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Provide your passport information, personal details, and a compliant digital photo. The application takes approximately 5 minutes to complete.
Your information is verified for accuracy and eligibility. Most applications are processed within minutes, though it may take up to three working days.
Once approved, your UK ETA is linked to your passport electronically. It is valid for two years and allows multiple visits of up to six months each.
A UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a mandatory digital travel permission for citizens of visa-exempt countries visiting the United Kingdom. Since February 2026, all eligible travellers must have an approved ETA before boarding any transport to the UK, including flights, ferries, and trains.
Most ETA applications are processed automatically and approved within minutes. However, some applications may require manual review, which can take up to three working days. It is recommended to apply at least three working days before your planned departure.
An approved UK ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During this period, you can make multiple trips to the United Kingdom, with each visit lasting up to six months.
You need a valid biometric passport (with an electronic chip), a valid email address, and a compliant digital photo. You will also need to answer questions about your travel history and criminal record. No supporting documents such as hotel bookings or return flights are required.
There is no group application form, but one person can submit individual applications on behalf of family members using the same email address and payment method. Every traveller, including infants, needs their own ETA linked to their own passport.
If your ETA is refused, there is no right of appeal. Common reasons for refusal include criminal convictions, previous immigration violations, incorrect information, or security concerns. You can reapply with corrected information if the refusal was due to an error, or apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead.
If you are transiting airside (staying within the airport without passing through UK border control), you currently do not need an ETA. However, if you need to pass through immigration, collect baggage, or change terminals, you must have an approved ETA.
Yes, every traveller regardless of age needs their own UK ETA, including newborns and infants. A parent or guardian can submit the application on behalf of a child. Photo requirements are relaxed for children under six.
Each visit to the UK on an ETA allows a maximum stay of six months. The ETA itself is valid for two years with multiple entries, but each individual visit cannot exceed six months. You cannot extend your stay beyond six months on an ETA.
A UK ETA is a quick digital pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals, costing £20. A Standard Visitor visa costs £135, requires supporting documents, and takes 3-6 weeks to process. The ETA is for short stays up to six months, while visas can be issued for longer periods.
The UK government charges an ETA fee of £20 GBP (approximately $27 USD) per person as of April 2026. This fee is separate from any service or processing fees. It applies to each traveller, including children, and is non-refundable regardless of whether the application is approved or refused.
No, a UK ETA does not permit paid or unpaid employment. It is valid for tourism, visiting family, business meetings, conferences, and short-term study up to six months. If you plan to work, you need the appropriate work visa.