Last update: 10 May 2025

UK ETA for Polish Citizens

UK ETA for Polish Citizens

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a new digital travel permit that Polish citizens must obtain before entering the United Kingdom. It allows short stays of up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family, business visits, short-term study, or transit.

The UK ETA is not a visa; it is a travel authorization valid for 2 years and allows multiple entries. Polish citizens — who previously traveled visa-free — can apply for the ETA starting 5 March 2025 for travel on or after 2 April 2025.

The ETA system was introduced in September 2024 for visa-free nationalities. After rolling out to Qatar and Gulf countries, it expanded to Australia, the US, New Zealand, and Uruguay. From 5 March 2025, the scheme officially includes Poland and other EU countries.

After approval, the ETA permits Polish citizens to visit the UK for:

Tourism, holidays, or visiting family and friends (up to 6 months)
Business visits or short-term study
Creative Worker visa concession for up to 3 months
Permitted Paid Engagements
Transit through the UK

Visitor Statistics from Poland to the United Kingdom

In 2022, visitors from Poland made around 1.35 million trips to the UK. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number was even higher at around 1.5 million annual visits. The new UK ETA aims to reduce travel friction and make trips easier for Polish nationals.

Benefits of the UK ETA for Polish Citizens

Although a new requirement, the UK ETA offers several advantages for Polish travelers.

Cost Effective

Once granted, the ETA is valid for two years and allows unlimited short visits. No need to re-apply for each trip.

Multi-Purpose Use

Polish citizens can use the ETA for tourism, family visits, business trips, short-term study, creative work visits, or transit.

Digital & Paperless

The ETA is fully digital and linked to your passport — no printed documents required when entering the UK.

Easy Application Process

No embassy appointments or paperwork. Polish applicants simply complete a quick online form.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria for Polish Citizens

Polish citizens must meet certain eligibility conditions to apply for the ETA. If any requirement is not met, the application may be rejected. Below are the key requirements.

Passport

Applicants must hold a valid Polish passport.

Nationality

Applicants must be citizens of Poland or another ETA-eligible country.

No Serious Criminal Record

Applicants must not have been refused entry, deported, or imprisoned for 12 months or more.

Duration of Stay Limit

ETA holders may not stay in the UK for more than 6 months per trip. For longer stays, a visa is required.

UK ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

The UK ETA for Polish citizens is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires — whichever comes first. It allows unlimited entries, with each stay permitted up to 6 months.

The ETA does not allow long-term work, settlement, or extended study programs. Travelers needing long-duration visas can find guidance at UKETE.org.

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 Polish Citizen?

Applying for a UK ETA through UKETE.org is simple and user-friendly. Polish 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 Polish 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

Any country that was previously visa-exempt for UK travel now requires a UK ETA, including Polish citizens. Applications for Polish travellers will open on 5th March 2025 for travel on or after 2nd April 2025. If you plan to stay longer than six months, you will need a traditional UK visa. It is important to note that the ETA is not a visa but a travel authorization.

Applying for a UK ETA from Poland is a simple online process, but in some cases, your application may be refused. Refusals happen if you are ineligible for the ETA or flagged for security reasons. A refusal cannot be appealed; however, you may still apply for a standard UK visa.

A rejection is different from a refusal. Rejection occurs when the application is incomplete or incorrect, such as missing or inaccurate information. To fix this, you must correct the mistakes and submit a new application. To avoid rejection, double-check all entered information before submitting.

A UK ETA does not allow you to stay longer than six months at a time. You cannot work, live, or claim public funds in the UK. You also cannot use an ETA if you plan to get married or form a civil partnership in the UK.

With an approved UK ETA, Polish citizens may enter the UK multiple times for stays of up to six months per visit. You may visit for tourism, short-term study, transit, or visiting friends and family. However, an ETA is not a guarantee of entry — final decisions are made by UK border control.

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UK ETA for Polish Citizens