passport
To apply for UK ETA for Polish citizens, one must hold a Polish passport that has at least 6 months of validity from the intended travel date, as the ETA is digitally linked to your passport and it expires automatically if the passport expires.
Photograph
Applicants will need to upload a recent passport-sized personal photo against a solid light background with a neutral facial expression. It should be clear, colored, and in focus with no head covering except for religious reasons.
Email address
An email address is needed to communicate and receive important updates concerning the application.
A credit or debit card
You will need a valid credit or debit card to pay the application fee for your ETA for the UK from Poland.
UK ETA Fees and Processing Time
The processing time for a UK ETA is usually three working days, after which you receive an email informing you of the ETA application decision. Oftentimes, the application is processed even faster.
The UK ETA for Polish citizens costs £78; this cost covers the government fee and professional service charges.
UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay
The ETA has a validity period of two years. During these two years, you are allowed multiple-entry in the United Kingdom for up to six months at a time. However, you will need to get a new ETA if you acquire a new passport.
UK ETA Renewal and Extension Options
The ETA, as aforementioned, is valid for two years, during which holders can make multiple visits. But one thing to keep in mind is that once either your ETA or passport expires (whichever expires first), you will have to reapply for a new ETA, as they are digitally linked together.
There is no option to extend your stay beyond six months with the ETA. If you’d like to stay beyond 6 months, you will have to apply for a standard visa.
It also helps to keep in mind that the UK ETA is designed for short-term visits.
UK ETA Application: Refused vs Rejected- What to Do Next
When it comes to an ETA application, one’s application may be refused or rejected. These two terms have different meanings.
Refused
means one is unable to get the ETA and cannot reapply or appeal this decision. This can happen due to ineligibility or criminal record and you will need to apply for a standard visa instead.
Rejected
means it was not approved, but you will be informed of the reason why it was rejected which is usually some incomplete or incorrect information. You can apply again once the issues in the applications have been addressed.
Traveling With a UK ETA: Important Details
When traveling with a UK ETA, there are important details that should be kept in mind.
- Your UK ETA is digitally linked to the passport used during the application process. If your passport expires, your ETA automatically becomes void and you must apply for a new one. If you have multiple passports, you will need to use the same passport for the application of the UK ETA.
- It is recommended to carry a copy of your ETA and your passport in case you need to present them at border control and be prepared to answer questions concerning the purpose and length of stay. You may also be asked to provide your biometric details.
- While you are in the UK, ensure to take note of the conditions of your ETA. For the UK ETA 2025, you should not stay past the allowed duration of your stay. Also, keep your ETA and passport safe.
FAQs
A refused application means you can’t appeal or re-apply for an ETA again. However, you can go on to apply for a standard visitor visa to gain entry into the UK.
Yes, you need to apply for a UK ETA for transiting purposes. As long as you’re going through the UK borders, you need to get an ETA.
The ETA does not replace the typical visa for travel. The ETA allows you to travel to the UK for specific purposes for short-term. You would still need a visa to live and work in the UK.
The UK ETA scheme is specifically for traveling to the United Kingdom. The ETA cannot be used to travel to any other country except the UK. Generally, the UK ETA for EU citizens is only for entry into the UK.
Travel insurance is not mandatory for traveling with a UK ETA. However, having travel insurance is recommended.
The requirements for UK ETA for travelers from the European Union should be the same as for non-European travelers as long as the applicant is a national of one of the countries that need an eta for the UK. Generally, nationals of countries previously on the visa waiver scheme with the UK would be eligible for an ETA.