All You Need to Know About the UK ETA
What is the UK ETA?
The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is a digital travel permit that allows travelers from eligible countries to enter the UK for short stays, including for purposes such as tourism, business, and transit. First launched at the end of 2023, the UK ETA was introduced to simplify the entry process by enabling travelers to confirm their eligibility before arrival, ensuring a smooth and secure travel experience.
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UK ETA: What You Can and Cannot Do
Understanding the permissions and restrictions of the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is essential for planning your trip—learn what you can and cannot do while traveling to the UK with an ETA:
What You Can Do with an ETA
With a UK ETA, travelers can explore the UK's vibrant culture and historic sites, connect with family and friends residing in the country, attend business meetings or conferences, and participate in study or training courses for up to six months.
Engage in creative projects or performances under the Creative Worker visa concession, allowing stays for up to three months.
Participate in specific paid activities that do not require a full work visa.
Travel through the UK on the way to another destination, even if you do not need to go through UK border control.
What You Cannot Do with an ETA
You cannot undertake paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless it's a permitted paid engagement or under the Creative Worker visa concession.
Enrollment in courses exceeding six months requires a student visa.
Accessing public benefits or funds is not allowed.
Using successive visits to live in the UK is prohibited.
You cannot marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership, without a Marriage Visitor visa.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is being introduced gradually to streamline entry requirements for travelers from various regions. Here’s a detailed timeline of its phased rollout:
The UK ETA was first introduced for citizens of Qatar in late 2023. Previously, Qatari nationals were eligible for the UK’s Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW), but now they must obtain a UK ETA for entry.
In February 2024, the UK expanded the ETA requirement to citizens of other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, who had previously used the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) for short-term visits. The GCC countries now included in the ETA requirement are:
Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Citizens of Jordan—who previously required a visa to enter the UK—also became eligible to apply for a UK ETA at this time.
Starting in September 2024, Jordanian citizens are no longer eligible for the UK ETA and must now apply for a traditional visa to enter the United Kingdom, reverting to previous requirements.
As of November 2024, the UK ETA is required for citizens of over 40 additional non-European countries that were previously visa-exempt. This expansion significantly broadens the range of travelers who must obtain a UK ETA before visiting the United Kingdom.
Beginning in April 2025, the UK ETA is mandatory for travelers from all visa-exempt countries, including those in Europe. This final phase completes the rollout, ensuring that all short-term visitors from visa-exempt regions obtain a UK ETA before traveling to the United Kingdom.
The following countries are currently required to obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) before traveling to the United Kingdom:
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belize
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Costa Rica
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
Hong Kong
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Kuwait
Macao
Malaysia
Maldives
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Nauru
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Oman
Palau
panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Qatar
Samoa
Saudi Arabia
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Taiwan
United States
Tonga
Tuvalu
UAE
Uruguay
Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
UK ETA Fees & Processing Time
Fees
Our all-inclusive fee for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is £44.89. This amount includes both the official ETA fee and our service fee, ensuring a smooth and efficient application process from start to finish. Our comprehensive service helps you save time and ensures accuracy, so you can apply for your UK ETA with confidence and ease.
Processing Time
The UK ETA processing time is typically within 3 days. However, to ensure you receive your authorization in time, it’s recommended to apply a few days before your planned travel date. This quick processing time allows you to prepare for your trip with confidence, knowing your UK ETA will be ready ahead of your departure.
UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is generally valid for 2 years or until the expiration of the passport used for the application, whichever comes first. During this validity period, the UK ETA allows for multiple entries into the United Kingdom.
The UK ETA allows a total stay of up to 6 months per visit, covering purposes such as tourism, business, or transit. This flexibility makes the UK ETA an ideal option for eligible travelers planning short visits over an extended period.
How to Use Your UK ETA
Once you’ve received your UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), you’re ready for your trip! Here’s what you need to know about using your ETA:
Presenting Your ETA on Arrival
When you arrive in the UK, present your valid passport at border control. Your ETA is electronically linked to your passport, so there is no need to carry a printed ETA document. Border officers can verify your authorization directly through your passport details.
What to Expect at Border Control
At UK border control, officers will verify your passport and check your ETA, which is electronically linked to your passport. While these are the primary requirements, it’s a good idea to have details of your travel plans, such as accommodation information and a return ticket, available if asked. This can help clarify your intentions and ensure a smooth entry process.
Staying within Permitted Activities
Remember, the ETA allows specific short-term activities, such as tourism, family visits, business meetings, and short-term study. Make sure your activities align with the permitted purposes to ensure compliance with your authorization.
What to Do If Your UK ETA Application Is Unsuccessful
Applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a straightforward process, but sometimes, applications may not go through as expected. Here’s what happens if your ETA application is rejected or refused, and what steps you can take next.
Rejected vs. Refused: What’s the Difference?
Rejected Applications
A rejection occurs when your application cannot be processed due to errors, such as missing or incorrect details, or issues with the submitted documents. If your application is rejected, you will be informed of the reason. You can address the issues and reapply. A rejection does not mean you are ineligible—it simply means the application could not proceed.
Refused Applications
A refusal means your application was reviewed but did not meet the eligibility criteria. This may occur if you fail to meet the eligibility requirements, or if security or other concerns are identified during the review process. If your ETA is refused, you cannot appeal the decision. Instead, you will need to apply for a visa if you still wish to travel to the UK.
Why Choose Our Service?
We make the UK ETA application process simple, accurate, and stress-free. Our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your application is completed correctly to reduce errors and improve your chances of approval. If your application is rejected, we provide full support to identify the issues and assist you in reapplying, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It’s recommended to apply for your UK ETA as soon as you finalize your travel plans. Applying early ensures that, even in the case of unexpected delays, you’ll have your ETA approval well before your travel date. The processing time for a UK ETA is generally quick, typically taking just a few hours to up to three days. However, to be on the safe side, it’s best to apply at least one week in advance of your trip.
No, the UK ETA cannot be extended. Once it expires—either after two years or when your passport expires—you’ll need to reapply with a new application. To renew your ETA, simply follow the same steps as your initial application, and you’ll receive a new ETA valid for another two years or until your new passport expires.
If you get a new passport or your personal details change (such as a name change), you’ll need to apply for a new UK ETA with the updated information. This is essential because the ETA is directly linked to your passport details. Applying with the correct and current information ensures a smooth entry into the UK.
Yes, each child or minor, regardless of age, must have their own UK ETA to travel to the UK. When traveling with minors who hold a UK ETA, be sure to carry any documentation that confirms your relationship to the minor (such as a birth certificate) along with details of your travel plans and accommodations. This helps facilitate a smooth entry at UK border control. as tourism, family visits, and other approved activities under the ETA.
The following travelers are exempt from applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA):
- British or Irish citizens
- Individuals with permission to live, work, or study in the UK, including those with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
- Holders of a valid UK visa
- British Overseas Territories citizens, traveling on a British Overseas Territories citizen passport
- Individuals exempt from immigration control
Additionally, nationals of a country eligible for an ETA are exempt if they are legally resident in Ireland and entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
Ready to Apply?
Secure your UK ETA today and get ready for a hassle-free entry into the United Kingdom. Start your application now for a seamless travel experience from beginning to end.
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