UK ETA
Your guide to the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) and application assistance service.
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Your guide to the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) and application assistance service.
The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system has been introduced in phases, beginning with certain nationalities—primarily from the Gulf region—and gradually expanding over time. The most recent update came in April 2025, when citizens of the European Union were added to the list of travelers required to obtain a UK ETA.
The ETA requirement was first launched for Qatari nationals on November 15, 2023. As part of the program’s rollout, from February 1, 2024, nationals from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Jordan were allowed to apply for a UK ETA, effective for travel from February 22, 2024. However, in September 2024, Jordan was removed from the list of eligible countries. Later, on November 27, 2024, the ETA system was extended to 49 additional non-European countries.
The latest expansion, implemented on March 5, 2025, added 34 European countries whose citizens became eligible to apply for a UK ETA from that date. As of April 2, 2025, travelers from these European nations are now required to hold a valid ETA before entering the United Kingdom.
Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belgium
Belize
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kiribati
Kuwait
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao
Malaysia
Maldives
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Micronesia
Monaco
Nauru
Netherlands
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Oman
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Samoa
San Marino
Saudi Arabia
Seychelles
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Korea
Spain
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
The United States
Tonga
Tuvalu
UAE
Uruguay
Vatican City
Not all travelers are required to apply for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the United Kingdom. Depending on their nationality, visa status, or residency rights, some individuals may either need a visa or be entirely exempt from both the visa and ETA requirements. The UK ETA allows travelers to participate in several permitted activities, as outlined below:
Travelers who possess a valid UK visa or have authorization to reside, work, or study in the United Kingdom are not required to obtain an ETA.
Non-Irish citizens who are legally residing in the Republic of Ireland and travelling from within the Common Travel Area—which includes Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man—are exempt from the ETA requirement.
The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA) is an official digital travel permit introduced for nationals of countries that are exempt from obtaining a UK visa. Applicants must secure this authorization before traveling to the United Kingdom. It is primarily intended for short-term visits, transit purposes, or Creative Workers meeting specific eligibility conditions.
This electronic authorization simplifies the entry process for eligible travelers and forms part of the UK’s initiative to fully digitize border management by 2025. The UK ETA supports various travel purposes such as tourism, business trips, family visits, and short-term study, providing a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional visa applications.
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is not a visa but a digital entry permit designed for nationals of specific visa-exempt countries. Unlike the standard visitor visa, which applies to a broader range of nationalities and usually requires a more extensive application process involving offline procedures, the ETA offers a faster, fully online alternative for eligible travelers.
One of the key differences between the UK standard visitor visa and the ETA lies in their validity and cost. The UK ETA is valid for up to two years—or until the linked passport expires—and allows multiple entries into the United Kingdom for stays of up to six months each. In contrast, the standard visitor visa can vary in duration depending on the visa category and generally permits multiple entries. Additionally, the ETA is significantly more cost-effective compared to the various fees associated with traditional visitor visas.
We are a professional travel and tourism service provider dedicated to offering travelers accurate information, expert guidance for online visa and ETA applications, and personalized travel solutions. Please note that we are an independent agency and are not affiliated with any government authority.
Our team ensures that every aspect of your UK ETA application and travel planning is handled with care, allowing you to prepare for your trip with confidence and enjoy a seamless travel experience.
The UK ETA is designed to provide eligible travelers with a convenient and efficient way to experience everything the United Kingdom has to offer. However, there are specific guidelines outlining what activities ETA holders are permitted to engage in during their stay.
While the UK ETA covers a range of permitted travel activities, travelers should note that for purposes not explicitly included under the ETA scheme, a different type of UK visa may be required—even for those who are otherwise eligible based on their nationality.
The UK ETA serves as a multiple-entry travel authorization, valid for two years from the date of issue. However, if the passport linked to the ETA expires before the two-year period ends, the authorization automatically becomes invalid. Travelers must enter the United Kingdom using their ETA before its expiry date to ensure a valid entry.
Eligible travelers holding a UK ETA may stay in the United Kingdom for up to six months for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, conducting business, or undertaking short-term study. Those entering under the Creative Worker visa concession are permitted to stay for up to three months, while individuals traveling under the Permitted Paid Engagement route may remain in the UK for up to one month.
The United Kingdom ETA cannot be renewed or extended. Once granted, it is electronically linked to the passport used during the original application. If a traveler’s passport expires or a new passport is issued, a fresh ETA application must be submitted. There are currently no provisions to renew or extend an existing ETA authorization.
To apply for a UK ETA, all eligible travelers are required to meet certain basic criteria. Below are the mandatory requirements that every applicant must provide:
Applicants must have a valid passport from an eligible country, preferably with two years of validity.
Applicants must submit a recent upper-body photo that meets official specifications.
Applicants must have a valid card or access to Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay the ETA UK fee.
Applicants must provide a valid email address to receive their UK ETA upon approval.
The United Kingdom ETA application process is very straightforward and can be completed online. Eligible nationals can swiftly finalize their application within moments.
Complete the online application by entering your personal information and attaching necessary documents.
Proceed with the payment to finalize your application submission.
Once approved, your ETA decision will be emailed directly to you. It will be digitally linked to your current passport, allowing entry into the UK with this passport.
