Last update: 10 May 2025

UK ETA for Danish Citizens

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What is the UK ETA for Danish Citizens?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a mandatory digital permission for eligible passport holders travelling to the United Kingdom for short stays. From March 5, 2025 Danish passport holders can apply for the UK ETA, and it becomes a required entry document for visits from April 2, 2025.

The ETA simplifies pre-travel checks and improves border security by screening travelers before arrival. It is intended for short visits — tourism, business, short study, permitted engagements and certain transit purposes.

Permitted Purposes for Danish ETA holders

  • Tourism, visiting friends & family, and business visits (short term).
  • Short-term study (courses up to 6 months).
  • Transit through UK airports when passing through border control.
  • Short professional visits such as permitted paid engagements and conferences.
  • Creative Worker Visa Concession travel (up to 3 months where applicable).

Below we answer common questions about eligibility, validity, benefits and application guidance for Danish citizens.

Danish Visitor Snapshot

Denmark is a frequent source market for the UK. Recent visitor numbers show strong demand for holidays, business and family visits. Typical stays combine leisure and business activity and most Danish visitors report positive experiences and high likelihood of return visits.

Benefits of the UK ETA for Danish Citizens

The ETA provides several advantages for travellers and the UK border system alike.

Streamlined Online Application

Applicants complete a short online form before travel. Most decisions are issued quickly, making pre-departure preparation easier.

Multi-Entry Validity

An approved ETA is typically valid for two years (or until passport expiry) and allows multiple entries without reapplying.

Lower Cost Than Full Visas

The ETA fee is generally lower than the cost and administrative burden of standard visas for short visits.

Enhanced Pre-Arrival Security

Pre-screening helps identify risks before travel, reducing delays at the border and improving overall safety.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Danish Citizens

Danish passport holders should meet the following basic requirements to be eligible for a UK ETA.

1

Trips of Six Months or Less

The ETA covers visits up to six months for tourism, business, short study, and visiting family or friends.

2

Valid Danish Passport

Your passport must be valid for the duration of the trip. If you change passports, you must obtain a new ETA linked to the new passport.

3

No Disqualifying Criminal or Immigration History

Serious criminal convictions, previous immigration breaches or overstays may lead to refusal. Seek advice if you have a complicated immigration history.

4

Not Intended for Work

The ETA does not permit employment in the UK. If you plan to work, you must apply for the appropriate work visa.

Validity and How Long You Can Stay

An approved UK ETA is normally valid for two years from the date it is issued or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. Each visit is generally limited to a stay of up to six months. If your passport expires, your ETA will no longer be valid and you must reapply with a valid passport.

Always carry the passport used to obtain the ETA when travelling and keep a copy of your ETA approval for reference.

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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1

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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2
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3

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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How to Apply for a UK ETA as a Danish Citizen

The UK ETA application process is completely online and takes only a few minutes to finish. Follow the step-by-step guide below to submit your ETA application smoothly.

  • Step 01
    Confirm Your ETA Eligibility

    Ensure you meet the UK ETA criteria, including holding a valid Danish passport and traveling for approved purposes such as tourism, business visits, short-term study, or transit through the UK.

  • Step 02
    Prepare the Required Documents

    Before starting the ETA form, have your valid Danish passport, a recent digital photo, an active email address, and a payment method such as a debit/credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

  • Step 03
    Complete the Online ETA Form

    Fill in your personal information, passport details, travel plans, and upload any requested documents. Review the information carefully before submitting.

  • Step 04
    Pay the ETA Application Fee

    Make the required payment securely using your preferred digital payment method. The current ETA fee for each applicant is £97.

  • Step 05
    Submit and Await Your Approval

    Most applications are processed within three working days, although some may take slightly longer. You will receive an email notification once your ETA has been approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

From 25 October 2023: Citizens of Qatar.

From 1 February 2024: Citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

From 27 November 2024: Citizens of Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong (incl. BNO), Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Taiwan (with ID number), Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tuvalu, United States, and Uruguay.

From 5 March 2025: ETA becomes mandatory for citizens of 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, and Vatican City.

The UK ETA program is part of the government’s digital border transformation. It launched in 2023 and is being rolled out in phases. For Danish citizens and other European passport holders, the ETA becomes a requirement starting in 2025.

If you are from one of the eligible countries and plan to travel to the United Kingdom for up to 6 months for tourism, business meetings, visiting family or friends, or short-term study, you must obtain an ETA before travel.

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