Published on: March 29, 2025 | Article No: 321 | By: @rprasanth_kumar
Planning a trip to the UK? From April 2, 2025, many travelers will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding their flight. Read on to learn who needs an ETA, how to apply, and what you can do with one.
Summary of new ETA rules,
✅ An ETA is required for visa-exempt travelers visiting the UK for short stays.
✅ Travelers from eligible countries must apply before arrival.
✅ An ETA allows visits up to 6 months but does not permit work or long-term stays.
✅ Applications can be made via the UK ETA app or online.
✅ Processing usually takes up to 3 working days.
✅ The ETA costs £10 (rising to £16 from April 9, 2025) and is valid for 2 years.
What is an ETA?
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt travelers visiting the UK for short stays up to 6 months. It grants permission to travel but does not guarantee entry. So, travelers will still need to clear the UK border control.
Who needs an ETA for visiting UK?
Eligible Countries & Territories: Your eligibility depends on your nationality and travel date. Citizens from the following countries and territories can apply for an ETA.
✅ Americas: Argentina, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guyana, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, United States, and Uruguay.
✅ Europe: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City.
✅ Asia & Middle East: Bahrain, Brunei, Hong Kong (SAR), Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Macau (SAR), Malaysia, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, and United Arab Emirates.
✅ Oceania & Others: Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Botswana, Fiji, Grenada, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines, Tonga, and Tuvalu.
If your nationality is not listed above, you will need an UK visa instead.
Who does not require an ETA?: You do not need an ETA if you fall in one of the following categories:
✅ You have a UK visa or permission to live, work, or study in the UK.
✅ You are transiting through a UK airport without passing border control.
✅ You are a British or Irish citizen.
✅ You hold a British Overseas Territories or British National (Overseas) passport.
✅ You live in Ireland and are traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
✅ You are on a France-UK school trip.
✅ You are exempt from UK immigration control
Dual Citizens: If you hold British or Irish citizenship, you do not need an ETA. Instead, you can travel with:
✅ A valid British or Irish passport, or
✅ A passport with a certificate of entitlement.
What you Can and Cannot Do in the UK with an ETA?
What can you do? With an ETA, you can
- Stay in the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study.
- Stay for up to 3 months on a Creative Worker visa concession.
- Attend a permitted paid engagement.
- Transit through a UK airport if passing border control.
An ETA does not guarantee entry and you must still clear the UK border control.
What can you not do? With an ETA, you cannot
- Stay in the UK for more than 6 months.
- Work for a UK company or be self-employed (except for limited paid engagements).
- Access public funds and benefits.
- Use frequent or successive visits to live in the UK.
- Get married or register a civil partnership (you need a Marriage Visitor visa instead).
How to apply for an ETA for UK?
Cost of an ETA for UK
✅ Until April 9, 2025: £10 per person
✅ From April 9, 2025: £16 per person
Note: Each traveler, including children and babies, must have their own ETA. Fees are non-refundable.
ETA Application Procedure: The easiest and fastest way to apply is through the UK ETA mobile applications:
✅ iOS users: Download on the App Store
✅ Android users: Download on Google Play
If you cannot use the mobile application, you can apply online at the UK ETA website.
ETA Application Requirements: To apply, you need:
✅ The passport you will travel with (not a photocopy or digital version).
✅ A valid email address.
✅ A valid payment method (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay)
ETA Application Process
✅ Upload a photo of your passport.
✅ Take or upload a photo of your face.
✅ Submit your application and no travel details required
If you are applying for someone else who is not with you, you can only use the online application instead of the app.
Processing Time and Next Steps
✅ Processing Time: Most applicants receive a decision within 3 working days. Some decisions are much faster. Occasionally, it may take longer than 3 days. There is no way to fast-track your application through third-party services.
✅ Group Applications: Each traveler must apply separately: Decisions may arrive at different times, even if applications are submitted together.
✅ Urgent Travel Plans?: You must have an ETA before traveling. But, you can travel to UK while waiting for your ETA decision.
✅ After you apply: Once approved, you will receive an email confirmation. Your ETA is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
✅ Multiple Visits Allowed: You can travel to the UK multiple times while your ETA is valid.
Final Thoughts: The UK ETA system simplifies travel for eligible visitors while maintaining border security. If you’re planning a trip, apply in advance to avoid last-minute issues. Need an ETA? Start your application now to ensure smooth travel to the UK!.
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Sources & References: Entering and staying in the UK
