Last update: 10 May 2025

UK ETA for Singaporean Citizens

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What is the UK ETA for Singaporean Citizens?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is an online pre-travel check required of visitors from eligible countries before they board transport to the UK. It’s a digital permission linked to your passport that confirms you’ve been screened for the short-stay entry categories.

The ETA requirement for Singaporean passport holders took effect on 8 January 2025, with applications becoming available from 27 November 2024. The ETA is intended for short visits and does not replace full UK visas for longer stays or work that requires a visa.

The system screens applicants against immigration and security databases. If no concerns are flagged the ETA is typically granted automatically; if not, the application may be referred for manual review by UK officials.

The ETA rollout started in late 2023 for some countries and has expanded since. Singaporean travellers normally passport-free for short trips now need to obtain an ETA for permitted short stays in the UK.

An approved ETA permits multiple short visits of up to 6 months each for purposes such as:

  • Tourism and holidays
  • Visiting family or friends
  • Business visits or short courses
  • Creative Worker concession visits (up to 3 months)
  • Permitted paid engagements
  • Airside or landside transit through the UK

Singapore — visits to the United Kingdom

Singapore is a regular source market for UK tourism and business. Recent official figures show strong visitor numbers and meaningful spend per visit, helping put the ETA change into practical context for travellers planning trips and budgets.

Why the UK ETA helps Singaporean travellers

While the ETA introduces a new step before travel, it also brings conveniences that make short trips easier to manage. Below are the practical upsides for Singapore passport holders.

Apply Online Quickly

The ETA application is fully online and can be completed on any connected device. UKETE.org walks you through each question so you can finish the form without surprises.

Fast Outcomes

Many applicants receive a decision within a short number of working days, allowing travellers to finalise arrangements quickly. If additional checks are needed, timelines may be longer.

Multiple Short Visits

An approved ETA typically allows repeated short visits while it remains valid — ideal for frequent travellers or those with multiple work or leisure trips planned.

Who can apply for a UK ETA from Singapore?

The ETA is for Singaporean citizens travelling for permitted short stays. Residents who do not hold a Singaporean passport and nationals of countries that are not ETA-eligible must seek the appropriate UK visa.

1

Singapore Citizenship

Applicants must hold a valid Singapore passport to apply for the ETA.

2

No Recent Deportation

Applicants should not have been deported from the UK previously.

3

No Serious Criminal Sentences

UK ETA applications will be refused where the person has custodial sentences of 12 months or more, or other qualifying convictions set out in the guidance.

4

Comply with Immigration Rules

Applicants must not have previously breached UK immigration rules or overstayed without permission.

Validity and length of stay

The UK ETA is generally valid for two years or until your passport expires — whichever happens first. While the ETA remains valid you may make multiple short visits, with each stay normally limited to 6 months.

If your travel plans involve long-term work, study beyond short courses, settlement or other restricted activities, you should apply for the appropriate UK visa instead of relying on an ETA.

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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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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 Singaporean citizen

You can complete your ETA application entirely online. Below is a clear step-by-step process to help Singaporean travellers apply without mistakes.

  • Step 01
    Complete the online application

    Open the application form and enter your personal details exactly as they appear in your Singapore passport.

  • Step 02
    Upload required documents

    Attach a scanned copy of your passport photo page and a recent passport-style photograph following the file size and format guidelines shown on the form.

  • Step 03
    Pay the application fee

    Make a secure payment using a credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay when prompted on the site.

  • Step 04
    Check and submit

    Review every answer and uploaded file. The online session may time out if left inactive, so complete the form in one go where possible.

  • Step 05
    Receive confirmation

    Decisions and notifications are sent by email. Approved ETAs are electronically linked to the passport you used to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. From 8 January 2025, Singaporean passport holders travelling to the UK for short visits must obtain a UK ETA before travelling.

No. The ETA is a travel authorisation for short stays. If you plan to work, settle, or study long-term in the UK you must apply for the appropriate visa.

If your ETA is refused you can either correct the issue (if possible) and reapply, or seek a standard UK visa where your case will receive more detailed consideration.

Each visit under an ETA is normally limited to a maximum of six months. The ETA itself is usually valid for two years or until the linked passport expires.

Yes. The ETA is linked to the passport used at application. If you get a new passport you must apply again using the new travel document.

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