The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital entry permit for visa-exempt nationals outside the European Union. Announced on 9 March 2023, ETA replaced the Electronic Visa Waiver scheme for GCC countries and expanded globally to strengthen border security and streamline arrivals.
The scheme was first applied to Qatari nationals on 15 November 2023, followed by GCC countries and Jordan in February 2024. Jordan was excluded in September 2024 due to misuse. ETA applications opened on 8 January 2025 for non-European visa-free countries. European nationals joined in April 2025.
ETA costs £16 per application, valid for two years or passport expiry, whichever comes first. Required for tourism, business, study, transit, except for travelers transiting airside without passing border control, a temporary exemption was introduced following industry feedback.
What is the UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization?
The UK ETA for non-European travelers is a digital pre-entry authorization linked to the traveler’s passport, required for nationals from visa-exempt countries outside Europe. It allows multiple entries over two years, with each visit lasting up to six months.
The ETA functions like a security screening system, checking eligibility before a passenger boards a flight. It applies to categories such as tourists, business visitors, or those attending short-term studies. Unlike a visa, it is faster to obtain, fully online, and directly connected to the passport chip. The approval is stored electronically, meaning travelers do not need to carry extra documents beyond their passport.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
Non-European visa-exempt nationals will need an ETA to enter the UK. This group includes citizens from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. Visa-required nationals, however, will still need traditional visas.
The UK ETA rollout began with Qatari nationals in 2023, followed by citizens of GCC countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. By early 2025, the scheme will expand to cover a wide range of non-European countries whose citizens previously traveled without visas. This ensures that border checks are consistent across nationalities.
Which Non-European Countries Are Eligible for the UK ETA?
Non-European eligibility extends to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, Japan, South Korea, and all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. These travelers were previously able to enter the UK without visas but will now require ETAs.
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brunei
- Costa Rica
- Denmark
- Germany
- Guyana
- Italy
- Kuwait
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Micronesia
- New Zealand
- Palau
- Peru
- Romania
- Seychelles
- Slovakia
- St Lucia
- Tonga
- Uruguay
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Belize
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Estonia
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Israel
- Latvia
- Macao
- Marshall Islands
- Monaco
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Poland
- Samoa
- Singapore
- Slovenia
- St Vincent & the Grenadines
- Tuvalu
- Vatican City
- Argentina
- Bahrain
- Botswana
- Canada
- Cyprus
- Finland
- Grenada
- Hungary
- Japan
- Liechtenstein
- Malaysia
- Mauritius
- Nauru
- Norway
- Papua New Guinea
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Solomon Islands
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Arab Emirates
- Australia
- Barbados
- Brazil
- Chile
- Czechia
- France
- Guatemala
- Iceland
- Kiribati
- Lithuania
- Maldives
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- Oman
- Paraguay
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- South Korea
- St Kitts and Nevis
- Switzerland
- United States
Documents Required for a UK ETA Application
Before you apply, make sure you have:
- A valid biometric passport
- Recent digital photo (passport-style)
- Travel details (flight or ferry booking)
- Valid email address (for ETA confirmation)
- Payment method (debit/credit card)
Pro tip: Check your passport’s expiry date. It should be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
How Long Is the UK ETA Valid for Travelers?
A UK ETA remains valid for two years from approval or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Within this period, holders may enter the UK multiple times, with each stay lasting up to six months.
The multiple-entry system allows flexibility for regular business visitors or tourists who frequently return. However, travelers cannot use an ETA to live permanently in the UK. Repeated long stays may raise immigration concerns, and immigration officers can question travel intent if patterns suggest residency attempts.
What Are the Requirements for a UK ETA Application?
Applicants need a passport valid for at least six months, a recent digital photograph, travel details, and a debit or credit card for payment. Some travelers may also need to confirm proof of funds or provide additional data if flagged.
The face photo must meet biometric quality standards, and details such as name, date of birth, and passport number must match exactly. Applications are usually submitted online. Accuracy is vital since errors can cause rejection or delay. This system ensures eligibility checks before boarding.
How Much Does the UK ETA Cost?
The UK ETA currently costs £10 to £16 per application, depending on official pricing adjustments. Travelers must pay online at the time of applying. The ETA fee covers processing and electronic linking to the applicant’s passport.
Some agencies provide application support, sometimes with additional service fees. For travelers who prefer a guided process, services like applyuketa.com can help simplify the procedure. However, the ETA itself is always issued electronically after the payment is processed.
How to Apply for a UK ETA Online Step by Step?
Applying is straightforward. First, applicants create an online profile, then complete the digital form with personal and passport details. Next, they upload a face photograph, pay the fee, and wait for the application to be processed.
The steps are:
- Register an account.
- Fill in passport details.
Upload a photo. - Pay securely online.
- Receive approval by email.
Travelers can also apply using platforms such as application.applyuketa.com, which streamlines the process and reduces errors by providing guided steps and automated checks.
How Long Does It Take to Get a UK ETA?
Most UK ETA applications are processed within 24 to 72 hours, though some may take longer if additional checks are required. Airlines can only allow boarding once a valid ETA is confirmed electronically against the passport.
Factors that cause delays include incomplete forms, blurry photos, or mismatched passport details. Submitting accurate data is key to avoiding setbacks. Since the system is automated, simple applications may even be approved within a single day.
How Does the UK ETA Compare with Other Travel Authorizations (ESTA, eTA, ETIAS)?
The UK ETA resembles the US ESTA, Canada’s eTA, and the EU’s ETIAS. All are electronic permissions for visa-exempt travelers, aiming to increase border security while keeping travel convenient. Each system has differences in fees, validity, and scope.
For instance, ESTA is valid for two years, while ETIAS will apply across Schengen states with multi-year validity. The UK ETA aligns with this global trend, providing multiple entries over two years for short visits. It reflects a consistent worldwide shift toward digital pre-clearance systems.
Can You Use a UK ETA for Tourism, Study, or Business?
Yes, travelers can use a UK ETA for tourism, business trips, or short courses lasting up to six months. It’s flexible, covering most casual travel purposes except for work or settlement.
Is a UK ETA Required for Transit Through the UK?
Transit rules depend on whether the traveler passes border control. If they remain airside, some nationalities may be exempt. If they must clear border control, an ETA becomes mandatory for visa-exempt nationals.
Travelers should check the transit category of their ticket. Even when airside exemptions apply, having an ETA offers smoother processing and reduces the risk of being stopped at departure gates. Airlines verify authorization before allowing passengers to board UK-bound flights.
Can You Extend a UK ETA While in the UK?
No, a UK ETA cannot be extended once in the UK. The ETA is strictly for short visits, allowing stays up to six months. Travelers who wish to remain longer must apply for a different visa category.
Attempting to extend an ETA could result in refusal at the border on future trips. The system is designed to manage short-term visits only. For work, study beyond six months, or family settlement, standard visas are the correct route.
What Happens If Your UK ETA Application Is Rejected?
If a UK ETA application is rejected, the traveler cannot board a flight using that passport until the issue is resolved. Common reasons include incorrect data, photo quality issues, or security-related alerts.
The next step often involves reapplying with corrected details. However, if rejection stems from ineligibility or security concerns, the traveler may need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead. Services like applyuketa.com can assist in understanding requirements.
Do Children Need a UK ETA to Enter the UK?
Yes, children and infants must each hold a valid ETA if their nationality requires it. The ETA is linked to the child’s passport, regardless of age. Parents or guardians apply on behalf of minors.
The process mirrors that of adult applications, requiring passport details, a digital photo, and payment. Immigration rules treat children the same as adults in terms of travel authorization, ensuring that every individual is pre-cleared before boarding.
What Documents Do You Need to Upload for a UK ETA?
Applicants must provide a digital face photo and enter passport details. The photo must meet biometric standards: clear, front-facing, neutral background. The passport details must match exactly, including name, date of birth, and passport number.
Payment is also required at submission. Travelers are not typically required to upload flight tickets or proof of funds unless additional checks are requested. By keeping the process simple, the ETA streamlines entry for millions of visa-exempt travelers worldwide.
Which Airports and Borders Accept the UK ETA?
The UK ETA is recognized at all UK airports, seaports, and land borders. The authorization is linked digitally to the passport, so immigration officers automatically verify it when travelers present their documents at checkpoints.
This means travelers can enter through Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, or regional airports without carrying additional paperwork. Seaports like Dover and land routes from Ireland also honor ETA-linked passports. It applies universally within the UK border system.
What Common Mistakes Delay UK ETA Approval?
The most common delays result from mismatched passport details, poor-quality photos, and using incorrect email addresses. Payment errors or incomplete applications also trigger processing issues.
Travelers should double-check all details before submission. Using platforms like application.applyuketa.com helps reduce errors by guiding applicants through each step and validating data automatically. Careful preparation avoids stressful last-minute delays at the airport.
Can You Travel to Ireland with a UK ETA?
No, the UK ETA does not grant entry to Ireland, which has a separate immigration system. Even though both countries share the Common Travel Area, ETA authorization only covers UK borders.
Travelers intending to visit Ireland must check Irish visa requirements separately. Some nationals may benefit from short-stay visa waiver schemes, but the ETA itself cannot be used to cross into Ireland from Northern Ireland or other points of entry.
