Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) UK Guide: What You Need To Know
The UK government recently implemented the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). In this article, you can learn more about this new requirement, what it encompasses, who it impacts, how to apply for it, and more.
Share This Article
Table of Contents
What Is The Electronic Travel Authorisation?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new entry requirement for individuals traveling to the UK. It grants permission to travel to the UK for up to six months for purposes such as tourism, business, short-term study, or transit. It simplifies travel by serving as an alternative to a visa for short visits. However, it does not allow extended stays, work, or access to public funds. An ETA is linked to the traveler’s passport and remains valid for two years, enabling multiple entries within that period.
What Should Apply For An ETA?
The ETA has been rolled out in multiple countries. You can apply for an ETA now if you’re a national of any of the following countries:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
The countries below do not have to apply for an ETA until the following dates:
27 November 2024
Nationalities from the following locations (including associated territories) can apply for an ETA from 27 November 2024.
They can travel to the UK with an ETA from 8 January 2025.
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas)
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Macao Special Administrative Region
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Samoa
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Taiwan (if you have a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- United States
- Uruguay
5 March 2025
Nationalities from the following locations (including associated territories) can apply for an ETA from 5 March 2025.
They can travel to the UK with an ETA from 2 April 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
- Vatican City
Who Does Not Need To Apply For An ETA?
The following groups do not need to apply for an ETA under any circumstances:
- You have a valid UK visa
- You have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme)
- You have a British or Irish passport
- You have a British overseas territories passport
- You live in Ireland and you’re travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
What Can You Do With An ETA?
If you’re in an ETA-eligible country, you can apply for the ETA instead of a visa if you are:
- Visiting the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study (educational programmes shorter than 6 months)
- coming to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
- coming to the UK for a permitted paid engagement
- transiting through the UK – including if you’re not going through UK border control
What Can You Not Do With An ETA?
The ETA does not permit the following:
- Staying in the UK as a tourist for more than 6 months
- Do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person
- Claim public funds (benefits)
- Live in the UK through frequent or successive visits (aka “Visa Runs”)
- Marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership. For this you’ll need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa
How Much Does It Cost To Apply For An ETA?
The application fee is £10 (non-refundable) per person. If you are travelling in a group, everyone needs to get an ETA, including babies and children. You can also apply for other people.
What Documents Do You Need To Apply For An ETA?
- Your passport (upload photo)
- Access to your emails (to receive confirmations)
- A card for online payment
- An online copy of the face of the person applying (for upload)
How To Apply For An ETA?
You can apply online here: https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/how-to-apply
Or through the UK ETA mobile app:
The process is as follows:
- Take or upload a photo of the passport you will use to travel to the UK. (Children aged 9 and under do not need to scan their face)
- Answer some questions about yourself
- Pay for your application.
ETA For Studying In The UK
If you are not from the UK and wish to study at a UK school, college, or university, you do not need to apply for the ETA. However, you will be required to apply for a student visa.
If you require any assistance, our educational consultants and study agents will be able to help you. We provide free consultation, school search and application assistance. Contact us today.
Contact Us For Free Advice On Studying In The UK
Join our UK Study newsletter and get helpful articles on UK study, admission tips, courses and more delivered to your inbox.
