Last update: 01 May 2025

UK ETA Requirements

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For any traveler planning a trip to the UK, keeping yourself up to date on UK ETA travel requirements is vital. One of the new travel rules in 2025 that the UK is implementing is an Electronic Travel Authorization (an ETA, for short).

If you’re unfamiliar with it, an ETA is an electronic document granting you authorization to travel to the UK. After your application is accepted, this document is valid for multiple trips over the course of two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It is important to note that an ETA does not have anything to do with new visa requirements for the UK, as visas are separate documents.

The good news is that applying for an ETA is very simple since you only need a few documents and have to answer a few questions! On this page, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about the ETA UK travel requirements and give an in-depth guide on how to apply. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions and share our tips for making the application process as smooth as possible.

Who Needs a UK ETA?

In this section, we’re going to take a quick look at who does and who doesn’t need an ETA to travel to the UK in 2025.

As of the start of the new year (January 2025), non-Europeans, including Americans, are required to have an ETA when going through a UK port. You can find the full list of countries that currently have a UK ETA requirement for non-European travelers on our website.

In April 2025, UK ETA requirements expanded to include European citizens from 34 countries. A few countries included in this new wave of requirements are Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Iceland, and Norway. Residents of these countries can apply for an ETA from March 5th, 2025, for traveling to the UK on or after April 2nd, 2025.

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 are now required to obtain a UK ETA before traveling.

Travel Date Applications Open Countries

15 November 2023

25 October 2023

Qatar was the first country whose nationals became eligible to obtain an ETA to travel to the UK, replacing the old Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) scheme.

22 February 2024

01 February 2024

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

Jordan was initially included in the list but was removed from ETA-eligible countries in September 2024. As a result, Jordanians now need 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 Is Exempt from a UK ETA?

There are certain situations where travelers do not need to apply for a UK ETA. You are exempt from requiring an ETA if any of the following apply:

  • You have an active UK visa.
  • You have previously obtained permission to work, study, or live in the UK.
  • You are a British or Irish citizen, including dual citizens who hold either a British or Irish passport or a passport with a certificate of entitlement.
  • You hold and are traveling with a British Overseas Territories citizen passport.
  • You live in Ireland and are departing from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.

Additionally, if your country is not listed in either the non-European or European ETA-eligible categories currently available online, you will likely require a visa to visit the UK.

Information Required for the UK ETA Application

In addition to the documents we have outlined above, you will also need to fill out a questionnaire with some information about yourself. It is essential to be truthful in your answers, as you can be prosecuted or banned from entering the UK if it is found that you have provided false information.

Personal Details

One of the first things you will need to provide alongside your passport is your personal details. These include your estimated travel date, full name, date of birth, and home address. Note: You are not required to have a trip booked to apply for an ETA. If you do not currently have a travel date, you may enter an approximate date based on when you plan to travel.

Work and Criminal History

For the next set of details, you will need to provide some basic information about your work history, including whether you are employed and your job title. In the following step, you will be asked about your criminal history. These questions include whether you have ever been convicted of a crime, attempted a terrorist act, or have any ties to terrorism.

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UK ETA Photo Requirements

We went into some of the photo requirements earlier on the page, but we want to go in-depth so you are able to present the best photo possible and avoid any issues or delays in your application.

Having the correct lighting and background in your photo is incredibly important. This photo must meet the following requirements:

  • It must be free of objects or people in the background.
  • It must be taken against a plain, light-colored background.
  • You must be in clear contrast to the background.
  • You must look into the camera and your eyes should be visible (remove your glasses if there is glare).

In terms of how you should present your photo, you should follow these guidelines:

  • Face forward and look directly at the camera.
  • Keep your mouth closed and have a neutral expression.
  • Keep your eyes open and visible (we recommend removing glasses if you wear them).
  • Keep hair out of your face.
  • Remove any head coverings (head coverings for medical or religious reasons are allowed).
  • Ensure nothing is covering your face.
  • Make sure there are no shadows on your face or behind your head.

UK Entry Requirements

As of January 2025, the main requirement for most travelers entering the UK is to have a valid passport for the entirety of their stay, along with an electronic travel authorization or a visa.

If you’re traveling under special circumstances (for example, immigrating or entering with a work permit), you will need to bring the appropriate paperwork that verifies your status.

The other special circumstance is traveling with children. The UK requires one of the following: a birth or adoption certificate, divorce or marriage certificates if you have a different surname than your child, or a letter from the child’s parent giving permission for them to travel with you if you are not the parent.

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

As of January 2025, an ETA is not required by Europeans to travel to the UK. However, in April 2025, UK ETA requirements changed, and Europeans are now required to obtain an ETA before traveling to the UK.

With the current rules in place, an ETA grants you permission to travel into the UK for six months at a time over a two-year period.

You can apply for an ETA at any time, but you should apply at least 3 days prior to travel as that is the current maximum processing time.

As of right now, there are no new visa requirements for the UK requiring you to also hold an ETA.

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