Last update: 10 May 2025

UK ETA for German Citizens

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What is a UK ETA for German Citizens?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel permission required in advance for most short visits to the United Kingdom. It is not a visa or a residence permit — instead it authorises short stays (generally up to 6 months) for purposes such as tourism, short business trips, short courses, family visits and certain permitted paid engagements. The ETA is electronically linked to the passport used in the application.

The UK began piloting the ETA in October 2023 and extended the scheme in stages. The ETA application process for European nationals opened in March 2025, and EU nationals — including German citizens — are required to hold a valid ETA for travel to the UK from 2 April 2025. Applications for European nationals opened on 5 March 2025.

The ETA is a multiple-entry permission valid for up to two years (or until the passport used to apply expires, whichever is sooner). Each permitted visit under an ETA is normally limited to a maximum of six months. The ETA does not permit long-term residence or work — travellers who plan to live, work, or study long term must apply for the appropriate visa instead.

The ETA is intended for travellers who want to:

  • Visit the UK for tourism or to see family and friends.
  • Attend business meetings, conferences, or take short study courses (up to 6 months).
  • Use the Creative Worker concession for short placements (where applicable).
  • Participate in permitted paid engagements (e.g., presenting at an event) where the ETA rules allow.
  • Transit through the UK (including some cases where passengers pass through UK border control).

German Visitors Statistics to the United Kingdom

The UK remains a popular destination for German visitors. In 2023 the UK received millions of visits from Germany, with strong spending in cultural, leisure and heritage sectors. Germans typically travel by air (the majority), with convenient direct connections from many German airports; ferry and Channel Tunnel travel are also used by a portion of travellers.

Benefits of the UK ETA for German Citizens

Applying for an ETA gives German travellers a simple, digital pre-clearance which can make travel planning quicker and more predictable. Key benefits include:

Quick turnaround time

The application is completed online (or via the UK ETA app) and most straightforward applications receive an automatic decision quickly, often within hours. Official processing guidance allows up to three working days in more complex cases.

Cost-effective for frequent short trips

An approved ETA is valid for up to two years (or until the passport expires), so one application can cover multiple short trips in that period. Note the application fee for ETAs changed in 2025 — check the latest fee on GOV.UK before applying.

Pre-travel security checks

The ETA allows UK border authorities to carry out basic security and immigration checks before travel, contributing to more secure and streamlined border processing on arrival.

Flexible travel options

The ETA permits multiple short stays (subject to the six-month limit per visit) and can be used for leisure, short business activity, short courses and certain permitted paid engagements — provided the activity fits ETA rules.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for German Citizens

The points below summarise typical eligibility and application checks for German applicants. These are general rules — individual decisions are made by UK authorities and the GOV.UK guidance is the definitive source.

1

Nationality and passport

Applicants must hold a passport that shows they are a German national (or an ETA-eligible nationality). You will be asked to upload passport details and a photo. The passport should ideally be valid for significantly longer than your planned travel so you can make full use of a two-year ETA.

2

Length and purpose of stay

Use an ETA only for permitted short visits (typically up to 6 months). If you intend to work, live, or study long-term in the UK, you must apply for the correct visa category rather than an ETA.

3

Criminal convictions and suitability

ETA applications include questions about criminal history. Applications can be refused where applicants have recent or serious convictions (for example, custodial sentences of 12 months or more or convictions within the last 12 months may lead to refusal). Minor or historic convictions may be treated differently; follow the GOV.UK guidance when answering the questions.

UK ETA Validity, Cost and How to Apply

An approved ETA is normally valid for up to two years or until the passport used to apply expires, whichever comes first, and permits multiple short visits (usually up to six months each). From early April 2025 the standard application route for Europeans is the UK ETA app or GOV.UK; applicants must use the same passport when travelling as was used for the ETA application.

Fee: the initial rollout used a £10 application fee for some applicants; the published fee was updated in 2025 — always confirm the current fee on GOV.UK or the official UK ETA app before you apply.

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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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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 German Citizens

The UK ETA application process for German citizens is fully digital, simple, and designed to be completed in just a few minutes. Below is the step-by-step process to apply successfully:

  • Step 01
    Complete the Online ETA Application Form

    German citizens must fill out the online ETA form with their personal information, passport details, and contact information. The application must be submitted using the same passport that will be used to travel to the UK.

  • Step 02
    Upload the Required Documents
    • You must upload a clear digital copy of your German passport and a recent passport-style photo that meets UK ETA photo requirements.
    • Full image, size, and format specifications are provided within the online application or the official ETA app.
  • Step 03
    Pay the ETA Application Fee
    • The ETA fee for German nationals is £97 per application.
    • Payments can be completed using major debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
  • Step 04
    Submit Your Application

    Before submitting, review all information carefully to ensure accuracy. Incorrect details can cause delays or lead to the application being refused.

  • Step 05
    Receive Your ETA Decision

    You will receive your ETA decision via email. Most applications are processed within hours, but some may take up to three working days. If approved, your ETA will be digitally linked to your passport automatically.

Frequently Asked Questions

German citizens can apply for the UK ETA entirely online. The application can be completed from anywhere in Germany using a mobile phone or computer, making the process simple, secure, and convenient.

German nationals do not need a visa for short trips to the UK. However, starting April 2, 2025, they must obtain a UK ETA before travelling. The ETA permits stays of up to 6 months at a time and is valid for two years. It is not a visa but a digital pre-travel authorization.

From April 2, 2025, German travellers must hold a valid UK ETA or a UK visa based on the purpose of their visit. They must also meet standard entry requirements, such as being eligible for international travel and having no disqualifying criminal history.

At the UK border, travellers must show the same passport used in their ETA application and answer routine questions asked by immigration officers if required.

No, the ETA is not a visa. It is a digital travel authorization linked to the traveller’s passport and is intended for short stays of up to 6 months. A visa, on the other hand, is more detailed and is required for long-term work, study, or residency. While there are many types of UK visas, there is only one UK ETA.

If your ETA application is rejected due to errors, incorrect details, or missing information, you will receive a notification and can correct the issues before applying again.

If the ETA is refused, this means the applicant did not meet the eligibility criteria. In such cases, the traveller may still be able to visit the UK by applying for the appropriate UK visa instead.

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