UK ETA Validity

UK ETA: What You Should Know

A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital approval that allows travellers to visit the United Kingdom for short stays. It’s not a visa, but a new requirement for nationals of certain countries who previously could enter the United Kingdom without one.

How long is the UK eTA valid for?

Once approved, the UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance. This means that travellers can enter the UK multiple times without reapplying.

How many entries are allowed?

The flexibility of the UK ETA is evident in its multiple-entry allowance within the 2-year validity period. Whether it's a short business trip or a leisurely holiday, a single approved ETA covers numerous trips to the United Kingdom.

When Does The Validity Period Begin?

Date of Approval vs First Use

Instead of starting on the day the traveller arrives in the UK, the UK ETA's validity period begins on the day it is authorised. Applicants are thus encouraged to carefully evaluate their travel schedule before applying.

Conditions of Stay Under the UK ETA

Maximum Duration Per Visit

Each visit to the United Kingdom under the UK ETA allows a stay of up to 6 months. This applies to all eligible purposes, such as Tourism and Business-related travel. Travellers must leave the country before reaching the 6-month limit.

UK ETA Activity Guidelines

Objective	Permitted Activities with UK ETA	Prohibited Activities with UK ETA
Tourism and leisure	Travel within the UK for sightseeing and personal visits.	Use the ETA for any paid or unpaid tourism-related job.
Business visits	Participate in business meetings, official conferences, or brief professional engagements.	Engage in employment, even for short business contracts.
Short-term education	Join brief educational or training courses.	Enrol in long-term academic or professional study programs.
Family and social connections	Visit relatives or friends residing in the United Kingdom.	Move to the UK with the intention of permanent settlement.
Entry Rules	Leave the UK within the 6-month limit per visit.	Remain in the country beyond the 6-month maximum stay per entry, without proper extension permit.

When ETA Becomes Invalid

Condition	Explanation
Criminal Record	Engaging in criminal activities, having a criminal record or causing immigration violations in the UK or abroad can lead to cancellation of the ETA.
False Information	The UK authorities have the right to cancel the ETA if someone submits false information during the application process.
Policy Changes	Changes to UK immigration law can affect ETA eligibility. The UK may cancel or deny an ETA if the traveller no longer meets updated requirements.

What Happens When the UK ETA Expires?

If the ETA has expired and the traveller attempts to enter the United Kingdom, the airline or border authorities will likely deny entry. Both airlines and immigration personnel verify the validity of the ETA before allowing travel, and do not permit entry with an expired authorisation.

How to avoid such issues?

Check the Date	The applicant is responsible for regularly checking the ETA's expiration date.
New ETA	Apply for a new ETA before the current ETA expires.
ETA Status	Always verify the ETA status before every trip; do not rely on previous trips as confirmation of ongoing validity.

Does a New Passport Affect ETA Validity?

Obtaining a new passport can impact the validity of an existing UK ETA. The ETA is linked to the passport number entered during the application process. This connection is for the identification and verification at the time of travel. If the passport linked to the ETA is lost or misplaced, the ETA becomes invalid.

Steps to Take after Passport Renewal

Reapply with a New Passport	Submit a new UK ETA application using the newly issued passport.
Old ETA Becomes Void	Understand that the old ETA becomes obsolete, even if travel falls within the 2-year validity period.
Ensure Details Match	Ensure the details match exactly at the border, including passport number, name and nationality.

How to Check UK ETA Status and Expiry?

To check the UK ETA status, the applicants must check the UK ETA Status page:

Reference Number of Application	Enter the UK ETA application ID in the column.
Passport Number	Insert your passport number used in the application.
Complete the Captcha Code	After entering the captcha, select ‘Check Status.’ The system will then display the latest update for your application.

What documents are required for a UK ETA?

Valid Passport
The passport only needs to be valid for the entire period of their stay in the UK.

Passport Size Photo
Your most recent passport-size photo taken with a transparent background.

Tips To Maximise Your UK ETA Validity

Plan Your Travel Strategically.
Check your passport's expiry date before applying for the UK ETA.
Maintain an accurate travel record.
Avoid any last-minute issues with the UK ETA application.