Unsure if you need a UK ETA (electronic travel authorisation) for your next trip to the United Kingdom?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement for visa-exempt travelers. Read on to learn how it works, who needs it, and how to apply for a smooth travel experience.
About the UK ETA
In 2023, the United Kingdom’s Home Office started rolling out its new entry scheme for the country, the ETA. The Home Office is the lead government department for matters on immigration and passports
The ETA is an electronic permit required for travelers from visa-exempt countries. With the ETA, the UK government hopes to enforce stricter border control measures and improve travel to the country. In line with this, the UK plans on digitizing its borders at UK airports by the end of 2025.
How It Works
The UK ETA works similarly to other electronic travel authorizations globally.
If eligible for an ETA, you must apply online before booking your trip, provide personal information and travel details. In addition, you must also answer security-related questions.
Upon approval, the ETA is electronically linked to your passport, allowing you entry into the UK. Once granted, you can visit the UK multiple times for up to two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Note that having an ETA does not guarantee you entry into the UK. It also does not mean that you will no longer need to go through passport control.
Eligibility
You need a UK ETA if you:
- Are from a visa-exempt country, or countries part of the UK’s visa waiver program
- Plan to visit the UK for tourism, business, family visits, or short-term studies
- Are visiting the UK for a paid engagement.
- Are transiting through the UK to another destination. This includes if you are not going through UK border control.
You must submit your application before traveling to the United Kingdom.
The following countries have been identified as ETA-eligible:
North America: Canada, Mexico, United States
Central America and the Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, South America, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru
Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City
Asia: Bahrain, Brunei, Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region), Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Macao (Special Administrative Region), Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Solomon Islands, United Arab Emirates
Oceania: Australia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles
You do not need a UK ETA if you have either:
- A UK visa
- Permission to reside, work, or study in the UK
- A British or Irish passport, or a British overseas territories passport
You also do not need an ETA if you live in Ireland and if you are traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
If you are planning on traveling to the UK for work or long-term studies, apply for a UK visa instead.
Applying for a UK ETA
To apply for an ETA, go through the following steps:
Step 1: Visit the EVS platform. It’s a digital one-stop shop that simplifies the ETA application process so you can focus on preparing for your journey instead of going through complex visa processes.
At EVS, your personal and travel information remains safe and secure with its strict data protection regulations. Moreover, it provides you with expert guidance and seamless support to ensure a stress-free application journey.
Step 2: Upload a passport photo. You must have a plain, light-colored background without any shadows or objects behind you in the photo.
Step 3: Upload a scan or photo of your passport information page. Make sure the full passport photo page is inside the frame, including the two lines of numbers and letters at the bottom of the page. The passport must be valid for at least six months upon entering and exiting the UK.
Step 4: Provide your personal information.
- Contact details
- Home address
- Employment information
- Citizenship information
- Criminal history, if any
Make sure that the information you provide matches what is on your passport.
Step 5: Review and confirm the information on your application. You can pay using suitable electronic payment methods.
Step 6: Pay the application fee.
Step 7: Receive your UK ETA. You will receive an e-mail with the decision. The ETA will be linked to your passport digitally.
Experience efficient, reliable, and professional visa support with EVS. Ready to get started with your application? Click the button below to obtain your ETA.
Apply NowProcessing time
Once you have paid for the ETA, you should receive an e-mail confirming the receipt of your application. In addition, you will also receive the decision on your application via the e-mail address you indicated.
Applicants typically receive the decision within three working days (72 hours). However, there are cases where it can take longer. For this reason, it is recommended to apply at least a week before your intended travel date. Accordingly, this is to account for any potential delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need an ETA to enter the UK?
Yes, Canadians must already start applying for an ETA.
Is the UK ETA active?
Yes. The ETA initially opened for travelers from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan in 2023.
Starting January 8, 2025, travelers from 42 non-European countries must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before visiting the UK.
Meanwhile, beginning April 2, 2025, European Union citizens must also obtain an ETA to enter the UK.
How different is the ETA from the e-visa waiver program?
The UK ETA differs from a visa in several ways:
- Purpose: The ETA is for short-term visits, including tourism, business, and family visits. In contrast, a visa covers a broader range of purposes such as work, study, and long-term stays.
- Application Process: The ETA process is entirely online, and quicker, and it also requires less documentation compared to a visa.
- Eligibility: ETAs are available only to citizens of visa-exempt countries. Meanwhile, visas are required for those from countries not on the visa-exempt list.
What if my UK ETA application is denied?
If your ETA application is denied, you can re-apply or seek a standard visitor visa. In this case, you may contact the nearest UK embassy or consulate in your location for more information.
What should I do if I change my travel plans?
If there are changes to your UK travel plans, you must update your travel details in your UK ETA application.
Are Electronic Visa Waivers still valid?
ETA has replaced the Electronic Visa Waiver scheme for citizens of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
Moreover, the ETA allows travelers to visit the UK as many times as they want over two years. This or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever comes first.
Photo by Emily Underworld on Unsplash
