What is the UK ETA for non-EU citizens?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel permit that allows you to travel to the UK for short-term visits, whether for tourism, business, or transit.
An ETA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into the UK. It only grants permission to travel to the UK. Final admission is decided by UK border officials upon arrival. The legal basis for the scheme is set out in Appendix Electronic Travel Authorisation and Appendix ETA National List of the UK Immigration Rules.
The UK first introduced the ETA in October 2023, as a requirement for nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
However, the UK government has extended the list to include nationals of eligible non-EU countries like the USA, Mexico, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Peru.Europeans who want to travel to the UK must apply for a UK ETA.
Introducing the UK ETA non-European travel requirement is part of the government's move to enhance security and facilitate border management.
Although the UK ETA permits you to visit the UK, it doesn't replace a visa. It is a requirement for eligible travellers who are exempt from traditional visa processes.Other nationalities will still need visas to travel to the UK. The UK ETA is similar to the ETIAS for visitors wishing to enter Schengen areas or ESTA for entering the USA under the Visa waiver program.
Who needs a UK ETA?
You need an ETA if you are a citizen of a country that is eligible for visa-free entry to the UK. This includes citizens of nations within the EU, EEA, and other specified countries. This requirement applies to all travellers regardless of age. This means children and babies must also have their own approved ETA before travelling to the UK.
Who doesn't need a UK ETA
According to Home Office guidance, from 25 February 2026, dual citizens may not be able to board transport to the UK unless they travel with a valid British or Irish passport, or with a certificate of entitlement in their ETA-nationality passport.
People who do not need to fill out the UK ETA application form can still visit the UK without applying for a digital permit.
What you can do with an ETA in the UK
As mentioned earlier, the UK ETA allows you to visit the UK without traditional visa requirements if you are eligible. However, you can only request for the permit if you are
Visiting the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, family and friends, business or short-term study, or medical treatment
Travelling to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
Visiting the UK for a permitted paid engagement
Transiting through the UK to another destination including if you are not going through UK border control
Note: If you have to do anything else, like take up full-time employment, study, or stay in the UK for a longer period, you will need to apply for the relevant visa. Visit the UK government's website to see if you need a visa.
What you cannot do with a UK ETA
When you visit the UK using the ETA permit, you cannot
Stay for longer than 6 months
Do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person,
Claim public funds (benefits)
Live in the UK through frequent or successive visits
Additionally, you must apply for a Marriage Visitor visa if you need to marry, register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership.
Benefits of the UK ETA for travellers and government
The new UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) benefits travellers and border authorities alike. The application can be completed online without visiting consulates or embassies in person. This modern approach saves both time and effort.
Once approved, travellers can move through border control much more quickly when they arrive. The system also offers excellent flexibility since approved travellers can enter the country multiple times with valid authorisation. This is especially helpful for people who often travel back and forth.
The pre-screening process helps keep borders safe by verifying travellers before they arrive. In a factsheet published in February 2024, the Conservative government stated that its priority was to keep the UK safe and “strengthen the security of our border.” Part of this initiative is ensuring that everyone wishing to travel to the UK has permission to do so, with the ETA scheme designed to close any gaps in advance travel authorisation.
Another factsheet published in March 2025 confirmed that the scheme “helps prevent the arrival of those who present a threat to the UK.”
The pre-screening process helps keep borders safe by verifying travellers before they arrive. This advance screening lets border officials identify any possible security concerns early. At the same time, having an automated system reduces the workload on border staff, letting them focus on more important tasks.
Another advantage is that gathering traveller information ahead of time provides useful data about travel patterns. This helps authorities better understand trends and make smarter travel rules and policy decisions.
How to apply for UK ETA
The UK ETA application form is completed online and takes 10–30 minutes. When filling the form online or on the UK ETA app ensure there aren’t prolonged periods of inactivity. If the page stays inactive for more than 20 minutes, your session will time out, and all information will be deleted. You will have to start all over.
Only apply through the official UK government website (GOV.UK) or the official UK ETA app. Some third-party sites may charge inflated fees or present misleading information. Always check that the website address ends in .gov.uk before entering your personal details or payment information.
Documents required for UK ETA application
You will need the following document to apply for UK ETA.
Valid Passport: Your ETA permit is linked to your passport, so ensure it's still valid when you want to visit the UK. If your passport expires before that time, your ETA status will also become invalid.
A valid payment method - credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
How much does a UK ETA cost?
Obtaining a UK ETA permit costs £16, paid online during your application. The fee covers the processing of and is non-refundable once the UK ETA application form is submitted. Also, the fee covers applications per individual; if you have to apply for a family or friend, you need to pay for theirs separately.
Please note that the price may be under review by the UK government and may be increased to £20 in the future. We will provide further information if this happens. Alternatively, you can check the official GOV.UK website for the most up-to-date fee information before applying.
Where to apply for UK ETA
You can apply for electronic travel authorisation via the UK ETA app or the Gov. UK website.
UK ETA application process
Follow these steps:
Using the UK ETA app
Download the UK ETA app on Google Play Store for Android or the App Store for iOS devices.
Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions
You'll be asked to scan your passport, and face, take a photo of yourself, answer a few questions and pay the £16 UK ETA application fee.
Filling out the UK ETA application form online
Verify eligibility: Confirm that you qualify for an ETA.
Complete the UK ETA application form:
Provide personal and contact details.
Upload a scanned passport and photo.
Answer eligibility questions (e.g., criminal history).
Pay the application fee: £16 per person, non-refundable.
Submit the UK ETA application form and wait for approval: Processing takes up to 3 days, and results are sent via email.
Applying for an ETA is generally quick and straightforward. You can receive an automatic decision almost immediately, especially if you apply through the official UK ETA app. However, if additional checks are required, there may be a slight delay, which is why we advise that you apply days ahead before your trip.
Overall, if your application is denied, you can apply again. However, based on the reason for rejection, you might have to apply for a UK visa instead.
How long is the UK ETA valid for
The UK ETA is valid for two years from the issue date or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can make multiple visits to the UK, though each stay is generally limited to six months. The ETA automatically expires if you get a new passport and must apply for a new one.
After you apply for a UK ETA
Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an email from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) about their decision. The confirmation email will include your 16-digit ETA reference number.
Most applicants receive theirs in minutes, while others may take up to 3 working days. Either way, the approval arrives much earlier.
If you haven’t received a decision after 3 working days, check your spam or junk folder before contacting UKVI.
If you applied for multiple people at the same time, their decisions may not arrive together because each application is processed individually.
Your approved ETA is electronically linked to the passport you used for the application. When travelling to the UK, you only need to present that same passport.
UK ETA enforcement from February 2026
From 25 February 2026, the UK ETA scheme will go into full enforcement. Airlines, ferry operators, and other carriers will be legally required to confirm that all ETA-eligible travellers have a valid ETA before allowing them to board.
If you are required to have an ETA and do not have one, you may be denied boarding at your point of departure. In some cases, you could also be refused entry at the UK border.
To avoid these issues, it’s best to have your ETA approved and linked to your passport before travelling.
UK ETA considerations for business travellers
Since full enforcement is approaching, employers should begin reviewing their corporate travel policies now.
Internal business travel teams need to know when an ETA is required, who is eligible for one, and how early applications need to be submitted.
You can put in a simple travel process in place such as;
Adding an ETA requirement check to pre-travel approval workflows
Creating a short guidance note for international staff
Confirming ETA status before ticket issuance
Building reminder timelines into travel booking systems
This helps to avoid disruptions to business operations, and ensure all eligible team members are aware of what’s needed.
Do you need certified translations for the ETA application process?
The UK ETA application form is available in English and does not need translation, as you'll fill it out directly on the website or the UK ETA app. Also, most modern passports include English text alongside the national language, which usually means no translation is needed for the passport.
However, you might need certified translation services for documents like a medical report to establish your travel fitness or other requirements.
A professional translator or company must do these translations and include their certification, signature, and contact details. Simple translations by yourself or from online translation tools will not be accepted.
Need certified translation for UK ETA or other immigration procedures? Request a free quote to get started.
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