UK eTA

UK ETA is a valid and electronic travel permit issued by UK Visas and Immigration Home Office. Travellers who are eligible for UK ETA can use it for various purposes such as visiting friends and family, business or tourism activities and many more. All the travellers who are currently exempted from UK visa requirements for their short stay in the United Kingdom are mandated to obtain UK ETA for their UK trip.

Apply for UK eTA

UK ETA Overview

The United Kingdom is well-known for its best scenery, ancient castles and cathedrals, besides the country offers plenty of reasons to visit and explore. Different kinds of traveller are visiting the United Kingdom seeking different purposes such as business opportunities, academic or employment purposes. A lot of travellers plan a leisure trip to the UK to spend their vacation enjoying the stunning sights or shopping around the famous London streets.

However, foreign travellers planning a trip to the United Kingdom cannot skip getting their travel permit, regardless of their reason for visiting the country. Every traveller is mandated to get a valid UK visa or UK ETA.

Complete UK eTA Application

Provide travel and personal details for each applicant in the UK eTA form.

Application
Review and Make Payment

Make Secure Payment using a Credit or Debit card.

Payment
Obtain UK eTA

Receive your UK eTA approval to your email from UK Visas and Immigration Home Office.

Approval

What is the UK ETA?

UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an authorized and valid digital travel permit introduced by the UK Visas and Immigration Home Office. The scheme was initiated to enhance UK border security protection and to provide a convenient travel experience for travellers.

The UK ETA offers travellers an easy way to get a UK travel permit, eliminating the traditional process of acquiring a UK visa by visiting the embassy or consulate. Completing the UK ETA form online only takes up to 5 (five) minutes. However, the crucial aspect is to check the traveller’s eligibility to apply for UK ETA. In terms of applying for a UK ETA, the eligibility depends on several factors, including the traveller’s citizenship, the travel purpose and circumstances.

UK ETA is a legal travel permit like other UK visas, but the application process is much easier and quicker than that of traditional UK visas. Travellers can use UK ETA for various permitted travel purposes. UK ETA gives travellers access to multiple-entry within its two-year validity period.

Who is exempt from applying for UK eTA or UK Visitor Visa to enter UK?

If any of these situations apply to you, an ETA is not necessary

  • you already have a visa
  • you are an Irish or British citizens
  • you possess a British Overseas Territories Citizen passport
  • you are already authorized to live, work, or study in the UK.

Dual citizens

If you hold dual citizenship, including either British or Irish citizenship, you do not need an ETA. You can prove your eligibility to travel by presenting your British passport, Irish passport, or another passport that includes a certificate of entitlement.

UK ETA Travel Requirements

UK ETA is a convenient entry permit for short stays or visits in the United Kingdom. As mentioned, to get a UK ETA, travellers should check their eligibility. Afterwards, their UK trip requirements, such as the reason for their travel and stay duration must align with the UK ETA travel requirements. The list below mentions permitted activities or travel circumstances in which travellers can use UK ETA.

  • Travelling to the UK for business, short-term study and leisure reasons
  • Visiting family or friends who are residing in the UK
  • Leaving to UK for Creative Worker Visa Concession (must have a valid temporary work in the UK)
  • Using UK airports for transit purposes
  • Planning to stay in the UK for paid events and engagements (only for authorized events taking place in the UK)

To obtain UK ETA, a traveller’s trip requirement must meet any of the above-mentioned UK ETA travel requirements. If not, travellers can choose to obtain other UK visa types by contacting the consulate or embassy to continue the travel.

UK ETA Stay Duration and Validity

UK ETA permitted stay duration in the UK is another crucial aspect to consider. Travellers intended stay duration in the UK should not exceed the UK ETA authorized days. Travellers are allowed to stay in the UK for six months (180 days) if they are using UK ETA to visit their family or friends or travelling to the UK for tourism, short-term study or business purposes. Travellers using the UK ETA for creative worker visa concession are permitted only for a maximum stay of three months (90 days) in the UK. An added advantage of obtaining a UK ETA is the multiple-entry facility. Travellers can stay in the UK for six months for each entry, but they must make sure that their stay in the UK should not exceed six months each time they enter the country.

The UK ETA is valid for 2 years from its date of approval or issuance. If the traveller’s passport expires before the UK ETA validity (which is two years), then the UK ETA also expires along with the traveller’s passport. The circumstances, such as the expiry of a passport or getting a new passport before the expiry of the UK ETA mandates travellers to obtain a new UK ETA.

Who Can Apply for UK ETA?

The UK ETA requirement was restricted initally to only GCC countries. UK eTA eligiblity has since been expanded and citizens of the below-mentioned countries are eligible to apply for UK ETA.

There can be changes to the list, so always prefer the latest information and check twice before starting the application process. Ineligible travellers can opt for other UK visa types or contact the embassy or consulate for additional information.

Visa-exempt visitors entering the United Kingdom by air (using a commercial or chartered flight) or coming by a Cruise Ship are now required to apply for a UK eTA. Find out if you are eligible for UK eTA.

Process Involved in Applying for UK ETA

Travellers can apply for UK ETA at any time, and a significant advantage is that they can complete the UK ETA application process from home. The online process offers great convenience for travellers and the whole process can be completed within 20-30 minutes.

Analysing the UK ETA Requirements

Travellers are recommended to do the analysing process before stepping into the UK ETA application process. Start by checking the requirements such as the validity, available entry option, permitted travel purposes, etc. It is mandatory that all the UK ETA requirements must align with the traveller’s UK trip. Understanding the requirements will benefit in making better decisions.

Know the Document Required for the UK ETA

Travellers only need minimal documents to apply for UK ETA. Have all the below-mentioned documents before starting the UK ETA application process.

  • Travellers/applicant's original and valid passport (photocopy or digital passport will not be accepted)
  • A digital photo
  • Email ID
  • Credit or debit card or any other acceptable payment options

UK ETA Application Form

Click on the UK ETA apply online button. Check the application form once before entering the details. Enter the correct details and while entering the passport number and related details, ensure they are accurate by checking them twice. The application form might have different sections for personal and travel-related information, be mindful of them and enter the right details.

Uploading Documents

After submitting the UK ETA application form travellers are required to upload a digital photo. The photo must meet specific requirements such as using white or light-coloured background, neutral facial expression, JPG or JPEG format, colour photo, etc. Ensure to upload a clear photo. Give it a final check, ensuring all the provided details and uploaded documents are error-free and accurate.

Receiving UK ETA Application Confirmation

Paying the fee is the last step for completing the UK ETA application process. Look into the fee structure and check the balance for successful payment. Use any of the payment modes mentioned on the website to pay the UK ETA fee. Travellers will receive a confirmation message regarding their UK ETA application form. After approval, the UK ETA will be sent to the travellers via their email ID.

UK ETA Application Processing Time

The UK ETA process is usually fast, it only takes 3 days approximately. Factors like misleading information, incorrect details on the application form, etc., can delay the process. Travellers can use their login credentials (email ID and password) or passport number and date of birth details or their application number to check their UK ETA application status online. Submit the UK ETA application at least 5-6 days before the travel date.

UK ETA Rejection

Individuals facing UK ETA rejection must apply for a valid UK visa to enter the United Kingdom. Before looking for an alternative option, review the rejection letter and identify the issue. Addressing the rejection issue is important. Reach out to the UK consulate or embassy for more accurate information and updated details regarding the alternative option.

UK ETA Group Application

Group travellers applying for UK ETA must submit their application separately. Everyone is mandated to submit their own application. The approval and application processing time for everyone might vary despite submitting the application at the same time. Be mindful about the application processing time and submit the application a week before the planned travel date. When travelling as a group, applying early gives enough time for all the applications to get approved.

UK ETA for Children

Infants and minors travelling with their legal guardians and parents must have a separate UK ETA to enter the United Kingdom. Regardless of their age, every eligible individual travelling to the UK should have their own UK ETA linked to the passport before their arrival in the UK. The UK ETA application process and fee are the same for every individual including infants and minors. Children’s parents or their legal guardians can apply for UK ETA for their kids.

UK ETA Restrictions

In terms of UK ETA restrictions travellers are not permitted to engage in the below activities. Failing to adhere to the UK ETA regulation might result in legal consequences.

  • The intended stay in the United Kingdom must not exceed six months (for each entry).
  • Residing or staying in the United Kingdom through multiple and frequent visits.
  • Restricted to claim funds and benefits.
  • Should not engage in self-employment (paid and unpaid) work in any of the UK firms.
  • Cannot get married.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend or renew my UK ETA?

As per the UK ETA requirements, travellers cannot extend or renew their UK ETA. It is suitable only for a short-term stay in the UK, which is 6 months within its validity of 2 years. Travellers planning to extend their stay in the UK should explore other UK visa options that provide extension or renewal options.

Is an airline ticket mandatory to apply for UK ETA?

Return or onward flight tickets are not a mandatory requirement for applying to UK ETA. Travellers who are applying for UK ETA after booking the tickets are advised to submit their UK ETA application 5-6 days prior to their travel date because the process usually takes up to three days.

Does getting a UK ETA guarantee my entry into the United Kingdom?

Having an approved UK ETA does not guarantee travellers entry. Travellers must still follow UK airport protocol, such as immigration checks and security or border control procedures. Obtaining a UK ETA only makes the travellers eligible to enter the United Kingdom.

Can I submit a UK ETA for my friends or family members?

Travellers can fill out and submit a UK ETA application for their friends and family members. The person applying for UK ETA must ensure that all the members must meet the eligibility requirements. Provide the respective applicant details such as their passport number and photo accurately.

Under what situations should I get a new UK ETA?

Travellers must get a new UK ETA if their passport expires before the UK ETA validity. Updating or changing the information on the passport, such as name, citizenship, etc., also mandates a new UK ETA.