UK ETA Overview

What is the UK ETA?

The UK ETA stands for the United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation. It is a digital permit that allows travelers to visit the United Kingdom for a short period. In addition, it is a new requirement for UK visa-exempt countries to be rolled out in 2024. 

With the ETA, the UK government aims to enforce stricter border control measures and improve travel to the country. 

To obtain the authorization, eligible travelers must apply online before booking their trip, provide personal information, and answer security-related questions. 

Key Benefits

The UK ETA provides several key benefits for eligible travelers to the United Kingdom:

• Multiple-entry Flexibility: Travelers can visit the UK as many times as they want within two years or until their passport expires, whichever comes first. Moreover, this gives them the flexibility to plan multiple trips to the UK without needing to re-apply. 
• Simple and Easy Application: Applying for an ETA takes only a few minutes. Because the entire process is accessible online, applicants don’t need to make a physical appearance at a visa application center or a UK embassy/consulate.
• Electronic Ease: The ETA shares an electronic link to the traveler’s passport. Hence, there is no need to carry a hard copy when traveling to the UK.
• Enhanced Security: Authorities already pre-screen travelers to promote tighter security. As such, the ETA helps travelers feel safer as its design helps them comply with regulatory requirements.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for a UK ETA, travelers must meet specific eligibility criteria, namely citizenship, age, and passport validity. 

In addition, applicants must not have any record of crime or breaches, and they must meet the permitted activities under an ETA. These include tourism, visiting family and friends, engaging in business activities, seeking medical treatment, or short-term studies.

These also cover work under the Creative Worker visa concession, work for a permitted paid engagement, or transiting through the UK. 

It is important to note that you do not need a UK ETA if you: 

• Have a UK visa
• Have permission to live, work, or study in the UK
• Have a British or Irish passport
• Have a British overseas territories passport
• Are a legal resident in Ireland 
• Are entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man. For other reasons such as work or long-term study, apply for a visa instead.

Documents and Tools

To complete the UK ETA application, you will need the following documents:

1. Valid biometric passport
2. Digital passport photographs
3. Valid e-mail address
4. Electronic payment methods

Applying for a UK ETA

Applying for a UK ETA is simple. The process takes only a few minutes and is entirely online. To apply for an ETA, go through the following steps:

Step 1: Visit the EVS platform. It simplifies the ETA application process so you can focus on preparing for your journey instead of going through complex visa processes.

At EVS, your personal and travel information remains safe and secure with its strict data protection regulations. Moreover, it provides you with expert guidance and seamless support to ensure a stress-free application journey.

Step 2: Upload a passport photo. You must have a plain, light-colored background without any shadows or objects behind you in the photo.

Step 3: Upload a scan or photo of your passport information page. Make sure the full passport photo page is inside the frame, including the two lines of numbers and letters at the bottom of the page. The passport must be valid for at least six months upon entering and exiting the UK.

Step 4: Provide your personal information.

• Contact details
• Home address
• Employment information
• Citizenship information
• Criminal history, if any

Make sure that the information you provide matches what is on your passport.

Step 5: Review and confirm the information on your application. You can pay using suitable electronic payment methods.

Step 6: Pay the application fee.

Step 7: Receive your UK ETA. You will receive an e-mail with the decision. The ETA will be linked to your passport digitally.

Things to consider:

1. The ETA is not a visa. As such, it does not permit the holder to live or work in the UK.
2. You must travel using the same passport you used in your application.
3. Your ETA is valid for as long as your linked passport is valid. Should your passport expire, you will need to get a new ETA.
4. You still need to see a Border Force officer to enter the UK. For this reason, an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.

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

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

To help you better understand the UK ETA application process, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

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

How long is the UK ETA valid?

An approved ETA is valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first. During its validity, it allows multiple entries.

When does the UK ETA take effect?

The UK ETA has already taken effect for several nationalities. Meanwhile, European nationals must obtain an ETA if their UK trip falls on April 2, 2025 onwards.

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)

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.