Apply for UK electronic travel authorization (ETA)

Start ETA application

What is ETA?

The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA) is a travel authorization issued by the British government to nationals of countries who are exempt from obtaining a UK visa. It is mandatory to apply for and obtain this authorization before traveling to the United Kingdom, and is designed for visits, transit, or Creative Workers under certain conditions.

This electronic authorization is a streamlined option for eligible individuals and is a key part of the government’s effort to digitize border control by 2025. The UK ETA facilitates various travel purposes, including tourism, family visits, business, and short-term study, offering an efficient alternative to the traditional visa process.

The ETA is valid for two years and for multiple entries. An ETA can’t be used to:

  • work
  • study for more than 6 months
  • get married or enter into a civil partnership in the UK
You have to make an ETA application for each person travelling, including children.

How to get an (ETA)?

Getting an ETA is not like getting a regular UK visa. You just need to complete the online form and won’t need to visit a visa application centre. There is a non-refundable fee of 59 GBP payable by debit or credit card.

Before you start the application, make sure you have:

  • passport valid for more than 6 months
  • personal photo that meets the requirements
  • an email address

Then complete the following simple steps:

  • Fill in all the details in the application, upload an image of your passport bio page and a personal photo of yourself taken by a camera and submit the application. The details you enter must exactly match with what is written in your passport. It is okay for someone else to fill in the application on your behalf, but they will have to give their contact details as well as yours.
  • Within three working days, you will receive an email with the ETA approval reference number, the application may be rejected in some cases.
  • Keep your ETA approval reference number as you may need it while travelling.

What you can do with an ETA?

You can:

  • come to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study
  • come to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
  • come to the UK for a permitted paid engagement
  • transit through a UK airport if you will pass through border control - check with your airline if you are not sure

If you are coming to the UK for another reason, check if you need a visa instead.

An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. You still need to either:

  • see a Border Force officer
  • use an ePassport gate

You may want to apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead if you have a criminal record or you were previously refused entry into the UK.

What you cannot do with an ETA?

You cannot:

  • stay in the UK for longer than 6 months
  • do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless you are doing a permitted paid engagement or event or work on the Creative Worker visa concession
  • claim public funds (benefits)
  • live in the UK through frequent or successive visits
  • marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership - you need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa
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