UK ETA Requirement

Before you start your UK eTA application, make sure you have all the required documents and check that you meet the basic conditions. This page explains what you need for your UK eTA and the conditions you should meet before applying.

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Documents You Must Have to Apply for the UK eTA

Passport Bio Page

Sample Of A Passport Bio Page

A scan of your valid passport's bio-page is required at the time of document submission.

The scan must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be of high quality
  • Each detail must be readable, including the MRZ code
  • There must be no blurs, glare or cropped edges

Digital Applicant Photo

Sample Of Applicants Photo

An applicant's photo must be uploaded during the eTA application process.

Photo requirements are as follows:

  • Must be free of any glares or shadows
  • Must clearly show your full face with a neutral expression
  • Head coverings are only permitted for religious purposes, though the face must remain fully visible from forehead to chin.
Sample Of Approved UK eTA

What Happens After Uploading the Documents?

  1. After uploading your documents, you’ll be taken to the payment page to complete your application.
  2. After successful payment, your application enters the review stage.
  3. Your documents will be checked for quality and accuracy, and matched with the details in your eTA form.

If anything is missing or unclear, or if more documents are needed, you’ll be contacted by UK eTA support at your registered email ID.

Who requires a UK ETA?

Citizens from specific countries eligible for travel, business, or transit in the UK are required to obtain a UK ETA.

  •  Maldives
  •  Malta
  •  Marshall Islands
  •  Mauritius
  •  Mexico
  •  Micronesia, Federated States of
  •  Monaco
  •  Nauru
  •  Netherlands
  •  New Zealand
  •  Nicaragua
  •  Norway
  •  Oman
  •  Palau
  •  Panama
  •  Papua New Guinea
  •  Paraguay
  •  Peru
  •  Poland
  •  Portugal
  •  Qatar
  •  Romania
  •  Saint Kitts and Nevis
  •  Saint Lucia
  •  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  •  Samoa
  •  San Marino
  •  Saudi Arabia
  •  Seychelles
  •  Singapore
  •  Slovakia
  •  Slovenia
  •  Solomon Islands
  •  Spain
  •  Sweden
  •  Switzerland
  •  Taiwan
  •  Tonga
  •  Tuvalu
  •  United Arab Emirates
  •  United States of America
  •  Uruguay
  •  Vatican City (Holy See)
All Eligible Countries

Exemption: There’s no need to apply for a UK eTA if you’re a British or Irish Citizen.

Basic Conditions You Should Meet Before Applying

  • You must be travelling to the UK for short stays such as tourism, business, or transit.
  • Your stay must not exceed the permitted 6-month duration.
  • You must not already hold a UK visa or permission to live, work, or study in the UK.
  • Each traveller, including children, must have their own eTA.

FAQs

Yes, you can apply without confirmed plans. The UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, so you should have a general idea of your travel timeframe if your trip is beyond that period.

The processing time depends on the applicant’s selected option. Those who choose the super rush processing can have their UK ETA approved in 1 Hour.

If your application is refused, you will be informed by email. You can review the provided reason and reapply with corrected information or supporting documents.