UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Complete Guide

Planning a trip to the UK? Or getting on a connecting flight at Heathrow? Then, you might need the UK's electronic travel authorisation (ETA) . This special permission is issued to people from visa-exempt countries who plan visiting the UK for up to 6 months. 

Without a valid ETA you can be denied entry at border control even if you’re only catching a connecting flight. This is why SkyRefund experts suggest always applying for an ETA if your journey will pass through the UK. To help you understand what an ETA is and how to successfully apply we’ve come up with a comprehensive guide to UK’s electronic travel authorisation.

Do I need an ETA to visit the UK?

If you’re planning a trip to the UK and you don’t need a short-term visa, you’ll likely need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for the UK . This authorization is required if any of the following applies to you:

• You’re staying in the UK for less than 6 months for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes.
• You’re staying for less than 3 months on a creative worker visa 
• You’re transiting through the UK on your way to another country, e.g. getting on a connecting flight
• You’re visiting the UK on a paid assignment, such as a guest speaker at a conference.

Keep in mind that an ETA doesn't replace a visa . If you already need a visa for your trip to the UK, you will still need to go through the regular visa application process.

What are the UK travel requirements from 2025?

The electronic travel authorization for the UK is available to nationals from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman. But starting 8th January 2025 , visitors to the UK from almost 50 other countries , including the US, Canada, and Brazil will need an ETA to spend their holidays in the UK. For instance, if you’re flying from New York to London after this date, you’ll need to apply for an ETA.

From 2nd April 2025 , travelers from EU/EEA members, Switzerland, Monaco, Andorra, San Marino and Vatican City will also need to secure an ETA before going on vacation to the UK. You can already start applying for your British electronic travel authorisation from 5th March 2025 onwards. Keep in mind that your ETA will be active only after 2nd April 2025. Until then, normal border control rules apply. This change is part of the UK’s efforts to streamline border checks and enhance security.

Some travelers are exempt from the ETA requirement. These include residents with pre-settled/settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, British or Irish citizens, and individuals who already have a valid UK visa or permission to live in the UK.

How to apply for an electronic travel authorisation for the UK?

Applying for an ETA takes around 20 minutes and can be done either online or using the UK ETA app . Follow these steps:

1. Download the official ETA app from your device’s app store.
2. Take a clear photo of your passport to upload.
3. Provide a recent photo of yourself to verify your identity.
4. Fill in basic personal details, including your home address, job information, and a reason for your travel
5. Pay the application fee of £10 (about $13).
6. Submit your application for review.

Once you’ve applied, you should receive a decision within 3 working days . While getting an ETA is easy, it's always best to apply ahead of travelling to the UK to avoid any last-minute issues or delays.

Tips for a Smooth ETA Experience

To ensure your application for an electronic travel authorisation goes as planned:

• Take clear photos of your passport and yourself to ensure your documents are processed easier.
• Make sure all the information you provide is accurate and matches your passport.
• Keep a copy of your ETA approval and all necessary travel documents handy.

What’s the validity of the ETA? 

Your ETA will be valid for 2 years from the date of approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During its validity, you can enter the UK as many times as you like, but each stay can only last up to 6 months.

What’s the difference between an ETA and a UK visa?

The ETA is not the same as a visa. UK’s electronic travel authorisation is designed for short-term stays and is only available to travelers from countries that don’t require a visa for short visits. If you’re planning a longer stay or need a visa for your trip, you need to apply through the appropriate visa process.

Do you need both an ETA and a UK visa?

No, you either need an electronic travel authorisation or a UK visa. If you qualify for an ETA, it covers your short-term travel needs. However, if you need a visa for other purposes, such as studying or working long-term, you’ll still need to apply for a UK visa.

What happens when you arrive in the UK?

When you arrive, UK border officials will check your documents and ensure the purpose of your visit matches your application. Even with an approved ETA, entry to the UK can be denied if officials suspect that you don’t meet entry requirements or have provided false information. Being honest and prepared with all necessary documentation will help make your arrival smoother.

What can you do with an ETA?

With an ETA, you can:

• Go sightseeing, explore famous landmarks, and enjoy leisure activities.
• Attend business meetings or conferences.
• Take a short-term course or training program.
• Visit family members or friends living in the UK.

Make sure your planned activities align with what is allowed under an ETA to avoid any issues during your visit.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy your trip to the UK with ease and confidence.

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