UK ETA Application 2025: Everything you need to know

What is the UK ETA for non-EU citizens?

The UK electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is a digital permit that allows you to enter the UK for short-term visits, whether for tourism, business, or transit. This permit was first introduced 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 starting January 8th, 2025. Europeans who want to travel to the UK must apply for a UK ETA from March 2025. 

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.

However, there are some exemptions for 

• British and Irish citizens 
• Travellers holding valid UK visas
• Travellers with permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)
• Travelling with a British Overseas Territories citizen passport
• Residents of Ireland and travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
• Travellers with British or Irish dual citizenship

People who fall under the exemption list 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
• 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 an 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. 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 is completed online and takes 10–30 minutes. When applying for the permit, ensure the form is free of distractions or 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. 

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 £10, paid online during your application. The ETA UK fee covers the processing of your application and is non-refundable once 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. 

Where to apply for UK ETA

You can apply for electronic travel authorisation via the UK ETA app or the Gov. UK website. The app can be downloaded on the Google Play Store for Android or the App Store for iOS devices. 

UK ETA application process

Follow these steps:

1. Verify Eligibility: Confirm that you qualify for an ETA.
2. Complete the UK ETA Application form:
   • Provide personal and contact details.
   • Upload a scanned passport and photo.
   • Answer eligibility questions (e.g., criminal history).
3. Pay the Application Fee: £10 per person, non-refundable.
4. Submit and Wait for Approval: Processing takes up to 3 days, and results are sent via email.

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.

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 UK government's website. 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 to submit other documents like a medical report to establish your travel fitness or other requirements.  

These translations must be done by a certified translation company and include their certification, signature, and contact details. Simple translations by yourself or from online translation tools will not be accepted.

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