UK ETA
Frequently Asked Questions

The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital pre-travel security check introduced by the UK Home Office. It applies to nationals of visa-exempt countries who previously could arrive in the UK without any advance permission. The ETA allows the UK to screen travellers before they board a flight, enhancing border security while maintaining visa-free access for eligible nationalities. The scheme was first rolled out to Gulf Cooperation Council nationals in 2023–2024 and expanded to most other eligible countries on 2 April 2025.

No. The UK ETA is not a visa. It is a pre-travel authorisation that permits short stays (tourism, business meetings, transit) of up to 6 months per visit. Unlike a visa, the ETA does not require supporting documents, an interview, or a biometric appointment. Nationals of countries that require a full UK visa — such as India, China, Pakistan, and many others — cannot use the ETA system and must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa or the relevant visa category.

The UK ETA fee is £10 per person. This fee applies to all eligible nationalities and all age groups — including children and infants. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application. There are no additional government fees or surcharges.

A UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever is sooner. During the 2-year validity period, you can enter the UK as many times as you wish. Each individual stay may last up to 6 months. There is no limit on the number of trips within the validity window.

Yes. US citizens must obtain a UK ETA before travelling to the United Kingdom. The ETA requirement for Americans took effect on 2 April 2025. Prior to that date, US passport holders could travel visa-free without any pre-travel authorisation. The ETA costs £10, is valid for 2 years, and most applications are decided within minutes.

Yes. Canadian passport holders must obtain a UK ETA before visiting the UK. Canada is one of the 85 ETA-eligible nationalities, and the requirement came into force for Canadians on 2 April 2025. The process is the same as for all other nationalities: apply online, pay £10, and receive the decision by email.

Yes. All EU member state nationals must now obtain a UK ETA before visiting the United Kingdom. Since Brexit, EU citizens no longer have free movement rights in the UK. The ETA costs £10 and is required for all short visits for tourism or business. Irish citizens are the exception — they remain exempt under the Common Travel Area.

Yes. Both Australian and New Zealand passport holders require a UK ETA before travelling to the United Kingdom. Along with the US, Canada, and EU nationals, Australian and New Zealand citizens became subject to the ETA requirement from 2 April 2025. The ETA is applied for online and is processed within minutes in most cases.

The following categories of travellers are exempt from the ETA requirement:

• check_circleBritish citizens and British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTCs)
• check_circleIrish citizens (Common Travel Area rights)
• check_circleThose with a valid UK visa, BRP, BRC, or UKFC
• check_circleNationals whose countries are not on the ETA list and require a full visa instead

You apply entirely online. The process takes approximately 5 minutes: enter your passport details, answer a few security questions about criminal history and immigration background, pay the £10 fee, and submit. You will receive the decision by email. The ETA is then linked digitally to your passport — no printing required. Just present your passport at the airport and at the UK border.

Most UK ETA applications are decided within minutes of submission. In some cases where additional security checks are needed, the process can take up to 3 working days. It is strongly recommended to apply at least 72 hours before your flight, as airlines check ETA status when you check in. Do not book non-refundable travel before your ETA is confirmed.

Yes. You can complete an ETA application on behalf of a family member, child, or other person, provided you enter their accurate personal and passport details. Each person — including infants and children — requires their own individual ETA linked to their own passport. The email confirmation for each ETA can be sent to your email address.

No. The ETA is linked to the specific passport you used when applying. If you renew your passport or obtain a new one, your old ETA is no longer valid for travel. You must apply for a new ETA using your new passport details. This applies even if the new passport is from the same country and your old ETA is still within its 2-year window.

With a UK ETA you can visit as a tourist, attend business meetings and conferences, transit through UK airports, and accompany family members who are British residents. You cannot work (including self-employment or paid engagements), study for more than 6 months, or access public funds. If your purpose is work or long-term study, you need a separate UK visa.

It depends. If you are transiting through a UK airport without passing through UK immigration (airside transit only), most ETA-eligible nationals do not need an ETA. However, if you must clear UK immigration as part of your transit — even if you are not leaving the airport — then an ETA is required. The safest approach is to check the specific transit requirements for your nationality before travelling.

Yes. The UK Home Office can cancel or revoke an ETA at any time if new information comes to light — for example, a criminal conviction after the ETA was issued, or if the applicant provided false information. A valid ETA also does not guarantee entry to the UK; border officers have the right to refuse entry at the border if they have concerns.

No. A UK ETA is a pre-travel authorisation, not a guaranteed right of entry. UK Border Force officers have the discretion to refuse entry at the border if they have reason to believe you do not qualify for the type of leave you are seeking, or if you cannot adequately explain your purpose of visit or show sufficient funds. Having a valid ETA is a prerequisite for boarding a flight to the UK, but entry itself is granted at the border.