Last update: 12 May 2025

UK ETA for Brazilian Citizens

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What is a UK ETA for Brazilian Citizens?

The UK ETA (United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital travel authorisation required for Brazilian passport holders before travelling to the UK. It is a pre-travel approval that simplifies entry procedures and replaces previous visa-free arrangements for short visits.

The UK ETA opened for Brazilian applicants on 27 November 2024 for travel on or after 8 January 2025. It follows the phased rollout of the ETA scheme and introduces an online, streamlined process for short stays.

If you previously travelled visa-free to the UK as a Brazilian national, this ETA requirement is a new step to note: you now need to obtain electronic authorisation before travel.

The ETA covers common short-stay reasons including tourism, visiting family or friends, business, permitted paid engagements, and certain short studies. Key permitted purposes include:

  • Visits of up to 6 months for tourism, family/friends and business.
  • Up to 3 months for the Creative Worker concession where applicable.
  • Short permitted paid engagements (e.g., professional sporting or musical performances) instead of a full visa for eligible cases.
  • Transit through the UK (including airside transits where no UK border clearance is required).

Brazilian Visitor Statistics to the United Kingdom

Official statistics recorded approximately 344,000 visits from Brazil to the UK in 2023. The ETA aims to make those visits easier by moving to a fast, online authorisation system.

In 2023, nearly half of Brazilian travellers to the UK came from São Paulo (about 47%), and a large share (around 56%) were aged between 25 and 44. Most were first-time visitors and the majority reported they would recommend the UK to friends and family.

Benefits of the UK ETA for Brazilian Citizens

The ETA introduces several practical advantages compared with traditional visa routes. The main benefits are:

Easy Application Process

Applications are completed online with your passport, an email address and a payment method. The form is short (no travel itinerary required) and requires no in-person embassy visit.

Affordable

The ETA is designed to be cost-effective compared to full visa routes and typically permits multiple entries during its validity period, reducing per-trip costs.

Fast Processing

Decisions are usually returned quickly (commonly within a few working days), giving travellers time to finalise bookings and plans.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Brazilian Citizens

Most Brazilian applicants will meet the ETA requirements provided they satisfy the basic eligibility rules below.

  • Citizenship and passport: You must be a Brazilian citizen holding a valid Brazilian passport (or a passport from another ETA-eligible country).
  • Short stay only: The ETA is intended for short visits (generally up to 6 months). Longer stays, work or long-term study require the appropriate UK visa.
  • Criminal history and recent convictions: Applicants should not have recent serious criminal convictions. Those convicted within the last 12 months or given a sentence of 12 months or more are likely to be refused.

Note: Each application is assessed on its own facts. Additional documents or a traditional visa may be required in exceptional circumstances.

United Kingdom

UK ETA requirements

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:

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Passport

Applicants must have a valid passport from an eligible country, preferably with two years of validity.

Personal Photo

Applicants must submit a recent upper-body photo that meets official specifications.

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Payment Method

Applicants must have a valid card or access to Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay the ETA UK fee.

Email address

Applicants must provide a valid email address to receive their UK ETA upon approval.

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Applying for a UK ETA for Brazilian Citizens

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility and gathered the required documents, you can move forward with your UK ETA application. Below is a clear, step-by-step process to guide you through the application:

  • Step 01
    Complete the online application form

    Visit the online application form and enter your personal information exactly as it appears on your Brazilian passport. Any mismatch in details may result in delays or refusal.

  • Step 02
    Upload required documents

    Attach a clear image of your passport and a recent photograph that meets the UK ETA photo specifications. Make sure both files are high-quality and correctly formatted.

  • Step 03
    Pay the application fee

    Pay the ETA fee securely using a valid credit or debit card. Apple Pay and Google Pay are also accepted for added convenience.

  • Step 04
    Submit your application

    Review all details carefully before submitting. Once everything is accurate and complete, click the submit button to finalize your ETA request.

  • Step 05
    Receive your ETA decision

    After submission, you’ll get a confirmation email followed by your ETA decision. Make sure to check your inbox regularly and add the sender to your contacts to avoid the email landing in your spam folder.

Frequently Asked Questions

The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital entry approval required for travellers from selected countries. It confirms that the UK government has authorised your visit for short stays without needing a full visa.

If your UK ETA application is refused, you can still travel to the UK by applying for the correct visa. You may also resolve the issue that caused the refusal and submit a new ETA application if eligible.

Yes. Brazilian citizens must hold an ETA for short visits of up to six months or for transit through the UK. Applications open on November 27, 2024, and an ETA will be required for travel on or after January 8, 2025.

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