What is the UK ETA?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel, issued by the UK Home Office. It isn’t a visa: it is linked electronically to your passport and lets visitors from visa-exempt countries board a flight, ferry or train to the United Kingdom.
One ETA covers any number of trips over two years — or until your passport expires, if that comes first — with each visit lasting up to six months. It is valid for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
You can use it for
- Tourism and holidays
- Visiting family and friends
- Business meetings, conferences and events
- Short courses of study (up to six months)
- Transit through a UK airport via border control
It doesn’t cover
- Working for a UK employer
- Studying for longer than six months
- Living in the UK, or staying over six months per visit
- Getting married or registering a civil partnership
What You’ll Need
Only 2 uploads
Passport
The passport you will travel on, valid for your whole stay. Your ETA is linked to it.
Photograph
A clear, recent photo of your face — plain background, no glasses or headwear.
UK ETA Information
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Top Places to Visit in the United Kingdom
London
Tower Bridge
Edinburgh Castle
Stonehenge
The Lake District
BathUK ETA Cost & Processing Times
One all-inclusive price per traveller. Pick how fast you need it — the delivery time for each option comes straight from our live processing settings.
Standard
2 working days
The usual turnaround — fine when you’re travelling in a few days or more.
- Per traveller
Express
within 24 hours
Prioritised handling for trips coming up soon.
- Per traveller
Price includes
- The Home Office ETA fee
- Passport and photo checks before we submit
- Status updates by email until your ETA arrives
- Help from our team if the Home Office asks for more
The Home Office makes every decision. Most applications are decided within three working days, though some take longer — so apply before you book anything you can’t change.
How to Get Your UK ETA
- Live1
Upload Your Passport
We read your details from it — no long form to fill in.
- 2
Add Your Photo
AI checks it against Home Office photo rules instantly.
- 3
Review & Pay
Choose standard or express and pay securely online.
- 4
Sent to the Home Office
We submit your application and track it for you.
- 5
Get Your ETA by Email
Linked to your passport — nothing to print.
Check Your nationality Eligibility
Citizens of the countries below can visit the United Kingdom with an ETA. Everyone else needs a UK Standard Visitor Visa instead, and British and Irish citizens need neither.
Eligible nationalities
87 CountriesGood to Know Before You Apply
Every traveller needs one
Babies and children need their own ETA too. A parent or guardian can apply on their behalf.
Transiting through the UK
If your connection takes you through UK border control, you need an ETA. Staying airside may not require one at some airports — check with your airline.
It can’t be extended
Each visit can last up to six months. To stay longer, apply for the right visa before you travel.
New passport, new ETA
The ETA belongs to the passport you applied with. If you renew or replace your passport, apply again.
Delivered by email
Your ETA is stored against your passport, so there is nothing to print. We email you confirmation once it is approved.
At the UK border
An ETA lets you travel, but a Border Force officer decides entry. Carry proof of your return journey, accommodation and funds.
Common reasons for refusal
A photo that doesn’t meet the rules, a mistyped passport number, or criminal or immigration history left out. A refusal can’t be appealed, but you can apply for a visa instead.
When you need a visa instead
Nationals of countries not on the ETA list — such as India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria and South Africa — need a UK Standard Visitor Visa. So does anyone coming to work or study long-term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions?
Our visa experts are here to help you 24/7.
How we reviewed this page
VerifiedVisitsVisa follows strict sourcing guidelines. The United Kingdom visa information on this page is verified against official government sources and reviewed by our visa specialists. We avoid using tertiary references and update this page as entry requirements change.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Official United Kingdom visa portal
Official SourceOfficialUnited Kingdom Immigration
Immigration & entry-requirement notices
Official SourceOfficialIATA Travel Centre
Documentation database
Official SourceOfficial