Last update: 10 May 2025

UK ETA for Qatari Citizens

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What is the UK ETA for Qatari passport holders?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital pre-travel permission for citizens of eligible countries, including Qatar. It lets short-stay travellers enter the UK for tourism, business, transit and other permitted reasons without needing to apply for a full UK visa every time.

The ETA was introduced for Qatari citizens as part of the UK’s phased rollout of the electronic travel authorisation system. An approved ETA is linked to the passport used in the application and streamlines entry for eligible short visits.

Holders of an approved ETA can normally stay in the UK for up to 6 months on a single visit and may make multiple visits during the ETA's validity (details below).

Why the ETA matters

The ETA simplifies short visits by replacing earlier paper or single-entry arrangements with a fast, online check. It benefits travellers by reducing paperwork at the point of travel while allowing border authorities to run security checks before arrival.

Key advantages for Qatari travellers

Applying for an ETA is usually quicker and less expensive than applying for a standard UK visa when your plans fit the permitted categories. Below are practical benefits for most short-stay travellers from Qatar.

Fast online application

The whole process is completed online — no embassy appointment required. You can apply from any country as long as you are not already in the UK.

Multiple entries

An approved ETA typically allows multiple short visits during its validity period, giving flexibility for frequent travellers or those with several short trips planned.

Lower cost for short stays

For short visits that don’t require a standard visa, the ETA offers a cost-effective route to enter the UK compared with full visa applications.

Who can apply for a UK ETA from Qatar?

Qatari nationals holding a valid national passport are eligible to apply for the UK ETA when travelling for permitted short-stay purposes. Non-Qatari residents in Qatar who are not nationals of an ETA-eligible country must follow the standard UK visa routes.

1

Citizenship / passport

You must hold a valid Qatari passport and enter the passport details exactly as they appear on the document.

2

Good immigration standing

Applicants should not have an active deportation order or serious immigration breaches recorded against them.

3

Acceptable criminal record

Serious criminal convictions may affect eligibility; minor offences will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

4

Purpose of travel

The ETA covers tourism, visiting family and friends, business visits, permitted paid engagements and transit.

Validity and permitted stay

The ETA for eligible travellers is usually valid for up to two years or until the passport used for the application expires — whichever occurs first. Each visit under the ETA is limited to a maximum stay of 6 months.

If you plan to live, work long-term, study for longer courses, or settle in the UK, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa rather than rely on an ETA.

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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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 Qatari citizen

Applying is straightforward. Follow the steps below to complete your ETA application quickly and accurately.

  • Step 01
    Open the online application

    Start the application on our ETA form page. Have your passport, a recent passport-style photo and an email address ready before you begin.

  • Step 02
    Upload documents and photo

    Upload a clear scan or photo of your passport identification page and a digital passport photograph that meets the required dimensions and quality.

  • Step 03
    Pay the fee

    Complete payment securely using debit/credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Payment is taken online during the application.

  • Step 04
    Check and submit

    Review all entries carefully before submission. Make sure names and passport numbers match your travel document exactly.

  • Step 05
    Receive confirmation

    We will notify you by email once a decision has been made. If approved, your ETA will be electronically linked to the passport you used on the application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Qatari passport holders must obtain a UK ETA for eligible short visits to the UK. The ETA is a pre-travel permission that simplifies entry procedures for short stays.

An ETA is generally valid for up to two years or until the passport used to apply expires. Each visit is limited to a maximum stay of six months.

If your ETA application is refused you may still have alternative visa options. A refusal does not always mean a permanent ban; you can consider applying for an appropriate visa with a fuller application where you can explain the circumstances.

Decisions are usually made quickly for straightforward cases. Many applicants receive an outcome within a few working days, although some applications may require further checks and take longer.

Yes — you can apply for the UK ETA from anywhere in the world (except while physically located in the UK).

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