UK ETA FAQs

UK ETA and EVW

Whether you are planning a short visit for tourism, business, or family reasons, these UK ETA FAQs will answer your most pressing questions.

What is a UK ETA?

A UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a travel permit required of travelers visiting the United Kingdom. It covers short-stay travel purposes such as tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. It serves as a pre-screening measure to enhance security and streamline the entry process to the UK.

Is the UK ETA active?

Yes the ETA is active. The ETA has also become mandatory for the following countries:

1. Asia: Bahrain, Brunei, Hong Kong, Kuwait, and Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, the UAE.
2. Africa: Botswana, Mauritius, Seychelles
3. Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, United States, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay
4. Oceania: Australia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu

Meanwhile, ETA application has also opened for nationalities from the following European countries. In particular, this applies if they are traveling on or after April 2, 2025:

1. Andorra
2. Austria
3. Belgium
4. Bulgaria
5. Croatia
6. Cyprus
7. Czechia
8. Denmark
9. Estonia
10. Finland
11. France
12. Germany
13. Greece
14. Hungary
15. Iceland
16. Italy
17. Latvia
18. Liechtenstein
19. Lithuania
20. Luxembourg
21. Malta
22. Monaco
23. Netherlands
24. Norway
25. Poland
26. Portugal
27. Romania
28. San Marino
29. Slovakia
30. Slovenia
31. Spain
32. Sweden
33. Switzerland
34. Vatican City

Are Electronic Visa Waivers still valid?

The UK ETA has effectively replaced the Electronic Visa Waiver scheme (EVW) for nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. Citizens of these countries now need an ETA to travel to the UK.

How different is the ETA from the e-visa waiver program?

The UK ETA differs from a visa in several ways:

• Purpose: The ETA is for short-term visits, including tourism, business, and family visits, while a visa covers a broader range of purposes such as work, study, and long-term stays.
• Application Process: The ETA process is entirely online, quicker, and requires less documentation compared to a visa.
• Eligibility: ETAs are available only to citizens of visa-exempt countries, whereas visas are required for those from countries not on the visa-exempt list.

What are the limitations of an ETA?

A UK ETA does not allow the following:

• Stays over six months
• Paid or unpaid work (unless it’s a permitted engagement or under specific visa concessions)
• Access to public funds
• Frequent or successive visits to live in the UK
• Marrying or registering a civil partnership (This requires a Marriage Visitor visa)

Eligibility

Who needs a UK ETA?

Citizens of specific countries must obtain a UK ETA before traveling to the UK. If your country is on the list (as mentioned above), you must apply for an ETA.

Who does not need a UK ETA?

Travelers do not need an ETA if they:

1. Have a UK visa
2. Have permission to live, work, or study in the UK
3. Have a British or Irish passport
4. Have a British overseas territories passport
5. Are a legal resident in Ireland 
6. Are entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man. 

What are the eligibility criteria for a UK ETA?

To be eligible for a UK ETA, you must:

1. Be a citizen of an eligible country.
2. Hold a biometric passport with at least six months of validity from the date of the intended entry into the UK.
3. Intend to visit the UK for a short-term stay (ex: tourism, business, or visiting family and friends).
4. Have no adverse travel history, such as previous immigration violations or deportations.

Can I travel without an ETA if I’m eligible?

No, it is a must for travelers from eligible countries to have an approved ETA before they can board their flight to the UK.

Requirements

Do I need health insurance to apply for a UK ETA?

While health insurance is not mandatory for a UK ETA, it is strongly recommended. Having health insurance that covers medical expenses during your stay in the UK ensures you are protected in case of any medical emergencies.

What security checks are involved in the ETA application process?

The application process includes background checks to ensure the applicant poses no security risk to the UK. This involves verifying your identity and checking against international security databases. You must declare that you have no criminal record.

Do I need to submit proof of onward travel for the UK ETA?

While an onward or return ticket is not explicitly required for the ETA application, border officials may ask for evidence of your travel plans. This is to ensure compliance with visa and entry conditions.

Are there additional requirements for travelers from specific countries?

Some nationalities may have additional requirements or security checks. It’s best to consult EVS to confirm any specific requirements for your nationality. For questions about the ETA, you may contact the EVS team at contact@etavisaservices.com.

Do I need to submit proof of accommodation in the UK?

Although authorities do not require proof of accommodation for the ETA application, you may need to provide this information to UK border officials upon entry.

What happens if I don’t meet the requirements for an ETA?

If you don’t meet the ETA requirements, you may need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a Standard Visitor Visa, depending on your travel purpose and circumstances.

Application Process

How do I apply for a UK ETA?

To apply for a UK ETA, visit the EVS platform. It simplifies the Saudi e-visa application process so you can focus on preparing for your journey instead of going through complex visa processes.

Experience efficient, reliable, and professional visa support with EVS. Ready to get started with your application? Click the button below today to obtain your ETA.

Apply Now

What documents are required for the application?

The following documents and electronic tools are needed for a UK ETA application:

1. A valid biometric passport with an electronic chip.
2. A recent digital passport photo with a plain background and no coverings unless for religious or medical reasons.
3. An active email address to receive the ETA decision.
4. Electronic payment methods, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit card, or debit card.
5. Supporting documents may be required depending on the purpose of your visit (e.g., invitation letters or proof of bookings).

How long does the application process take?

Applying for a UK ETA should only take a few minutes. Processing the application, meanwhile, typically takes three working days. 

In some cases, it’s possible to receive a decision sooner. Occasionally, it may take longer than three working days. As processing times can vary, it is advisable to apply well in advance of your travel date.

How can you check the status of your UK ETA application?

If you are waiting for the decision for your ETA application, wait for the e-mail confirming whether your ETA has been granted or denied.

What if my UK ETA application is denied?

If your ETA application is denied, you can re-apply or seek a standard UK visitor visa.

You may contact the nearest UK embassy or consulate in your location for more information on how to apply for a UK visit visa.

Can I appeal a denied UK ETA application?

There is no formal appeal process for a denied UK ETA application. However, you can re-apply after ensuring all criteria and requirements are met.

Can children apply for a UK ETA?

Yes, children can apply for a UK ETA. Travelers of all ages, including infants and children, must apply for a UK ETA. Each child must have a separate application and meet the same eligibility criteria as adults. Parents or guardians should complete the application on behalf of their children.

Can I apply for someone else?

Yes, you may submit an application on behalf of someone else.

Do I need to provide a detailed travel itinerary?

No, a detailed travel itinerary is not necesary.

Can I change my travel plans after my ETA is approved?

Minor changes to your travel plans, such as different travel dates within the validity period, are generally acceptable. However, significant changes, such as altering the purpose of your visit or exceeding the allowed duration, may require a new application or additional documentation.

Fees and Payment Options

What payment methods are accepted for the application fee?

Supported electronic payment methods include Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit card, or debit card. Ensure you have a valid payment method before starting your application.

Validity and Duration

How long is a UK ETA valid?

The UK ETA allows travelers to visit the UK as many times as they want over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever comes first.

How long can I stay in the UK with an ETA?

With a UK ETA, you can stay for a maximum period of six months in the United Kingdom. Ensure you adhere to the allowed duration to avoid any immigration issues.

Can I travel to the UK multiple times with one ETA?

Yes, as long as the ETA is valid, you can make multiple trips to the UK, provided each stay does not exceed the permitted timeframe.

Can I extend my stay in the UK if I entered using an ETA?

No, extensions are not permitted for the UK ETA. You must leave the UK before your authorized stay ends.

Can I apply for a different visa while in the UK on an ETA?

No, you cannot switch to a different visa category while in the UK on an ETA. You must leave and apply from outside the UK.

Tracking Application Status

How can I track the status of my UK ETA application?

If you are waiting for the decision for your ETA application, wait for the e-mail confirming whether your ETA has been granted or denied. For questions about the ETA, you may contact the EVS team at contact@etavisaservices.com.