UK ETA Validity
UK ETA: What You Should Know
A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is an electronic pre-travel authorisation that permits eligible travellers to enter the United Kingdom for short-term visits. It is not a visa, but it is a mandatory requirement for nationals who were previously exempt from visa requirements.
How long is the UK eTA valid for?
Once approved, the UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval.
How many entries are allowed?
The UK ETA allows you to enter the United Kingdom multiple times during its 2-year validity. A single approved ETA can be used for multiple trips within its validity period.
Maximum Stay 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 Allowed Purposes
What you CAN do with a UK ETA
- Visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, family, business, or a short course.
- Stay up to 3 months under the Creative Worker visa concession.
- Participate in permitted paid engagements or events as a professional.
- Transit through approved airports in the UK.
What you CAN’T do with a UK ETA
- Work for a UK company or be self-employed.
- Claim public benefits (funds).
- Live in the UK by making frequent or repeated visits.
- Get married or register a civil partnership (a specific visa may be required)
Does a New Passport Affect eTA Validity?
Yes, getting a new passport can affect the validity of your UK eTA. The eTA is linked to the passport used during the application and is verified using that passport number when you travel. If your passport is lost, expired, or replaced, your existing eTA becomes invalid, and you will need to apply for a new one to travel to the United Kingdom.
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.
FAQs
A UK eTA becomes invalid if your passport expires or is replaced, or if the eTA itself expires. Changes in your eligibility may affect your ability to use the ETA.
You cannot travel to the United Kingdom with an expired eTA. You must apply for a new one before your trip.
Yes, all travellers, including children, need their own UK eTA.
