UK ETA means Electronic Travel Authorisation. It is the online permission to travel used by eligible visitors before traveling to the United Kingdom. This guide focuses only on the UK ETA: who needs it, when to apply, what information is required, how much it costs, how long it remains valid and how to use the official GOV.UK website or UK ETA app.
ETA means Electronic Travel Authorisation. It is a digital permission to travel to the United Kingdom for eligible visitors.
The UK ETA is linked to the passport used in the application. It allows the traveler to board a carrier and travel to the UK, but it does not guarantee entry.
The UK ETA is not a visa and does not change your immigration status. UK border officers make the final decision when you arrive.
Travelers who do not need a visa for short stays in the United Kingdom may need a UK ETA before travel.
The requirement depends on your nationality, travel document, immigration status and reason for travel. Visitors coming for tourism, family visits, certain business activities, short-term study or transit may need to check ETA rules before departure.
If you already need a visa for the UK, an ETA does not replace that visa.
You do not need a UK ETA if you already have a UK visa, permission to live, work or study in the UK, or another valid UK immigration status that allows your travel.
British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA. Some residents and travelers with specific statuses may also be exempt.
Because exemptions can change, always check the official GOV.UK ETA page before departure.
You should apply for a UK ETA before traveling and before relying on non-refundable travel plans.
Most applicants receive a decision quickly, but GOV.UK guidance has recommended allowing up to 3 working days in case an application needs further review.
Do not wait until the last minute, especially if you travel with children, a group, or a passport that was recently renewed.
To apply for a UK ETA, prepare the passport you will use to travel, access to your email, a payment method and a suitable photo or camera access for the application process.
You may need to provide personal details, passport information, contact details, a photo and answers to eligibility or security questions.
Enter your passport details exactly as they appear on your passport. A mistake in the passport number, name or date of birth can cause travel problems.
The official GOV.UK ETA page currently lists the UK ETA fee as £20.
Unofficial websites may charge more for unnecessary assistance. Always verify that you are using GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app before entering passport details or payment information.
First, go to the official GOV.UK ETA page or use the official UK ETA app. Read the requirements and prepare your passport, email address and payment method.
Then complete the application with your personal, passport and contact information. Follow the instructions for the photo and review every field before payment and submission.
After submitting the application, check your email for the ETA decision. Keep the confirmation available for your records and travel with the same passport used for the application.
If you make a mistake in key passport or identity details, you may need to submit a new application. The ETA is linked to the passport used when applying.
If you get a new passport, you need to check whether you must apply for a new UK ETA before traveling.
Use the official GOV.UK guidance if your details change after approval.
A UK ETA allows multiple journeys to the UK during its validity period.
GOV.UK states that an ETA lasts for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Each visit must still respect the permitted purpose and length of stay. The ETA does not allow unlimited residence in the UK.
Some travelers may need a UK ETA when transiting through the United Kingdom, depending on their nationality, route and whether they pass through UK border control.
Transit rules can be specific, so check the official GOV.UK ETA and transit guidance before booking connecting flights through the UK.
The official UK ETA service is provided through GOV.UK and the official UK ETA app. You should use these official channels when submitting passport, personal, photo and payment information.
Be careful with unofficial websites that charge higher fees, imitate government pages or claim that paid assistance is required. The official GOV.UK ETA page shows the current fee and application route.
The UK ETA is for eligible travelers who do not need a visa for certain short stays. It is not a visa and it does not replace a visa when a visa is required.
If you want to work, study long term, settle, join family, stay longer than allowed, or travel for a purpose not covered by ETA rules, check the correct UK visa category before departure.
ETA means Electronic Travel Authorisation.
Many travelers who do not need a visa for short stays in the UK may need a UK ETA before travel. You should check GOV.UK for your nationality and situation.
No. The UK ETA is an electronic travel authorisation. It is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into the United Kingdom.
The official GOV.UK ETA page currently lists the UK ETA fee as £20.
A UK ETA is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Yes. A UK ETA permits multiple journeys during its validity period, as long as each visit follows the permitted rules.
You should apply through the official GOV.UK ETA page or the official UK ETA app: https://www.gov.uk/eta.