An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for certain individuals to gain permission to travel to the UK. This digital travel permission is linked to your passport and simplifies the entry process for eligible travelers.
Who Needs an ETA for UK Travel?
Whether you need an ETA to travel to the UK depends on two key factors:
- Your Travel Date: The ETA requirement is being rolled out in phases, starting with certain nationalities.
- Your Nationality: This is determined by the nationality stated in your passport.
To quickly determine if you need to apply for an ETA based on your specific circumstances, you can use the official UK government tool: Check if you can apply for an ETA. This tool provides up-to-date information based on your nationality and travel plans.
Who is Exempt from ETA Requirements?
You are not required to obtain an ETA if you fall into any of the following categories:
- Visa Holders: If you already possess a valid UK visa, an ETA is not necessary. Your visa serves as your travel authorization.
- UK Residence Permission: Individuals with the right to live, work, or study in the UK are exempt. This includes those with settled or pre-settled status or right of abode.
- Airport Transit (without border control): If you are transiting through a UK airport and will not pass through border control, you do not need an ETA. It’s always best to confirm with your airline if you are unsure whether you will pass through border control during your transit.
- British or Irish Citizens: Citizens of the United Kingdom and Ireland are automatically exempt from ETA requirements.
- British Overseas Territories Citizens: Travelers holding a British overseas territories citizen passport are also exempt.
- Residents of Ireland (traveling from specific locations): If you live in Ireland and are traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, you are not required to have an ETA.
- Children on France-UK School Trips: Children traveling on the France-UK school trip travel information form are exempt.
- Exempt from Immigration Control: Individuals who are exempt from immigration control do not need an ETA.
Dual Citizenship and ETA
If you hold dual citizenship and one of your citizenships is British or Irish, you are exempt from the ETA requirement. To prove your right to travel, you will need to present one of the following:
- Valid British Passport
- Valid Irish Passport
- Other valid passport containing a certificate of entitlement
What You Can Do with an ETA
An ETA permits you to undertake the following activities in the UK:
- Tourism: Visit the UK for holidays, leisure, or to see family and friends.
- Business: Engage in permissible business activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or events.
- Short-term Study: Undertake short courses of study that are no longer than 6 months.
If your reason for visiting the UK falls outside these categories, check if you need a visa instead. A UK visa caters to a wider range of travel purposes.
It is important to note that possessing an ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK. Upon arrival, you will still need to:
- See a Border Force officer, or
- Use an ePassport gate (if eligible).
Individuals with a criminal record or previous UK entry refusal may want to consider applying for a Standard Visitor visa. A visa application allows for a more detailed review of your circumstances.
ETA Restrictions: What You Cannot Do
With an ETA, you are restricted from the following activities:
- Stay longer than 6 months: ETAs are for short visits only and do not permit stays exceeding 6 months.
- Engage in Paid or Unpaid Work: You cannot undertake paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed individual. Exceptions are made for permitted paid engagements, events, or work under the Creative Worker visa concession.
- Claim Public Funds (Benefits): ETA holders are not eligible to claim public funds or benefits in the UK.
- Live in the UK through Frequent Visits: The ETA is not intended for individuals attempting to reside in the UK through frequent or successive visits.
- Marry or Register a Civil Partnership: You cannot marry, register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership on an ETA. A Marriage Visitor visa is required for this purpose.
ETA Application Costs and Requirements
The cost to apply for an ETA is £10. Applications can be made via the UK ETA app or online through the official GOV.UK website. Be cautious of unofficial websites as they may charge additional fees.
Every traveler, including babies and children, requires their own ETA. You can apply on behalf of other individuals. Please note that ETA application fees are non-refundable once the application is submitted.
How to Apply for an ETA
The most efficient method for applying is using the UK ETA app, available for download on:
To complete your application, you will need the following:
- Valid Passport: The passport you will use for travel (not a photocopy or digital version).
- Email Access: Access to your email account for communication regarding your application.
- Payment Method: A valid payment method such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
During the application process, you will be required to upload or take photos of:
- Your passport
- Your face
Travel details are not required as part of the ETA application.
Alternative Application Method (If you cannot use the app)
If you are unable to use the UK ETA app, you can apply online. Applying online is also recommended if you are applying for someone else who is not physically present with you.
ETA Processing Time
Typically, you will receive a decision on your ETA application within 3 working days. Many applicants receive a decision much sooner. However, in some instances, processing may take longer than 3 working days. Applying through unofficial channels will not expedite the decision process.
Group Applications
Each individual must submit a separate ETA application. Even if applying as a group, decisions may be issued at different times.
Urgent Travel
It is essential to apply for your ETA before traveling to the UK. You are permitted to travel while awaiting a decision on your application.
Post-Application Information
Upon approval, you will receive an email confirming your ETA. The ETA is digitally linked to the passport used in your application. Your ETA remains valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever occurs first. During the validity period, you can travel to the UK multiple times with the same ETA, as long as your visits comply with ETA regulations.
Need Help?
For further assistance or clarification, you can utilize the ETA webchat service.
