UK ETA Requirements

Knowing the requirements for a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is essential for a smooth application process. On this page, we cover its eligibility criteria, requirements, application process, and additional information to help you prepare effectively.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for a UK ETA, it’s crucial to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria. In light of this, the following points outline who is eligible for an ETA:

Citizenship: Certain countries have already been identified as eligible for the ETA:

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

Age: Eligible travelers of all ages must apply for an ETA.

Purpose of visit: Under a UK ETA, travelers may perform tourism, visit family and friends, engage in business activities, or seek medical treatment. In addition, they may also work under the Creative Worker visa concession or a paid engagement. They may also take short-term studies or transit through the UK.

Length of stay: Travelers can stay up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, seeking medical treatment, or taking up short-term studies. So, if you are working under the Creative Worker visa concession, you can stay for up to three months in the UK.

Valid passport: You must hold a valid passport from an eligible country. Hence, the passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of your intended entry into the UK. As such, if your passport is expiring soon, renew it before applying.

Clean record: Applicants should have a clean travel history with no previous immigration violations, deportations, or breaches in the UK or other countries. This ensures that he/she poses no risk to the UK’s peace and security.

UK ETA Requirements

To successfully apply for a UK ETA, you need to prepare and submit several essential documents. Here is a list of the requirements in detail:

Valid biometric passport: Travelers must have a passport embedded with an electronic microprocessor chip. The passport features a biometric symbol on the front cover.

Digital passport photo: Applicants must submit a recent photograph taken against a plain background, looking directly at the camera with a neutral expression. Additionally, they must have no eye or head coverings unless required for religious or medical reasons.

Valid e-mail address: The decision for an ETA application is sent to the applicant’s e-mail. Hence, make sure you indicate an active e-mail address in the application.

Electronic payment methods: To pay for ETA fees, travelers must have Apple Pay, Google Pay, a credit card, or a debit card.

Supporting Documents: Additional documents may be required based on the purpose of your visit. For example, business travelers might need an invitation letter from a UK company. Tourists, on the other hand, might need proof of tour bookings. Meanwhile, visitors staying with family or friends might be asked for an invitation letter from their host in the UK.

Security Requirements

The security requirements for a UK ETA are in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors. Presently, here are the key security requirements you must meet:

1. No criminal record: You must declare that you do not have a criminal record. Providing false information can lead to serious consequences, such as denial of your ETA. Moreover, you also face being potentially banned from future travel to the UK.
2. Background checks: Applicants undergo security checks as part of the application process. Specifically, it includes verifying your identity and checking against international security databases.
3. Health Insurance: Although not mandatory, it is recommended to have health insurance that covers medical expenses during your stay in the UK. This ensures you can pay for the cost of any medical emergencies without relying on the UK’s public health services.

Application Process

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.

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UK ETA Tips

Here are some additional tips and information to help you with your UK ETA application:

1. Plan ahead: Start your application well in advance of your intended travel date. This will give you enough time to gather all requirements and avoid last-minute rushes.
2. Follow guidelines: Follow the UK government guidelines on document requirements, photo specifications, and application procedures.
3. Check for updates: Visa requirements and application processes can change at any time. Regularly check the official UK government website for any updates or changes to the ETA guidelines or application process.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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 the UK Government ETA page to confirm any specific requirements for your nationality.

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.

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

While health insurance is not mandatory for a UK ETA, it is recommended to have insurance that covers medical expenses during your stay in the UK. Moreover, this ensures you can cover medical emergencies without relying on the UK’s public health services.