Around 50 new countries are now eligible for the ETA. Check the latest requirements for your trip.
What is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a type of entry permit for the UK. It gives British authorities details about passengers entering the country.
Not all travellers visiting the UK need an ETA. It’s a requirement for foreign nationals who are eligible for visa-free travel to the United Kingdom.
You can apply for your ETA online with UK Visa Kingdom’s easy-to-complete form.
Key details: ETA for the UK
There’s only one type of Electronic Travel Authorisation for the UK. Here’s some important information about what your ETA entitles you to.
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Multipurpose entry permit
The ETA is valid for:
- tourism
- business trips
- short-term study
- visiting friends and family
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Valid for up to 2 years
Once approved, you can use your ETA to take multiple trips to the UK during its validity period.
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Stay for up to 6 months
If you come from an eligible country, you’ll be able to visit the UK for up to 6 months visa-free
Who needs an ETA for the UK from 2024 onwards?
If you hold a passport from one of the following nations, you must now apply for an ETA to visit the UK:
Africa
Asia
Europe
North America
Oceania
South America
*You can use a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport or a British National Overseas passport in your ETA application.
**Your Taiwanese passport must include a National Identification Card number (NWOHR) to apply for the ETA.
Important: Citizens of Jordan can no longer apply for an ETA. Instead, you must now apply for a visa to visit the United Kingdom.
ETA UK requirements and key dates for travellers
The ETA program has been launched gradually. Here are the most important dates for visitors to the UK:
| Nations | Online ETA application open from | Mandatory for travel to the UK from |
|---|---|---|
| Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries | 1st February 2024 | 22nd February 2024 |
| Most other eligible countries | 27th November 2024 | 8th January 2025 |
| European countries | 5th March 2025 | 2nd April 2025 |
There’s no need to visit an embassy to get your travel authorisation. You can apply online for your UK ETA from anywhere in the world, as long asyou have an eligible passport and an internet connection.
Planned updates to the UK ETA system
The ETA was introduced as part of the UK’s plan to make its borders fully digitalised by 2025. Though it currently applies to around 60 nations, more countries will be included in the future.
Irish citizens will be exempt from ETA or visa requirements due to the Common Travel Area arrangement.
However, EU citizens and other European nationals will need an ETA to travel to the UK from 2nd April 2025. They can start to apply for their ETA from 5th March 2025.
Comprehensive ETA service
At UK Visa Kingdom, we’re dedicated to making your ETA UK application easy. Our travel permit experts are here to help throughout at every stage of your application.
- Fast and easy application process
- Expert customer support
- Speedy ETA delivery
We specialise in helping travellers get their ETA for the UK
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50+ETA consultants
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15+languages spoken
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24/7application open
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99%approval rate
Why choose UK Visa Kingdom?
We provide a comprehensive application service for the ETA, with extra benefits not offered on the UK government site. Save time and increase your chances of ETA approval by making your application through our site.
- Streamlined application
Complete our quick and easy online form in minutes. - Expert guidance
Get specialist support from our friendly team. - Your details are verified
Correct any errors before your form is submitted. - Image editing service
Upload your documents in any format. - Quick processing
Get your approved ETA by email in just 1 to 3 days. - Approval guaranteed
Request a refund of your fee if your ETA is rejected.
ETA for the UK: 3-step application guide
The ETA application process is 100% online and available to citizens of eligible nations. Follow these steps to apply for your ETA:
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Complete the ETA form online
Fill in some personal information, including your passport details. You’ll also need to upload a photo of yourself and your passport’s bio-data page.
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Pay the ETA fee
To complete your application, make the fee payment by credit or debit card.
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Wait for a decision on your application
If approved, you’ll receive confirmation via email. Your ETA will be automatically linked to your passport.
If you’re travelling in a group, it’s essential that each passenger completes an individual Electronic Travel Authorisation for the UK.
How long does it take to get the ETA?
It only takes a few minutes to apply for the ETA. You’ll get a decision on your application within 3 days.
Once issued, your ETA will be linked to your passport and valid for 2 years. If you replace or renew your passport during this time, you’ll need to apply for a new ETA.
Latest news about the United Kingdom ETA
Here’s the latest updates on the UK ETA:
- Citizens of most European countries will need an ETA if they arrive in the UK from 2nd April 2025. However, the British government has confirmed that EU nationals travelling to the United Kingdom as part of an organised school trip will not need an ETA.
- Passport holders from more than 50 countries must now apply for the ETA before travelling to the United Kingdom.
- Jordanian citizens are no longer eligible to apply for the ETA. A visitor visa is now required.
- More visa-exempt countries will be added to the list of those requiring the ETA in the future, including EU nations.
FAQs
Who does not need a UK ETA? Toggle faqs
If you’re travelling to the UK with a visa, you do not need an ETA.
The ETA is currently available for citizens of more than 50 countries. More travellers who can visit the UK visa-free will need an ETA in the future.
The UK aims to fully digitalise all border crossings during 2025, meaning that all passengers will need either a visa or an ETA to enter the country. The only exemptions are British nationals, and residents, as well as Irish citizens.
Will I be refused entry to the UK if I do not have an approved ETA? Toggle faqs
For citizens of eligible countries, the ETA is required for entry to the UK.
More nationalities will require an ETA to visit the UK in the future. Airlines will be responsible for verifying that eligible passengers have the right travel documents before boarding.
When will EU citizens need an ETA to travel to the United Kingdom? Toggle faqs
The UK’s plans to expand the ETA scheme state that it will be a necessary requirement for all visa-exempt travellers by 2025. This excludes British citizens and residents, as well as Irish nationals.
EU citizens cannot currently apply for the ETA. Check UK Visa Kingdom for the latest updates on travel restrictions and requirements for trips to the UK.
Do I need a new ETA for each trip to the UK? Toggle faqs
Your approved ETA is valid for 2 years. It allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months at a time.
It’s a multiple-entry travel permit, meaning you can use it to visit the United Kingdom multiple times during its validity period.
The ETA is linked to your passport. If your passport expires, you’ll need to complete a new ETA application with the details of your renewed passport.
Can I apply for an ETA on someone else’s behalf? Toggle faqs
Yes, you can complete an ETA application for someone else if they’re not able to make the application themselves.
All travellers, including children and babies, need an ETA if they come from an eligible country.
To fill out the online form, you’ll need to provide the passport details and personal information of the person you’re applying for.
Do children and babies need an ETA for the UK? Toggle faqs
Yes, travellers of all ages need an individual Electronic Travel Authorisation. It’s possible to complete the online application on behalf of your child.
Once approved, the ETA will be automatically linked to your child’s passport. You will not need to print out a copy of the ETA to carry with you.
Which parts of the UK require an ETA? Toggle faqs
ETA requirements apply to all land crossings, as well as air and seaports in the United Kingdom. This includes England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
The ETA is not required for travel to the Republic of Ireland, as it is not a part of the United Kingdom.
Is the ETA the same as the EVW for the UK? Toggle faqs
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) has replaced the formerly used Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW).
Eligible passengers no longer need to apply for the EVW, and should get an ETA instead.