About the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a travel authorization, not a visa, for entry into the UK. It is an electronic system used to verify travelers heading to the UK as a step to protect its borders. Applications can be submitted online through the official website: gov.uk, and the processing time is usually through 3 days.
Once the authorization is granted, it is digitally linked to the applicants’ passports, meaning there is no need to print or present physical copies upon arrival in the UK. However, it is recommended to keep a copy of the confirmation email sent after approval.
Countries Requiring the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Countries that will require it starting from January 8, 2025
Travelers from the following countries are required to apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling to the United Kingdom starting from January 8, 2025, or later:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas)
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Macao Special Administrative Region
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Samoa
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Taiwan (if you have a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- United States
- Uruguay
Countries Required to Apply Starting March 5, 2025
Starting from March 5, 2025, all citizens of European countries should apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom starting April 2, 2025. These countries are as follows:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Vatican City
The countries to which the decision previously applied
The following Arab nationalities can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to the United Kingdom:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
Who does not need an ETA
You do not need an ETA if any of these apply to you:
- You have a visa.
- You have permission to live, work, or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode).
- You are a British or Irish citizen.
- You are traveling with a British Overseas Territories citizen passport.
- You live in Ireland and you are traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
Steps to Apply for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
You can apply for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in two ways: the first is via the official website, and the second is by downloading the UK ETA app. Below are the details:
Applying Through the Website
You can apply for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) through the official government website by following these steps:
- Fill out the application form on the official website and complete all sections, including personal information, passport details, and other required data.
- Submit a new, clear passport-style photo that is in color, meets passport photo specifications, and has not been edited using photo-enhancement software.
- Pay the fee of £10 by entering your bank card details, including the cardholder’s name, expiration date, and security code, to complete the payment successfully.
- If you meet the eligibility requirements and there are no reasons for rejection (such as prior immigration violations or criminal records), your ETA application will be approved, and a confirmation notification will be sent to your email.
Applying Through the Mobile App
Individuals can apply using the UK ETA app, available for Android and iOS devices, by following these steps:
- Scan or upload your passport:
– If your passport is non-biometric, take a picture of the passport you will use for travel to the UK.
-If your passport is biometric, remove any covers from your passport and phone, then place your phone over the front cover of the passport, ensuring the top of your phone aligns with the middle of the passport.
–Note: You will hear a sound from your phone once the passport is recognized. If it is not recognized, move your phone around the passport. If the issue persists, you can skip this step. - Take a photo of your face, and children aged 9 or younger will not be required to complete this step.
- Upload or take a personal photo.
- Answer a few questions about yourself.
- Pay for your application.
- You will receive an email confirming that your ETA has been granted.
- The authorization will be digitally linked to the passport used in the application.
For more details on how to apply for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), you can watch the explanatory video.
Required Documents to apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
You should know the following things before applying for the British Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA):
- The passport you will travel with – not a photocopy or digital passport.
- Access to your emails.
- A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Things to Know Before Applying for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Here are some important points to know before applying for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA):
- You will need to complete your application in one shot- you cannot save your progress.
- If you do not do anything for 20 minutes, the service will time out. Your answers will be deleted and you will need to start again.
- You will usually get a decision within 3 working days, but you may get a quicker decision. Occasionally, it may take longer than 3 working days.
- Your ETA lasts for 2 years. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time.
- If the passport expires before 2 years, the ETA will be granted for the validity of the passport.
- If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new ETA.
ETA Duration and Fees
The fee for the UK Electronic Permit is 10 pounds sterling for each application. This fee is set for all individuals, regardless of age or nationality. This permit allows holders to make multiple trips to the UK for various time-limited purposes as follows:
- Stay for up to 6 months for tourism, business, visiting family and friends, or short-term studies.
- Stay not exceeding 3 months under the Creative Worker visa concession.
- Transit purposes, especially for travelers wishing to enter UK territories for a short period.
It’s worth noting that the electronic travel authorization does not allow for working or pursuing studies for extended periods. Therefore, individuals wishing to visit the UK for these purposes must apply for the appropriate visas for their visit.
