UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Requirements for Japanese Citizens

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system will be used in the UK for visitors who do not require a visa, such as Japanese nationals. This new requirement has replaced the current visa-free entry process, ensuring a smoother and more secure travel experience. Japanese passport holders visiting the UK for tourism, business, short-term study, or transit now need to apply for an UK ETA online before departure. The application process is straightforward and only asks for basic personal information, passport information, and a small fee. Once approved, the ETA will allow multiple short stays in the UK for up to six months per visit.

Who Is Not Required to Apply for a UK ETA from Japan?

UK ETA Requirements for Japanese Citizens

Japanese travelers must meet specific requirements to successfully apply for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling. Below are the key conditions:

1. Valid Japanese Passport – Applicants must have a machine-readable, biometric passport valid for their entire stay in the UK. The passport details provided in the ETA application must match exactly with the one used for travel.
2. Personal Information – Travelers must enter their full name, date of birth, nationality, contact details, and home address in Japan. Ensuring accuracy in this information is crucial for approval.
3. Travel Information – While an exact arrival date isn’t always required, applicants must state their reason for visiting (tourism, business, study, or transit) and confirm their stay will not exceed six months per visit.
4. Security and Background Questions – The UK government may ask about an applicant’s criminal record, past immigration violations, or ties to prohibited organizations to assess security risks.
5. Payment of ETA Fee – The application requires an online payment, typically around £10 per person, using a valid credit or debit card. This fee is non-refundable.
6. Email Address for Confirmation – A valid email is required to receive the ETA approval. Travelers should check their inbox (including spam folders) to ensure they receive the confirmation before departure.
7. Application Timing – The UK ETA must be obtained before boarding a flight. Most applications are processed within 1-6 days, but to prevent delays, travellers should apply well in advance.

UK ETA Application Process for Japanese Citizens

Japanese travelers will need to complete a simple online application to obtain the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departure. Here’s how the process works:The passport is electronically connected to the authorisation

1. Complete the Online Application – Japanese travelers must fill out the UK ETA Application Form. This requires providing personal details, passport information, and travel plans, including the purpose and expected duration of the visit. To prevent rejection or processing delays, accuracy is essential.
2. Answer Security Questions – Applicants must respond to background questions related to criminal history, past immigration violations, or security risks. Honest and accurate answers are essential, as false information can lead to denial of the ETA.
3. Pay the ETA Fee – A credit or debit card must be used to pay the processing charge online. The fee is non-refundable, and payment must be successfully completed for the application to proceed.
4. Receive Approval & Travel – Once submitted, the ETA is processed, and applicants receive a confirmation via email. The passport is electronically connected to the authorisation, meaning no physical document is required, but approval must be secured before boarding a flight to the UK.

UK ETA Validity for Japanese Citizens

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) provides Japanese travelers with a streamlined way to visit the UK without applying for a traditional visa. Once approved, the ETA remains valid for multiple trips, allowing flexibility for short stays. However, travelers must ensure their ETA is valid at the time of travel and linked to their current passport. Below are the key details regarding the validity of the UK ETA.

1. Multiple Entries – The UK ETA allows Japanese travelers to enter the UK multiple times during its validity period, making it convenient for frequent visitors. Each visit must comply with the permitted length of stay.
2. Validity Period – The ETA remains valid for a set period from the date of approval, which is two years. However, if the passport used for the application expires, the traveler must apply for a new ETA.
3. Maximum Stay Per Visit – Each entry into the UK is limited to a short stay, generally up to six months, depending on the purpose of travel (tourism, business, or short-term study). Overstaying can lead to future travel restrictions.
4. Linked to Passport – The ETA is electronically tied to the applicant’s passport. If the traveler obtains a new passport, they must apply for a new ETA, as the authorization does not transfer between passports.

Japanese Citizens' UK ETA Processing Time and Fees

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is typically processed within a short period, but to prevent any last-minute delays, apply well in advance. In cases where the ETA is required urgently, expedited processing options are available through the UK ETA Portal. Here are the processing options at a glance:

Note that additional security checks or incomplete information may cause some applications to run more slowly. Once approved, the ETA is electronically linked to the passport, and applicants receive confirmation via email.

A mandatory, non-refundable fee must be paid online using a credit or debit card at the time of application. The fee covers multiple entries within the ETA’s validity period, allowing Japanese travelers to visit the UK without paying for each trip.

Japanese travellers can use the exclusive UK ETA Fee tool to get comprehensive idea of all the costs involved in their application.

Long-Term Visa Options for Japanese Citizens Traveling to the UK

For Japanese citizens who wish to stay in the UK for an extended period beyond what the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) allows, several visa options are available. The most suitable visa depends on the purpose of the stay, such as work, study, or family reunification.

UK Entry Ports for Japanese Citizens with an ETA

Japanese travelers with an approved UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) can enter the UK through various airports, seaports, and international rail terminals. Travellers must make sure they use the same passport when they arrive in the UK because the ETA is electronically connected to it. Below are the main entry points for those traveling with an ETA:

1. Major Airports – Travelers can arrive at London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX), Edinburgh (EDI), and other major international airports across the UK. Most airports have eGates, allowing quick entry for eligible travelers.
2. Seaports and Ferry Terminals – Passengers arriving by ferry from Europe, such as through Dover, Portsmouth, or Harwich, can enter the UK using their ETA. It is essential to check with ferry operators to ensure ETA holders are accepted for entry.
3. International Rail Terminals (Eurostar) – Travelers arriving from mainland Europe via the Eurostar train can enter the UK through terminals like London St Pancras International. The ETA must be valid at the time of travel, and border checks will be conducted upon arrival.
4. Regional and Secondary Entry Points – In addition to major hubs, ETA holders may enter through regional airports and ports, provided they meet all entry requirements and have valid documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Content Disclaimer: To guarantee total correctness about your trip arrangements, we advise confirming with the relevant authorities, embassies, and airlines, even if this information was last updated in April 2025.