UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Traveling to the United Kingdom is about to get more streamlined – and a bit more formal. Start by planning your UK trip, knowing you’ve got all entry clearances sorted before you even board the plane. That’s exactly what the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) offers.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the UK ETA – what it is, why it’s being introduced, who needs it (and who doesn’t), how to apply, and tips to ensure a smooth journey. Whether you’re a tourist, business traveler, or just passing through, read on to learn how the ETA will shape your next visit to Britain.

What is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new digital entry permit for visa-exempt visitors to the United Kingdom. In simple terms, it’s an online travel authorisation—not a physical visa stamp—that grants you permission to travel to the UK. The ETA was introduced to enhance border security and streamline the entry process. It functions similarly to travel authorisations in other countries (like the U.S. ESTA), allowing UK authorities to pre-screen travelers before they arrive.

Importantly, an ETA is not a visa. It doesn’t guarantee entry by itself; instead, it authorises you to board a plane or other transport to the UK. Upon arrival, you’ll still meet a Border Officer who will verify that you meet entry requirements. The purpose of the ETA is to make travel easier for legitimate visitors while protecting the UK by identifying any potential security risks in advance.

Who Needs a UK ETA?

The ETA requirement applies to international travelers who previously didn’t need a visa to visit the UK for short trips. In other words, if you are from a country that enjoys visa-free travel to the UK, you will need to obtain an ETA before your trip. This includes tourists, business visitors, and transit passengers from eligible countries.

The UK government is rolling out the ETA in phases, but ultimately, every visitor who doesn’t require a traditional visa will require an ETA. This means citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, EU/European countries, and many others must get an ETA prior to travel. Even travelers just transiting through the UK generally need an ETA, since it covers transit as well as visits. Essentially, if you do not need to apply for a full UK visa for short stays, you should plan on getting an ETA.

Each individual traveler needs their own ETA – there’s no group or family ETA, and children (even babies) will also need one (parents or guardians can apply on their behalf).

Eligible Nationalities for the UK ETA (2024–2025 Update)

The list of nationalities eligible (and required) for a UK ETA is expanding through 2024 and 2025. Here’s how the rollout is happening:

If you’re unsure about your country, you can refer to the UK government’s official list of eligible nationalities for the UK ETA here: UK ETA Eligible Nationalities

Who is Exempt from the UK ETA? (Who Doesn’t Need One)

Not everyone needs an ETA. There are important exemptions to be aware of:

• UK and Irish Nationals: If you hold a British passport or an Irish passport, you do not need an ETA to travel to the UK. UK and Ireland have a longstanding free travel arrangement, so citizens are exempt.
• Legal UK Residents and Visa Holders: Travelers who already have permission to live, work, or study in the UK do not require an ETA. Your existing visa or status covers your entry clearance.
• British Overseas Territories & Commonwealth: Holders of a British Overseas Territories citizen passport, or those with certain other British nationality types, won’t need an ETA. Similarly, if you’re a citizen of Ireland living in Ireland, you generally don’t need an ETA to visit the UK.
• Passengers requiring a Visa: If your nationality requires a visa to visit the UK under current rules (for example, citizens of India, China, Pakistan, and many others), you will not need an ETA. Instead, you must continue to apply for the appropriate UK visa as before. The ETA is only for those who currently do not need a visa. So, being “exempt” in this context simply means you’re outside the ETA system because you fall under regular visa requirements.

Note There is a temporary exemption for certain transit passengers. Initially the plan was to require everyone, even those just changing planes airside, to have an ETA. However, for now the UK has waived ETA requirements for airside transit – if you remain in the international transit area and do not go through UK border control, you might not need an ETA. This policy is subject to change, so if you’re transiting, confirm the latest rules before you fly.

Documents Required for a UK ETA Application

You’ll want to prepare a few key documents and details before you apply to ensure a smooth process:

1. Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport from an eligible country to apply. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK (at least 6 months’ validity remaining). You will need to enter your passport details and possibly provide a scan or clear photo of your passport’s biographical page.
2. Digital Photograph: The application will ask for a recent digital photo of the traveler. This could be similar to a passport-style photo showing your face clearly. Ensure the photo meets any guidelines (clear lighting, plain background, etc.).
3. Supporting Information (if prompted): In most cases, an ETA application won’t require extensive supporting documents. However, in some situations, you might be asked for additional evidence or information. While this isn’t part of the standard application, be prepared to provide such documents if requested. It’s also a good practice to carry proof of your travel plans and financial means when you travel, as a Border Officer may ask for them upon entry, even if the ETA was approved.

How to Apply for a UK ETA Online: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is a straightforward online process. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you navigate the application:

Pro Tip: If at any step you feel unsure, seek guidance. The process is user-friendly, but mistakes can happen. Double-check all info before submitting. If you realize you made an error after submission, you cannot edit a submitted ETA – you’d likely have to apply and pay again, so accuracy the first time is crucial.

Should you need additional support, consider reaching out for UK ETA Aapplication Help – for instance, the UK ETA Application Guide provides answers to common questions and can walk you through tricky parts of the form.

What You Can Do with an ETA

A UK ETA is quite powerful in terms of travel flexibility, within limits. Once you have your ETA approved, here’s what it allows you to do:

Tourism and Family Visits

You can visit the UK for tourism – sightseeing, holidays, visiting friends or family – for up to 6 months per visit. Your ETA covers leisure travel just like a standard visitor stamp would. Feel free to explore London, the Scottish Highlands, or any corner of the UK on vacation.

Business Trips and Short-Term Study

An ETA lets you attend business meetings, conferences, or job interviews, and even allows certain short educational courses. If you’re visiting the UK for a short business trip or enrolling in a short course (such as an English language class) that is under 6 months, the ETA is valid for that purpose.

Transit Through the UK

With an ETA, you’re permitted to transit through UK airports or ports. Even if you don’t plan to enter the UK fully, having an ETA ensures you can pass through immigration if needed or simply change planes. (If you remain airside for a connection, you might technically be exempt, but having an ETA removes any doubt and also covers you if plans change and you need to enter the UK during your layover.)

Creative and Academic Activities

The UK allows some specific activities on an ETA that are typically okay under the standard visitor rules. For example, you can come for up to 3 months under the Creative Worker visa concession (commonly used by artists, entertainers, musicians for short gigs) without needing a separate visa, as long as you have an ETA and meet the criteria of that concession.

Similarly, permitted paid engagements are allowed. This means if you’re an expert invited for a short-term paid engagement (like a lecturer, examiner, or professional artist for a one-off event), you can use an ETA for that visit.

Multiple Trips

Your ETA isn’t single-use. It is valid for multiple entries. An ETA is typically valid for two years. During that validity, you can travel to the UK as often as you like. There’s no need to reapply each time you visit, provided you’re traveling for allowed purposes and each stay is within the permitted duration.

What You Cannot Do with an ETA

It’s also worth noting that having an ETA doesn’t guarantee you entry. If a Border Force officer finds that you intend to do something not allowed (for instance, you say you’re coming as a tourist but you actually plan to work), they can refuse you entry despite your ETA.

Misusing an ETA or breaking its conditions could also jeopardize your ability to get an ETA or visa in the future. So, play by the rules: use the ETA for genuine short visits, enjoy your stay, and depart on time. If your plans change, you’ll need to go through the proper visa channels.

UK ETA Validity Period

Once you’re approved for an ETA, here’s what to expect in terms of how long it lasts and how it can be used:

➞ Duration of Validity :

A UK ETA is valid for up to 2 years from the date of issue. This means from the day your ETA is approved, you have a two-year window in which you can use it to travel to the UK. You do not need to reapply each time you visit within those two years.

➞ Multiple Entries :

During the validity period, the ETA allows multiple entries into the UK. You can visit the UK multiple times without reapplying, as long as each trip meets the allowed conditions. This multi-entry feature makes travel flexible and is a big improvement over the old single-use Electronic Visa Waiver that the UK had for some countries.

➞ Stay Limits Per Visit :

The ETA itself doesn’t change the maximum stay per visit, which is typically 6 months for standard visitors. So even though your ETA is valid for 2 years, you still can’t stay continuously for that entire period. Each of your trips can be up to 6 months, but after that, you should leave, and then you can return on the same ETA for another visit.

UK ETA Cost and Fees

Travel authorisations usually come with a fee, and the UK ETA is no exception. Here’s the breakdown of costs for a UK ETA and some notes on payments:

➞ Standard ETA Fee

The fee for a UK ETA is roughly equivalent to €19 or $21 USD though the exact conversion may vary with exchange rates. This fee is paid during the online application process and covers the processing of your ETA. Notably, the UK government has announced a fee update: from 9 April 2025, the ETA fee is likely to increase. So depending on when you apply, you might have to pay different amounts.

➞ Processing Speed Charges

If you opt for a faster processing service, there will be additional service fees on top of the base government fee.

➞ Payment Methods

You’ll pay the fee online via credit or debit card. Accepted cards usually include Visa, MasterCard, etc. PayPal or other methods are also available, but credit/debit card is the standard. The payment is secure and you should get a confirmation of payment. Make sure to use a reliable payment method to avoid any transaction issues.

➞ Refunds

ETA fees are generally non-refundable. This means if your ETA application is denied, you won’t get your money back. The fee covers the processing effort, not the outcome. So it’s extra important to fill out the application correctly and ensure you’re eligible, to avoid losing the fee on a rejected application.

Similarly, if you realize you made a mistake after submitting (and thus have to reapply), that’s another fee you’ll have to pay. There is typically no refund if you simply change your mind or if your travel plans are canceled after an ETA is approved. The only time a refund might occur is if there was a duplicate charge or a technical glitch, but those are handled on a case-by-case basis.

➞ Money-Saving Tip

Our UK ETA Fee Checker tool can help confirm the correct fee for your nationality and provide guidance so you don’t overpay.

UK ETA Processing Times: Standard, Rush, and Super Rush

One big question travelers have is: “How long will it take to get my ETA approved?” The good news is that the UK ETA process is generally quick. The timeframe can depend on a few factors, including if you choose any priority processing.

Let’s break down the typical processing times and options:

➞ Standard Processing

Under normal circumstances, most ETA applications are processed within 2 - 3 Working Days. In practice, a straightforward application often gets approved in a few days if the automated checks pass and there are no red flags. Standard processing does not cost extra beyond the normal ETA fee. So if you’re applying well ahead of your trip, this option is usually perfectly fine.

➞ Rush Processing

If you need your ETA result faster than the standard window, there is the rush processing option. With rush processing, the goal is often to get your ETA in about 1 - 2 Working Days. This can be useful if you have a last-minute trip or simply want peace of mind quickly. Rush processing usually comes with an additional fee. The outcome is the same; the speed is faster due to your application getting higher priority.

➞ Super Rush (Emergency) Processing

For travelers in a real time crunch, the option for super rush processing is available. This could advertise results in as fast as 24 Hours. You could apply in the morning and potentially have your ETA by the next day, or even later that same day. This level of service naturally carries a higher premium fee. It’s meant for emergencies.

Factors Affecting Processing

Keep in mind, even with the fastest service, no one can 100% guarantee immediate approval, because if your application is flagged for manual review by UK authorities, it may take a little longer. Flags could be caused by various things (a criminal record hit, an immigration violation history, or even random security screening). In such cases, your application might take closer to the full 6 days or in rare cases a bit more, regardless of any premium service. Luckily, most travelers won’t encounter this, but it’s something to be aware of.

Apply in Advance

The best advice is to apply for your ETA well in advance of travel. Since an ETA is valid for 2 years, there’s no harm in getting it a few weeks or months before your trip. This way, you avoid any last-minute stress. During peak travel seasons, there could be surges in applications, so giving yourself a buffer is wise. Many experts suggest applying at least a week or two before your flight, which gives ample time even if there’s a small delay or you need to reapply for some reason.

Peace of mind comes from applying early, but it’s nice to know that if you do need an ETA at short notice, it’s possible to get one quickly.

After You Apply: What Happens Next?

Here’s what to expect post-application and upon approval of your UK ETA:

1. Confirmation Email: Once your ETA is approved, you will receive an email notification. This email is crucial, its essentially proof that you have an ETA. It may contain an attachment or details confirming your ETA reference number, the validity dates, and the passport it’s linked to.

   Tip: Check your spam or junk folder if you don’t see an email within the expected time, just in case.

2. ETA Link to Passport: As mentioned, the ETA is electronic. There is no physical document to attach in your passport. Instead, your passport number is tagged in the UK immigration system as having a valid ETA. So, you won’t need to show any visa sticker or approval printout under normal circumstances – your passport is the key.
3. Printing the Confirmation: Even though it’s electronic, it’s highly recommended to print out the ETA approval email or have a digital copy saved on your phone/tablet. This is your backup. Having the ETA approval printout can smooth things over quickly if there is an issue. It’s also a handy reference for you of the expiration date.

What If Your ETA Application is Refused?

In the unfortunate event that your ETA is denied, you will be informed (usually by email) as well. The email might not give a detailed reason for refusal, but common causes could be ineligibility, mistakes or inconsistencies in the application, or issues found in background checks. If this happens, you won’t be able to travel on an ETA. Your options would be to apply for a regular visitor visa for the UK, or address the issue (if it was something correctable like a typo, you could try reapplying with correct info, but if it’s due to a serious issue, a visa with more documentation might be needed). Denials are not common for travelers who meet the criteria and fill out the form accurately.

Using Your ETA for Future Trips

Once approved, keep a record of your ETA’s expiration date. For any future trip to the UK within the next two years, you can simply book your travel and go – no need to reapply or notify anyone. It’s a good idea to carry the ETA confirmation on each trip, but you likely won’t be asked for it. If you get a new passport in the meantime, remember you’ll have to get a new ETA. Also note, if any of your circumstances change (new name, etc.), it should reflect on your passport first – then a new ETA would be needed with those changes.

Conclusion

The introduction of the UK ETA marks a new era for hassle-free travel to Britain. In this article, we’ve explored how the ETA system works, who needs to get one, and the straightforward steps to obtain your own ETA. The key benefits are clear: it’s an easy online process, it provides two years of travel validity with unlimited entries, and it bolsters security while still keeping the UK open and welcoming to legitimate visitors.

As a traveler, embracing the ETA means you can focus on the fun parts of your trip like planning your itinerary, packing your bags, and dreaming of your UK adventure. The application is quick, the cost is low, and the benefits are high.

Ready to explore the UK?If you’re from an eligible country, don’t wait until the last minute. Take advantage of this streamlined system and Apply for your UK ETA as soon as your travel plans take shape. It’s a small step online that will make a big difference at the airport. With your ETA in hand, you’ll sail through the formalities and be on your way to making memories in one of the world’s most visited countries.

Safe travels, and enjoy your time in the United Kingdom! If you need any further guidance, be sure to check out our resources or Contact UK ETA Support – we’re here to help make your UK journey a success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew or extend my UK ETA when it expires? Do children and minors need their own ETA to travel? How far in advance should I apply for an ETA, and what if I apply last minute? If I have a UK visa or another immigration status, do I still need an ETA?