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United Kingdom

UK ETA
Application

Travel to the United Kingdom with confidence through professional UK ETA application support.

2 Years

Validity Period

6 Months

Max Stay Per Visit

About UK ETA

What is the UK ETA?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a digital travel permission required for nationals of eligible countries visiting the United Kingdom for short stays.

As a pre-departure entry clearance, it allows authorities to review traveler information in advance, helping facilitate a more efficient entry process upon arrival.

Introduced in late 2023, the requirement has been gradually expanded to include additional eligible nationalities. By April 2025, the requirement applied to nearly all visa-exempt travelers.

UK landmarks

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Eligibility

Who Needs a UK ETA?

Eligibility for a UK ETA depends primarily on your nationality and the purpose of your travel. The requirement applies to travelers who are normally permitted to visit the United Kingdom without a visa for short stays.

You will need a UK ETA if:

  • You are a national of an eligible visa-exempt country.
  • You are visiting for a short stay (up to six months) for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or short-term study.
  • You are transiting through a UK airport and will pass through border control.

You do not need a UK ETA if:

  • You are a British or Irish citizen traveling on a valid UK or Irish passport.
  • You already hold a valid UK visa or have permission to live, work, or study in the United Kingdom.
  • You hold valid Irish residence status and are traveling to the United Kingdom from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
Eligibility

Eligible Countries

Nationals of the following visa-exempt countries are eligible to apply for a UK ETA prior to travel:

🇦🇩 Andorra
🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda
🇦🇷 Argentina
🇦🇺 Australia
🇦🇹 Austria
🇧🇸 Bahamas
🇧🇭 Bahrain
🇧🇧 Barbados
🇧🇪 Belgium
🇧🇿 Belize
🇧🇷 Brazil
🇧🇳 Brunei
🇧🇬 Bulgaria
🇨🇦 Canada
🇨🇱 Chile
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
🇭🇷 Croatia
🇨🇾 Cyprus
🇨🇿 Czechia
🇩🇰 Denmark
🇪🇪 Estonia
🇫🇮 Finland
🇫🇷 France
🇩🇪 Germany
🇬🇷 Greece
🇬🇩 Grenada
🇬🇹 Guatemala
🇬🇾 Guyana
🇭🇰 Hong Kong SAR
🇭🇺 Hungary
🇮🇸 Iceland
🇮🇱 Israel
🇮🇹 Italy
🇯🇵 Japan
🇰🇮 Kiribati
🇰🇼 Kuwait
🇱🇻 Latvia
🇱🇮 Liechtenstein
🇱🇹 Lithuania
🇱🇺 Luxembourg
🇲🇴 Macao SAR
🇲🇾 Malaysia
🇲🇻 Maldives
🇲🇹 Malta
🇲🇭 Marshall Islands
🇲🇺 Mauritius
🇲🇽 Mexico
🇫🇲 Micronesia
🇲🇨 Monaco
🇳🇱 Netherlands
🇳🇿 New Zealand
🇳🇴 Norway
🇴🇲 Oman
🇵🇼 Palau
🇵🇦 Panama
🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea
🇵🇾 Paraguay
🇵🇪 Peru
🇵🇱 Poland
🇵🇹 Portugal
🇶🇦 Qatar
🇷🇴 Romania
🇼🇸 Samoa
🇸🇲 San Marino
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
🇸🇨 Seychelles
🇸🇬 Singapore
🇸🇰 Slovakia
🇸🇮 Slovenia
🇸🇧 Solomon Islands
🇰🇷 South Korea
🇪🇸 Spain
🇰🇳 St Kitts and Nevis
🇻🇨 St Vincent and the Grenadines
🇸🇪 Sweden
🇨🇭 Switzerland
🇹🇼 Taiwan
🇹🇴 Tonga
🇹🇻 Tuvalu
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
🇺🇸 United States
🇺🇾 Uruguay
🇻🇦 Vatican City
Requirements

What You'll Need

Gather these items before starting your UK ETA application.

Valid Passport

The passport must be valid for the entire duration of the intended stay in the UK.

Payment Method

A credit or debit card to pay the application fee.

Email Address

A valid email address to receive your ETA confirmation.

Travel Dates

Planned arrival date in the United Kingdom.

Application Steps

How to Apply

Our streamlined process makes getting your UK ETA simple.

01

Complete the Application

Fill out our guided online form with your personal and passport details.

02

Expert Review

Our team reviews your application for accuracy and completeness.

03

Submission

We handle the submission of your application.

04

Receive Your ETA

Get your approved ETA by email.

Application & Outcomes

Application Submission

Most applications are processed within three working days, provided all information is accurate and complete. In many cases, a decision is issued sooner.

How We Support You

While the UK ETA process is straightforward, small errors can result in delays or complications. Our guided support service is designed to help ensure your submission is accurate and complete, allowing you to focus on your travel plans with confidence.

We assist with:

  • Reviewing your details before submission to minimize errors
  • Verifying information for accuracy and proper formatting
  • Providing guidance on eligibility and background questions
  • Identifying potential issues before submission
  • Offering updates and support if additional information is requested
  • Advising you on next steps if your application is not approved

Our priority is clarity, accuracy, and reducing the risk of unexpected issues.

Possible Outcomes

Approved

You are authorized to travel to the United Kingdom using the passport linked to your ETA, within its validity period.

Rejected

Your application was not automatically approved, and you may be asked to provide additional information or submit a new application.

Refused

If you are not eligible for an ETA, an appeal option may not be available. In such cases, you may need to apply for a UK visa instead.

Regardless of the outcome, you will receive an update regarding your application status. We remain available to help you understand the decision and advise you on possible next steps.

Travel Information

Before Boarding and Upon Arrival

Airline & Carrier Verification

From 25 February 2026, airlines, ferry operators, and rail carriers are required to confirm that travelers hold a valid ETA before allowing them to board. If an eligible traveler does not hold a valid ETA, boarding may be denied.

At the UK Border

Upon arrival, you must present the passport used during your application. The ETA is electronically linked to your passport, so a printed approval is typically not required. While an approved ETA permits travel, it does not guarantee entry. The final decision regarding admission remains at the discretion of border officials.

Important Information

Special Circumstances

Certain situations may affect your UK ETA after submission or before travel. If your circumstances change, the following guidance may help.

If You Renew Your Passport

Your UK ETA is electronically linked to the passport used during the application. If you renew or replace your passport, the existing authorization will no longer be valid. A new application must be submitted using the updated passport details before travel.

If You Have a Criminal History

During the application process, you will be asked about any criminal history. It is important to answer accurately and truthfully, as certain responses may result in refusal. If refused due to your criminal record, you will need to apply for a UK visa instead.

If You Previously Overstayed

Individuals who have previously overstayed in the United Kingdom or breached immigration conditions during a prior visit may not be eligible for an ETA. The application may be refused, and a visa application will be required.

If You Travel for Purposes Beyond Short Stays

If you intend to travel for purposes beyond those permitted, such as staying for more than six months, undertaking employment (paid or unpaid), or long-term residence, you are not eligible for an ETA and must apply for the appropriate visa.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the UK ETA.

Can the UK ETA be renewed or extended?
No. A UK ETA cannot be renewed or extended. Once it expires, or if your passport expires, you will need to submit a new application.
What if my ETA expires while I'm in the UK?
Your ETA only needs to be valid at the time of travel to the United Kingdom. If it expires while you are already in the country, this does not affect your stay, provided that you entered legally and remain within your permitted period of stay.
What happens if I make a mistake on my ETA application?
If you realise you made an error after receiving approval, you may need to submit a new application with the correct details. Inaccuracies in personal or passport information can cause issues during travel.
Why does my name format not match the name written in my passport?
The name displayed on your ETA is automatically generated based on the Machine-Readable Zone (MRZ), which consists of the two lines of letters and numbers at the bottom of your passport's information page. This will not affect your travel plans or the validity of your ETA, provided that the name shown matches exactly the name in the MRZ.

Ready to Visit the United Kingdom?

Your trip to the United Kingdom begins with a properly submitted ETA. Avoid unnecessary delays or complications by letting our team review your application and guide you through each step. Apply today and prepare for your journey with peace of mind.

Start Your Application