The UK ETA is an electronic travel authorization required by citizens of visa-exempt countries to travel to or through the United Kingdom (UK). It allows stays of up to 6 months for certain purposes such as tourism, business trips, or study visits.
The ETA is not a visa and is not a guarantee of entry — the final decision is made by the border officials on arrival.
The obligation to apply for a UK ETA is being introduced gradually. The need for a UK ETA depends on nationality and time of travel.
There are numerous exceptions where an ETA is not required:
Legally resident third country nationals traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man do not require an ETA in certain circumstances. However, they must be able to prove that they are resident in Ireland.
A number of exemptions exist for British and Irish citizens, persons with a residence permit, persons with a right to stay in the UK, or persons traveling from the Common Travel Area. Before traveling, the need for an ETA should be carefully checked on the GOV.UK website.
Submit an online application via GOV.UK, the UK ETA app, or with our visa partner iVISA.
You will need the following data and documents to apply for a UK ETA:
If you live in Ireland and are traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, you may not need an ETA. However, you will need to provide proof of Irish residency, such as an Irish driving license, Irish learner card, medical card, GP visitor card, European Health Insurance Card, Irish residence permit or national age card.
Applying for a UK ETA costs £ 10 and each traveler, including babies and children, will need their own ETA, each of which will incur this fee. The fee is non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
Payment can be made with a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. The fee is a processing fee for the application, not for the entry itself. Entry is not guaranteed by the ETA fee.
The cost of the ETA is relatively low compared to the cost of a visa, but it is a mandatory fee for many travelers wishing to enter the UK without a visa.
The processing time for a UK ETA is usually three working days, although a quicker decision may be possible (using the UK ETA app, for example, may result in a quicker decision).
In cases where the applicant's identity cannot be automatically verified or there are concerns about eligibility, the application will be submitted to a case officer for review. This can lead to a longer processing time.
It is advisable to apply for the ETA well in advance of your trip to avoid delays or complications.
A UK ETA is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Validity starts from the date of approval and not the date of travel.
If your passport becomes invalid before the two years have expired, your ETA will also lose its validity. In this case, you will need a new ETA for your next trip to the UK.
You can enter the UK several times within the validity period of two years with an ETA.
Officially, there is no maximum number of entries, but you should make sure that the UK border guards do not suspect that you intend to immigrate or work in Great Britain or Northern Ireland.
The validity of an ETA cannot be extended. Once it expires, a new ETA must be applied for if you wish to travel to the UK again.
You can enter the UK with an ETA for different activities for up to 180 days at a time, e.g., tourism, visits, business trips, or short-term study.
However, you may not carry out paid or unpaid work for a UK company or be self-employed unless you are working under the “Creative Worker Visa Concession.”
You may not apply for public funds (social benefits), live in the UK, marry, or enter into a registered civil partnership with an ETA. For all travel purposes that go beyond the ETA guidelines, you must apply for a classic visa at the embassy or consulate.
If your UK ETA application is rejected, you will receive a notification stating the reasons. There is no right of appeal against a rejection. However, in some cases you can submit a new application if the reasons for the refusal have been rectified.
If you still wish to enter the UK and there is no chance of a new ETA application, you will need to apply for a visa after an ETA refusal. The ETA application fee will not be refunded.
Yes, the ETA provisions apply to Northern Ireland.
CTA stands for Common Travel Area. The CTA consists of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man. There are no routine border controls within this area.
Photos must be of good quality, clear, sharp and easily recognizable. They must not be blurred, pixelated, or overexposed.
The digital photo must show the head and upper shoulders while the face is looking directly into the camera. The person should have a neutral facial expression, with a closed mouth and open eyes. No glasses or other objects should cover the face.
You must also upload a photo of the data page of your passport. The photo must clearly show all details of the passport, including the holder's photo.
If you are using the UK ETA app, you can take the photos directly with your smartphone. If you use the online application, you will need to upload the photos from your device.
Once you have submitted your UK ETA application, it is no longer possible to withdraw, amend, or supplement it as part of the automated process. In some cases, only a new application is possible after your ETA approval has been refused.
As a rule, the UK ETA does not permit employment or long-term study. A corresponding visa is required for this. However, you might be allowed to carry out work under the “Creative Worker Visa Concession.”
You require the UK ETA to enter all countries in the United Kingdom. This currently includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Yes, every traveler, including children and babies, requires their own ETA. The ETA is individual and linked to the respective passport.
Yes, an ETA is also required if you are only using the UK as a transit country.
If your travel details or the details in your passport (e.g., number, name) change, you will need to apply for a new UK ETA. Your existing ETA is only valid with the passport you provided when applying.
Incorrect or incomplete information can lead to rejection of the ETA and make it more difficult for you to enter the country. In serious cases, you may even be refused entry to the United Kingdom. It is important to provide all information correctly and truthfully.
If you have two passports, you only need to apply for a UK ETA if you are traveling on a passport from a visa-exempt country. British or Irish passports do not require an ETA.
No, the UK ETA fee is non-refundable, even if the application is rejected, or you change your travel plans.
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your trip. If your passport expires, you must apply for a new ETA with your new passport.
You can check the status of your UK ETA application either via the GOV.UK website or the UK ETA app. A confirmation will be sent to you by email.
Yes, the UK ETA allows multiple entries for different authorized purposes such as tourism, business travel, or short-term study.
A stay that exceeds the permitted 6 months can lead to an entry ban for future trips. In addition, your overstay may have a negative impact on subsequent visa applications.
Yes, it is possible to apply for the UK ETA on behalf of someone else (e.g., children). However, you will need all the necessary information, such as passport details, a digital photo, and answers to the security questions.
Yes, the UK ETA can be applied for immediately, even though it will not be mandatory for European nationals until April 2nd, 2025.
The UK ETA is electronically linked to your passport. When you arrive in the UK, it is automatically checked by scanning your passport. You should therefore carry the same passport that you used to apply for the ETA.
Yes, the UK ETA applies to all means of entry into the UK, including air travel, ferries, trains such as the Eurostar, and car travel. There are no exemptions for specific modes of transportation.
As long as your UK ETA is still valid, and you are using the same passport, you can use it for a postponed trip. No new application is required.
Yes, the UK ETA is valid for all parts of the United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
A physical printout is not required as the UK ETA is electronically linked to your passport. However, it is advisable to keep the confirmation email in case any questions arise at the border.
There is no fixed waiting period. You can submit a new application as soon as the reasons for the refusal have been resolved. If the refusal persists, a visa may be required.
No, there cannot be various active ETA applications per person. You must wait until the existing application has been approved or rejected before submitting a new one.
Business travelers and conference participants can enter the country with an ETA as long as their activities meet the conditions for business travel (e.g., meetings, negotiations). However, a visa is required for long-term professional activities.
The UK ETA only applies to the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). British Overseas Territories such as Gibraltar, Bermuda, or the Falkland Islands have their own entry requirements.
Yes, you can take part in short-term study programs of up to 6 months with a UK ETA.
Yes, the UK ETA allows entry for short-term medical treatment of up to 6 months. For more extensive treatment, you should apply for a visa.