UK ETA Program: What we know
Updated: 24 March 2025
The United Kingdom started to roll out an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) programme in Autumn 2023.
The ETA is a new requirement for people who don’t need a visa to come to the UK, but will be required for travelers to visit - a bit like the USA's ESTA program.
Here's your guide to this new legislation, including:
- What is an ETA
- Who will and won't need an ETA
- How much it costs
- How to apply
What is the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) works similarly to the U.S. ESTA and the European Union’s ETIAS, working as a security measure for those traveling to the UK that don’t need a visa.
Those that apply for an ETA will be permitted to enter the UK, and be able to:
- Spend up to six months in the UK for tourism, visiting friends and family, business or study.
- Spend up to three months in the UK on the Creative Worker visa concession.
- Come to the UK for a permitted paid engagement.
- Transit through the UK.
An approved ETA will be valid for two years and can be used for multiple visits to the UK. If a traveler gets a new passport in that time, they will need to get a new ETA.
It is your responsibility to apply for the ETA before your journey.
Who will need an ETA?
Nationalities who need an ETA for travel to the UK
| Antigua and Barbuda | Argentina | Australia |
| The Bahamas | Barbados | Belize |
| Botswana | Brazil | Brunei |
| Canada | Chile | Costa Rica |
| Grenada | Guatemala | Guyana |
| Hong Kong Special Administrative Region | Israel | Japan |
| Kiribati | Macao Special Administrative Region | Malaysia |
| Maldives | Marshall Islands | Mauritius |
| Mexico | Federated States of Micronesia | Nauru |
| New Zealand | Nicaragua | Palau |
| Panama | Papua New Guinea | Paraguay |
| Peru | Samoa | Seychelles |
| Singapore | Solomon Islands | South Korea |
| St Kitts and Nevis | St Lucia | St Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Taiwan | Tonga | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Tuvalu | United States | Uruguay |
| Bahrain | Kuwait | Oman |
| Qatar | Saudi Arabia | United Arab Emirates |
Nationalities who need an ETA for travel to the UK on or after April 2, 2025
| 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 |
Other nationalities
Other nationalities cannot get an ETA and will need to check if they need a visa instead.
Who does not need an ETA
You do not need an ETA if any of the following apply to you:
- Have a visa
- Have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)
- Are a British or Irish citizen
- Are traveling with a British overseas territories citizen passport; and/or
- Live in Ireland and you are traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
How do you get a UK ETA?
You can apply for your ETA through the ‘UK ETA’ app or the official UK government website.
We recommend applying as early as possible to ensure your ETA is approved well before your travel date.
Provide your personal, and passport details, a valid photo and payment for the fee.
You will usually receive a decision within three working days. However, occasionally, it could take longer.
How much does a UK ETA cost?
A UK ETA currently costs £10 but will rise to £16 on April 9, 2025.
What to do once your ETA is approved?
You will receive an email confirmation, that you have got an ETA.
It will be linked to your passport and valid for two years. If your passport expires or you get a new passport, you will need to get a new ETA. or until the travel document you used in your application expires.
You can travel to the UK as many times as you wish during this period for short visits.
How long is the ETA valid for?
Once approved, the UK ETA will be valid for two years and can be used for multiple visits to the UK.
If your passport expires during that period, you will need to get a new ETA.
Where can I find more information?
Full details are on the UK Government's website here.
ETA applications are open for all travelers now. You can apply for your ETA through the ‘UK ETA’ app or the official UK government website.
Please note that an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. You still need to see a Border Force officer or use an ePassport gate if you are eligible.
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