Last update: 10 May 2025

UK ETA for Italian Citizens

UK ETA for Italian Citizens

A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital entry permit required by the UK government for nationals of eligible countries. Therefore, the UK ETA for Italians is an official authorisation issued to Italian citizens who wish to visit or transit through the United Kingdom.

Previously, Italians could travel to the UK without a visa for short visits. However, with the introduction of the ETA system, Italian travellers must now obtain an ETA before entering the UK.

The ETA application system will open on 5 March 2025 for European nationals, including Italian citizens. The ETA will become mandatory for travel to the UK on or after 2 April 2025.

Once approved, the UK ETA allows Italian travellers to stay in the UK for up to six months for permitted purposes, making travel smoother and enhancing border security through pre-arrival screening.

An approved UK ETA will allow Italians to stay in the UK for:

Tourism or holidays
Visiting friends and family
Short-term study or business meetings
Authorized paid activities
Creative Worker visa concession (up to 3 months)
Transit through the UK, even without passing border control

Italian Visitor Statistics to the United Kingdom

Italy is one of the UK's strongest tourism partners. In 2023, the UK recorded around 1.7 million visits from Italy. Italian travellers spent an estimated £972.5 million during their trips. In comparison, 2022 saw 1.3 million visits, showing steady year-on-year growth.

The introduction of the ETA system is expected to streamline travel further and improve border control for Italian visitors.

Benefits of the UK ETA for Italian Citizens

The ETA offers several advantages for Italian nationals, ensuring smooth and convenient travel to the UK.

Ease of Application

Italians can apply for the ETA online from any device. The process takes only a few minutes and requires basic personal and passport details.

Multiple Entry Travel

Once issued, a UK ETA allows unlimited trips to the UK within its two-year validity period, provided the passport remains valid.

Cost-effective

For a small fee, Italian travellers can make multiple visits to the UK without needing to reapply, making the ETA highly economical.

Enhanced Security

The ETA supports stronger security by screening travellers before they arrive, reducing immigration risks and improving border safety.

Who is eligible for a UK ETA from Italy?

The UK ETA is available to all Italian citizens travelling for short-term stays. Those who do not hold Italian citizenship or belong to a non-ETA eligible nationality must apply for a standard UK visa. Applicants must also meet the eligibility criteria listed below.

Duration of Stay

The ETA is only for short stays of up to 6 months. Creative Worker concession applicants may stay for up to 3 months.

Criminal Record

Applicants with a criminal record may have their ETA request rejected or refused after security checks.

Validity and permitted stay

The UK ETA for Italian citizens is valid for two years or until the associated passport expires. Travellers may enter the UK multiple times, but each stay must not exceed 6 months.

Those wishing to remain in the UK for longer than six months must apply for an appropriate UK visa. Overstaying can result in penalties and future application refusals.

The ETA is digitally linked to the traveller's passport. If the passport expires, the ETA also becomes invalid, requiring a new application once a new passport is issued.

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:

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.

2

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.

4

How to Apply for a UK ETA as an Italian Citizen?

Applying for a UK ETA through UKETE.org is simple and user-friendly. Italian citizens can complete their ETA application online by following the steps below:

Step 01
Fill Out the ETA Application Form

Start by completing the online ETA application form. Enter your personal details such as full name, passport information, date of birth, and contact number accurately.
Step 02
Upload Required Documents

Upload a clear scanned copy of your valid Italian passport and a recent passport-style photograph. UKETE.org will display the size and format guidelines during the upload process.
Step 03
Pay Your ETA Application Fee

You can securely complete your payment using any of the following methods:
- Credit or debit card
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
Step 04
Review and Submit Your Application

Carefully review all details before submitting. The application must be completed in one session as the system does not save partial progress. If the application is inactive for more than 20 minutes, it will automatically reset and you will need to restart the process.
Step 05
Receive Your Approved ETA

Once processed, your UK ETA will be delivered directly to your email. If the ETA is not approved, you will also receive an email with further information or next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your UK ETA is refused, it may indicate ineligibility or a criminal record. However, refusal does not mean you are permanently barred from entering the UK. You may still apply for a standard UK visa where your case will be reviewed in detail. Consulting a professional immigration firm can help you understand the reason and guide next steps.

A rejected ETA application often results from incorrect passport details, incomplete information, unclear photos, or security concerns. You can correct the errors and re-apply. Getting help from professionals increases the chances of approval in your next attempt.

There is no need to check your ETA status within the first three working days, as the decision will be emailed to you automatically. If the processing takes longer, you can contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), the authority responsible for ETA-related issues and delays.

To avoid refusal or rejection, ensure that all application details are complete and accurate. Upload high-quality photos and double-check passport information. Learning the application requirements beforehand or using a professional service can help prevent common mistakes and improve approval chances.

Apply now

UK ETA for Italian Citizens