UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Get your ETA for tourism, family visits, business, or medical treatment. Apply online and travel to the UK for up to 6 months.
What is a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation?
An ETA is an official digital permission that allows eligible travelers to visit the UK for tourism, business, medical treatment, or to visit family and friends. Each ETA allows stays of up to 6 months per visit.
The UK ETA costs £16 and is typically processed within 3 working days. Once approved, it allows multiple entries to the UK over a 2-year period or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Important: An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. You must still meet UK immigration requirements at the border.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
Most visitors to the UK need either an ETA or a visa. What you need depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
You Need an ETA If You Are From:
- European Union countries
- United States of America
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Japan, South Korea, Singapore
- Many other countries
You Do NOT Need an ETA If You Have:
- A British passport
- An Irish passport
- UK permission to live, work, or study
- Indefinite leave to remain
- British Overseas Territories citizenship
Traveling with Family or a Group?
Each person traveling needs their own ETA, including babies and children. You can apply for other people, making it easy to manage family or group applications.
How to Apply for Your UK ETA
The application process is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps to get your ETA.
Check Eligibility
Verify that you need an ETA based on your nationality and travel purpose
Prepare Documents
Have your passport, photo, and payment method (debit/credit card) ready
Complete Application
Fill out the online application form - takes about 10 minutes
Receive Your ETA
Get your decision within 3 working days via email
What Can You Do with a UK ETA?
Your ETA allows you to visit the UK for various purposes, each for up to 6 months.
Tourism
Explore historic landmarks, museums, and attractions across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
Visit Family & Friends
Spend quality time with loved ones and experience British culture and traditions
Business Trips
Attend meetings, conferences, trade shows, or conduct business activities
Medical Treatment
Receive medical care or treatment at UK healthcare facilities
Academic Visits
Conduct research, attend academic conferences, or collaborate with institutions
Short Courses
Take recreational or short-term courses that don't require a study visa
Creative Activities
Participate in festivals, cultural events, or creative industries activities
Transit
Pass through UK airports on your way to another destination
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about the UK ETA
How much does a UK ETA cost?
A UK ETA costs £16 per person. This is the official government fee. Be cautious of websites that charge significantly more - they may not be official government services.
How long does it take to get an ETA?
Most ETA applications are processed within 3 working days. You'll receive an email notification with the decision. It's recommended to apply at least one week before your travel date to allow for processing time.
How long is an ETA valid for?
Once approved, your ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can make multiple trips to the UK during this period, with each stay lasting up to 6 months.
Can I work in the UK with an ETA?
No, an ETA does not allow you to work in the UK. It's only for tourism, visiting family and friends, business activities, medical treatment, and certain short courses. If you want to work in the UK, you'll need to apply for an appropriate work visa.
Do children need their own ETA?
Yes, every traveler needs their own ETA, including babies and children. Parents or guardians can apply on behalf of children, but each person must have a separate application and pay the £16 fee.
What happens if my ETA application is refused?
If your ETA application is refused, you'll receive an email explaining the decision. You may need to apply for a visa instead. The £16 application fee is not refundable if your application is refused.
Can I extend my stay once I'm in the UK?
Generally, you cannot extend a visit made using an ETA. If you need to stay longer than 6 months or change the purpose of your visit, you may need to leave the UK and apply for a different type of visa.
Do I need a new ETA if I get a new passport?
Yes, your ETA is linked to your passport number. If you get a new passport, you'll need to apply for a new ETA, even if your previous one hasn't expired yet.
Beware of Unofficial Websites
Many websites offer to help you apply for a UK ETA but charge much higher fees than the official £16 government price. These websites may appear to be official government services but are not.
Always apply through the official UK government website at gov.uk/eta to avoid paying unnecessary fees.
Ready to Start Your UK Journey?
Check if you need an ETA and start your application today. Get your travel authorization in as little as 3 days.