What Is the UK ETA and Who Needs It?
The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is a digital travel permit that allows eligible visitors to travel to the UK for short stays, including tourism, business, and transit purposes. First launched at the end of 2023, the UK ETA simplifies the entry process by confirming travelers’ eligibility before arrival, enabling smoother, faster, and more secure border control. Similar to systems used by the United States (ESTA) and Australia (ETA), the UK ETA strengthens border security by identifying and preventing entry of individuals who may pose a threat to the UK, while ensuring convenient travel for genuine visitors.
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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
Travelers with a UK ETA can explore the UK’s attractions, visit family or friends, attend business meetings, or join short study or training programs — all for stays of 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.
Travelers passing through the UK on their way to another destination will generally need a UK ETA if they go through UK border control (lands-side transit).
Those remaining air-side — within the airport’s international transit area without entering the UK — are exempt from the ETA requirement. This exemption is currently under review and may change.
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 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
Andorra
Argentina
Austria
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kiribati
Kuwait
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Nauru
Netherlands
Nicaragua
Norway
Oman
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Samoa
Seychelles
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Spain
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Tonga
Tuvalu
Uruguay
Who Does Not Need a UK ETA?
You do not need a UK ETA if you:
- Are a British or Irish citizen.
- Already have UK permission to live, work or study (including settled/pre-settled status) or hold a UK visa
- Travel on a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) or British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) passport.
- Are transiting through a UK airport but will not go through border control (air-side transit).
- Are traveling from Ireland (or Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man) and resident in Ireland.
- Are a child traveling on the France-UK School Trip Travel Information Form.
- Are exempt from UK immigration control (for example, certain diplomats or official visitors).
UK ETA Fees and Processing Time
Fees
The official fee for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is £16 per applicant. This fee is set by the UK government and must be paid during the online application process. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
Processing Time
Most UK ETA applications are processed within three working days. However, some applications may take longer if additional checks are required.
For details about delays and what to do while waiting, see UK ETA Processing Time & Delays.
UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is 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.
What to Do If Your UK ETA Application Is Unsuccessful
If a UK ETA application is not approved, it may be either rejected or refused.
A rejected application usually means there was an issue with the submitted information and the applicant may be able to reapply.
A refused application means the application was reviewed and not approved, and the applicant will need to apply for a visa if they still wish to travel.
Learn more about the difference and next steps in UK ETA Rejected vs Refused.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For answers to the most common UK ETA questions, including eligibility, application steps, processing time, and travel rules, visit our UK ETA FAQ.