Electronic Travel Authorization for the United Kingdom
Your guide to UK Electronic Travel Authorization information and submitting UK ETA applications.
What is Electronic Travel Authorization?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA) is a pre-authorisation required for certain visa-exempt travellers to enter the UK, designed for visits, transit or creative workers under certain conditions. This e-authorisation is a simplified option for eligible individuals and is a key pillar of the government’s efforts to digitalise border control by 2025.
The UK ETA facilitates a variety of travel purposes including tourism, family visits, business and short-term study, providing an efficient alternative to the traditional visa process.
Differences between UK Visa and ETA
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is not a visa, but a special entry permit for nationals of specific visa-exempt countries. Unlike the standard visitor visa, which is required for a wide range of nationalities and typically involves a detailed application process, including offline steps, the ETA offers an efficient, fully online application method.
Another difference between the UK Standard Visitor Visa and the ETA is their validity and associated fees. The UK ETA is valid for two years or until the expiry of the passport it is attached to, allowing multiple entries to the UK for stays of up to six months each. In contrast, the Standard Visitor Visa is tailored to different durations depending on the visa type and usually allows multiple entries. The ETA is notably cost-effective compared to the various fees required for the different types of visitor visas.
- Application method entirely online.
- Simple and straightforward application process.
- Valid for up to two years.
- More cost-effective than traditional visas.
- Includes offline steps.
- Involves a detailed application process
- The validity period varies depending on the type of visa.
- May involve additional visa fees.
What do we offer?
We provide information on the Electronic Travel Authorization, UK ETA requirements and eligibility criteria, as well as step-by-step instructions for preparing and submitting your application.
ETA Requirements for the UK
How to apply for an ETA for the UK?
The process of applying for a UK ETA is very simple and can be completed online. Eligible nationals can complete their application in just a few moments via the official online portal.
Applicants can follow these basic steps to submit their ETA application:
Complete the application form
Complete the online application by providing your personal information and attaching the necessary documents.
Pay the required fees
Proceed to payment to finalize your request.
Receive the ETA
Once approved, your ETA will be sent directly to the email address provided. It will be associated with your current passport and will remain valid for two years.
UK ETA processing time
Applicants will most likely receive their UK ETA within three (3) business days of submitting their application. The decision may be quicker, depending on the applicant's particular circumstances.
However, certain circumstances may extend this processing time:
-
Additional security checks:
If additional security checks or checks are required. -
High volume of requests:
Delays may occur during peak periods, or for operational reasons. -
Errors or incomplete request:
Requests containing errors or missing information may take longer to process.
Decision on ETA for the United Kingdom
Once the application is processed, the applicant will receive a decision regarding their ETA application via email.
- Approval
- Rejection
FAQ
Nationals of Qatar can apply for an ETA now, and nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can apply for a UK ETA from 1 February 2024, for travel on or after 22 February 2024.
Yes, citizens of other visa-exempt countries, such as Canada, Australia, EU countries and the US, do not currently require an ETA, but may be required to apply for one in the future. Holders of a valid visa, permission to reside, work or study in the UK, or a British or Irish passport are also exempt.
The ETA is designed for a variety of purposes including tourism, visiting family and friends, business, short-term study (up to 6 months), Creative Workers (up to 3 months), Permitted Paid Engagement (up to 1 month) and transit through the UK.
The ETA is valid for two years and allows for stays based on a specific purpose, ranging from a maximum of 6 months for general visits to shorter durations for Creative Workers or Permitted Paid Engagement.
Currently, EU nationals do not need an ETA. However, the UK ETA is set to become a prerequisite for EU citizens travelling to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The UK ETA is an electronic travel authorisation, a necessary prerequisite for entry for certain visa-exempt travellers, and not a UK electronic visa. It is not the same as the UK eVisa, an online record detailing a traveller's immigration status and the conditions under which they are permitted to enter or remain in the UK.
We support you every step of the way
Contact us to speak to our independent advisors, who will answer all your questions regarding the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation.