How long is the UK ETA valid for?

The UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. However, it cannot be renewed or extended. If your passport expires during the validity period, you must apply for a new ETA with your new passport.

Can I stay in the UK for more than 6 months with an ETA?

No, the UK ETA permits stays of up to 6 months per visit for tourism, business, and visiting family and friends. Creative workers can stay for up to 3 months, while those under Permitted Paid Engagement can stay for 1 month maximum. For longer stays, you would need to apply for a UK visa instead.

Do I need to apply for a new ETA if I get a new passport?

Yes, the UK ETA is permanently linked to your passport. If you obtain a new passport for any reason, you must apply for a new ETA as your previous authorization will no longer be valid. The new application will incur the standard application fee.

What is the difference between UK ETA and UK Visa?

The UK ETA is a digital travel authorization for short-term visits up to 6 months for tourism, business, and short-term study. A UK Visa is required for longer stays, work, formal study, or permanent residence. ETAs are processed faster and are less expensive, while visas require more documentation and processing time.

Can I work in the UK with an ETA?

The UK ETA permits limited work activities only. You can attend business meetings and conferences, but cannot take paid employment except through the Permitted Paid Engagement pathway for creative work (up to 1 month). For full work authorization, you must apply for an Employment Visa.

UK Electronic Travel Authorization

Your Gateway to the United Kingdom - Fast, Simple, and Secure

Complete guide to UK ETA requirements, eligibility, application process, and travel information for visitors from 60+ eligible countries.

Apply for UK ETA Now Check Your Eligibility

What is the UK ETA?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a digital travel requirement for citizens of eligible countries who wish to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, business, short-term study, transit, or permitted creative work. Unlike traditional visas, the UK ETA is an online-only authorization that is permanently linked to your passport electronically.

Effective from January 8, 2025, the UK ETA represents a significant shift in how the United Kingdom manages border security and visitor arrivals. It allows eligible travelers to enjoy visa-free access to the UK for short-term visits while maintaining enhanced security protocols and pre-screening of travelers before arrival.

The UK ETA is valid for 2 years from approval, permitting unlimited visits to the United Kingdom during this period. Each visit allows stays of up to 6 months for eligible purposes, making it ideal for tourism, business travel, family visits, and short-term professional activities.

UK ETA at a Glance

60+

Eligible Countries

Citizens from major countries worldwide

2 Years

Validity Period

Valid for unlimited multiple visits

6 Months

Maximum Stay

Per visit for tourism and business

3 Days

Fast Approval

Most applications approved within 3 working days

What You Can Do with UK ETA

🏖️

Tourism & Leisure

Explore iconic British landmarks, enjoy countryside getaways, visit world-class museums, and spend quality time with family and friends.

💼

Business Travel

Attend business conferences, conduct meetings, participate in networking events, and explore commercial opportunities across the UK.

📚

Short-Term Study

Enroll in language courses, professional training programs, university summer schools, and short-term educational workshops.

✈️

Transit

Pass through UK airports and ports as a connection point to your final international destination without leaving the transit area.

⚕️

Medical Treatment

Access specialized medical consultations, treatments, and surgeries from world-renowned UK healthcare facilities and institutions.

🎨

Creative Work

Participate in short-term creative projects including music performances, film productions, art exhibitions, and cultural events.

UK ETA Eligibility

Who Is Eligible?

Citizens from 60+ countries are eligible for the UK ETA. The program covers major countries across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Africa, and South America. Most developed nations and many Commonwealth countries are included in the eligible list.

General Requirements

✓Valid passport from an eligible country
✓Passport valid for at least 2 years of remaining validity
✓Recent portrait-style photograph (taken within 6 months)
✓Valid email address for approval notification
✓Valid payment method for application fee

Who Doesn't Need ETA

✕British and Irish passport holders
✕Holders of valid UK visas
✕UK permanent residents
✕Residents of Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man
✕Citizens from visa-exempt countries not on ETA list

Eligible Regions

North America

Canada, United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize

Europe

France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Portugal

Asia-Pacific

Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei

Middle East

United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman

South America

Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Paraguay

Africa

South Africa, Mauritius, Botswana, Seychelles

How to Apply for UK ETA

Check Eligibility

Verify that your country is eligible for the UK ETA program. Select your country to instantly confirm your eligibility.

Prepare Documents

Gather your valid passport, recent passport-style photograph, and ensure your email address is current and accessible.

Complete Application

Fill out the online UK ETA application form with personal information, passport details, and your intended purpose of visit.

Make Payment

Submit payment using your preferred method. Choose Standard (up to 3 working days) or Express processing. Secure payment via Stripe.

Receive Decision

Get your ETA approval via email. Your authorization is digitally linked to your passport, no physical documents needed.

Processing Time and Validity

Processing Time

Standard Processing:

Up to 3 working days

Most applications approved within this timeframe

Express Processing:

Fast-track option available

For urgent travel requirements

Instant Approval:

Some cases approved immediately

Decision sent via email within minutes for eligible applicants

Validity Information

Validity Period:

2 years from approval

Valid until your passport expires, whichever comes first

Stay Duration:

Up to 6 months per visit

For tourism, business, and family visits

Multiple Entries:

Unlimited visits allowed

Travel to UK as many times as you wish during validity

Frequently Asked Questions

The UK ETA became mandatory for eligible citizens from January 8, 2025. If you are a citizen of an eligible country and do not already hold a UK visa, you must obtain an ETA before traveling to the United Kingdom. British and Irish passport holders do not require an ETA.

Ready to Travel to the United Kingdom?

Start your UK ETA application today through our secure and reliable platform. Get approved in just 3 working days and begin planning your British adventure.

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