Last update: 22 September 2025

UK ETA Eligibility

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Traveling to the UK in the next year? You may be required to obtain a “UK ETA” before you go. This page will help you understand what an ETA is and whether you need to apply for one.

The UK electronic travel authorization (ETA) is a new entry requirement designed to improve border security and keep better track of immigration into the UK. It is also meant to streamline travel for certain nationalities. If you’re planning to travel to the UK, it’s important to know whether or not you need to apply for one.

By learning about the latest travel requirements, you can avoid any delays and have a smooth arrival to the UK.

What is the UK ETA?

The United Kingdom (UK) electronic travel authorization (ETA) is a digital travel permission that allows eligible citizens from selected countries to travel to the UK. It is intended for specific travel purposes such as business, tourism, and short-term study courses (less than 6 months). The UK ETA is valid for up to 2 years, or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first. 

The UK ETA was first introduced in October 2023 for Qatari citizens to travel seamlessly to the UK. In February 2024, it was extended to nationals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. However, Jordan was removed from the list of ETA-eligible countries in September of the same year.

In the last year, the list of countries that need an ETA for the UK was expanded. The UK government chose to include all non-visa nationalities including those from non-European countries and European countries. They set up a staged release so that travelers from non-European countries will need an ETA to enter the UK starting in 2025, while the second group of European nationalities would need an ETA to travel on or after April 2025. Details about these dates and nationalities can be found below. As of January 8, 2025, US citizens need an ETA for the UK and ETIAS for the EU. 

There are many benefits to the UK ETA that make it more efficient than any other travel permit or visa process. The UK ETA application has a very quick turnaround time and can be completed entirely online. It takes less than an hour and has a maximum processing time of three working days. It is also very cost-effective and allows for multiple entries. The ETA makes the UK safer for everyone traveling there, by increasing border security and improving the vetting process for travelers with a criminal record.

Do You Need an ETA To Enter the UK?

If you are traveling to the UK soon, you might be asking yourself, “Do I need an ETA to enter the UK?” This is a good question as there have been some recent changes to the list of eligible countries. 

The following countries can obtain an ETA to travel to the UK. The dates below indicate when they can travel to the UK and when the application opens. Many nationalities that previously traveled to the UK visa-free will now need a UK ETA to travel to the UK.

Travel date Applications open Countries

15 November 2023

25 October 2023

Qatar was the first country whose nationals were eligible to obtain an ETA to travel to the UK.

 22 February 2024

01 February 2024

Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

Jordan was also on this list. However, it was removed from the ETA-eligible countries list in September 2024; Jordanians need to apply for a visa to travel to the UK.

8 January 2025

27 November 2024

Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas), Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States, and Uruguay.

 2 April 2025

 5 March 2025

Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Vatican City.

Who Does NOT Need an ETA for the UK?

The following travelers do not need an ETA to travel to the UK but need to apply for a visa instead. 

  • Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, DR Congo, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia,  and Zimbabwe. 

There are many types of visas available to live, work, and study in the UK for various purposes.

UK ETA Eligibility Criteria

In order to apply, applicants must meet certain UK ETA eligibility requirements.

The following are the criteria that all nationals of eligible countries should meet to have the best chance of obtaining the UK ETA:

Valid passport from an eligible country

Applicants must be citizens of a UK ETA-eligible country to apply. They must possess a valid passport and be able to upload a digital copy during the application process. This passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond their intended departure to the UK.

The intended purpose of travel

All applicants must have the intention to adhere to the UK ETA rules for the purpose of travel. The UK ETA is only open to those who want to:

  • Travel for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, conducting a short business trip, or enrolling in a short study course.
  • Travel for up to 3 months on a Creative Worker visa concession.
  • Participate in permitted paid engagements such as conducting business or academic conferences, sales meetings, or other related activities.

Transit through the UK, if you will pass through UK border control (‘landside’ transit)

Duration of travel

Eligible nationals should only obtain a UK ETA if they plan to spend 6 months or less in the UK during each trip. Any travelers who plan to live or work in the UK for more than 6 months at a time should not apply for a UK ETA. They should seek out another type of work or study visa.

Clean immigration and criminal records

Applicants will ideally possess clean immigration and criminal records. In terms of immigration, they should not be in violation of the UK entry laws or those of any other country. There are exceptions for those with minor criminal convictions.

The UK ETA eligibility requirements for those with a criminal record are as follows:

  • The application may be refused if the applicant was convicted of a crime anywhere in the world and received a sentence of 12 months or more.
  • The application can be refused if the applicant was convicted of a crime anywhere in the world within the last 12 months (from the application date).
  • You do not need to disclose convictions for activities that are legal in the UK, for example, trade union membership.
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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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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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How to Apply for the UK ETA?

The United Kingdom ETA application process is very straightforward and can be completed online. Eligible nationals can swiftly finalize their application within moments.

  • Step 01
    Fill Out the Application Form

    Complete the online application by entering your personal information and attaching necessary documents.

  • Step 02
    Pay the Required Fees

    Proceed with the payment to finalize your application submission.

  • Step 03
    Receive Your ETA

    Once approved, your ETA decision will be emailed directly to you. It will be digitally linked to your current passport, allowing entry into the UK with this passport.

Frequently Asked Question

While a visa is a document that allows the holder to stay for longer periods to work, study, or live, an ETA is a digital travel permit. It does not guarantee entry into the UK or allow for stays of more than 6 months.

The UK ETA is a travel permit. It does not guarantee entry into the UK. The final decision of entry will be made by the border police once the holder arrives at border control. If everything is in order, they will be granted entry.

The UK ETA is valid for up to 2 years and allows for multiple entries into the UK. Holders can stay for up to 6 months each time they visit. If their passport expires within the 2 year period, the ETA will become void.

Since Northern Ireland is part of the UK, the same rules apply to anyone traveling to Northern Ireland. They must obtain a UK ETA if eligible for that. If not, they should look into other visa options.

No, if you are traveling to the UK on a UK ETA, you must use the same passport that you applied with. The ETA is linked to that passport. Another passport without a travel permit will not be permitted unless it’s a UK passport or you have another type of visa or travel document that allows entry.

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