General ETA FAQs
What is the ETA for the UK?
The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is a new digital travel permit system that allows the UK government to have more control and oversight over individuals entering the country.
This system makes it easier to identify potential security risks. The ETA is part of a broader government initiative to digitalize and improve border security.
It is not a type of visa but an electronic document for foreigners who do not need a visa to enter the UK for short stays of up to six months. This includes travel for tourism, visiting family and friends, permitted business activities, and short-term study.
Visa-exempt nationals transiting in the UK who must go through border control to transfer to their connecting flight must also obtain an ETA. It is also required for those coming to the UK for three months under the Creative Worker visa concession.
Why is the government launching the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation system?
The ETA is a major initiative in the UK government’s Nationality and Borders Act 2022. The legislation establishes that individuals who currently enjoy visa-free access to the UK must obtain a travel authorization before being allowed to come to the country.
Below are the advantages of having the system in place:
- To accurately log and track travelers who enter and exit England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland at any seaport or airport
- To pre-screen travelers deemed a threat to national security before they arrive in the UK
- To collect and retain information and travel behaviors of UK visitors
- To provide an additional revenue stream for the government by charging travelers an application fee
When should we expect the full launch of the ETA?
By April 2025, all visitors who travel without a visa to the UK will need an ETA.
From 8 January 2025 onwards, only nationals from non-European countries must have an ETA for travel to the UK. This includes citizens of the United States (US), Canada, Australia, and other countries.
The ETA system will begin accepting applications from citizens of European countries, except Ireland, on 5 March 2025. European travelers, except Irish citizens, must have an ETA for their UK trips on and after 2 April 2025.
When will EU nationals be required to apply via the ETA scheme?
Starting 5 March 2025, Europeans can apply for an ETA for travel to the UK on and after 2 April 2025. The UK Home Office announced this on 10 September 2024 to ensure ample notice to travelers who require an ETA.
How many travelers will use the UK ETA system?
The Home Office expects over 30 million travelers to use the UK ETA system annually. The highest number of individuals entering the UK come from the United States (US), France, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands.
Who will need to apply for a UK ETA?
The UK ETA is for travelers who do not need a visa for short stays, or less than six months, for purposes such as tourism, visiting family and friends, permitted business activities, short-term study, or landside transit.
Which passport holders can travel to the UK without a visa?
Visa-exempt foreigners, or travelers who do not need a visa to visit the UK, are citizens of countries within the EU (excluding Ireland), the United States (US), Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and others.
Nationals from the following countries will need to apply for a UK ETA:
Who does not need to apply for a UK ETA?
An individual does not need an ETA if any of the following apply:
- You are a British citizen or national and hold a British passport or British Overseas Territory citizen passport.
- You are an Irish citizen and have an Irish Passport.
- You are a legal resident in Ireland, not required to get a visa to enter the UK, and entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man. You must satisfy all three conditions to be exempt from needing an ETA.
- You have an immigration status or permission to work, study, and live in the UK.
- You hold a UK visa valid for visiting, working, studying, or other purposes.
- You are transiting in the UK but remaining airside tr will not have to go through border control to change planes in Heathrow or Manchester airports.
Do infants, children, or teens need an ETA?
All travelers who do not require a visa to visit the UK must have a separate and approved ETA to enter the country, regardless of age.
Individuals with EU pre-settled or settlement status will not need an ETA to enter the UK. Is this correct?
Travelers with a valid UK immigration status will not be required to present an ETA when traveling to the UK. This includes those with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
Which locations in the UK require an ETA for visiting?
The ETA is valid for travel to the UK. After arriving at any entry point and going through UK border control, the holder can move freely between its constituent countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
However, the UK ETA does not allow travelers to enter Ireland, a separate and independent country. It is also not valid in any other European country.
Will I need a new ETA every time I visit the UK?
An ETA is valid for two years from the date of issue or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. During this time, you can enter the UK multiple times as long as you visit for less than six months at a time.
Travelers must apply for a new ETA if their ETA expires, their passport expires earlier than two years, or if it is lost or stolen.
Will I be refused entry into the UK without an ETA?
Without an ETA, you cannot board your carrier (i.e., airplane, ship, or train) and travel to the UK. Individuals traveling to the UK but still waiting for a decision on their ETA application will also be denied boarding.
The UK government uses the Advance Passenger Information (API) to check and notify carriers of an individual’s travel permits.
Carriers can verify if an individual has the appropriate permission-to-travel documents, such as an ETA or visa, before bringing them to the UK.
Airlines, maritime companies, and railway operators can only allow boarding to travelers with an ETA, or they may be liable for a penalty charge. Similarly, a traveler who knowingly travels to the UK without a required ETA may face criminal charges.
Can I study in the UK if I have a UK ETA?
Yes. Visa-exempt nationals with an ETA can attend short-term study programs for 180 days or six months. For more extended study programs, you must obtain a Student visa.
Can I work in the UK if I have a UK ETA?
You must still apply for a work visa in any of the UK’s four constituent countries, even with a UK ETA. However, you can use your ETA to attend business conferences or meetings and do other permitted activities while visiting on business under the Standard Visitor visa.
Do I also need an ETA if I have a UK visa?
You do not need an ETA if you already hold a UK visa or immigration status.
Is the UK ETA similar to a visa or residence permit?
The UK ETA is different from a visa or residence permit.
A UK visa allows foreigners to enter and stay in the country for transit, tourism, studying, working, and other purposes within a specified validity period, usually six months or longer.
A UK resident permit allows foreign nationals to live and work in the UK indefinitely.
An ETA allows individuals to travel to the UK but does not permit entry. Individuals with an ETA will still be subject to immigration and identity checks at the border.
They will still need to go through an electronic passport gate (eGate), if available, or see a Border Force officer.
What’s the difference between ETA and a UK visitor visa?
An ETA only grants permission to travel to the UK. It does not give the holder the right to enter the country or guarantee entry to England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
Travelers with an ETA still need to seek permission to enter the UK at the border. They can do so by going through an electronic passport gate (eGate) or seeing a UK Border Force officer.
An ETA is required for non-visa nationals who do not hold a visa or have any other UK immigration status in the UK. This includes landside transit passengers or transit travelers who must go through border control to transfer to their connecting flight.
On the other hand, a UK Standard Visitor visa allows individuals to enter and remain in the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, short-term studies, permitted business activities, and transit.
Is the UK ETA the same as an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW)?
The UK ETA is a new digital travel permit system for all travelers who do not need a visa to visit the UK. It replaces the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) that citizens of select countries must obtain before traveling to the UK. An ETA is cheaper than an EVW.
Nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) must now obtain an ETA instead of an EVW to travel to the UK.
How long is the ETA valid for?
A UK ETA is valid for two years from the date of issue or until the date of passport expiry, whichever comes first. If the passport to which the ETA is linked expires earlier, the holder must apply for a new ETA.
What is the difference between ETA and ETIAS?
The ETA is the UK’s new digital travel permit system for visa-exempt nationals visiting the country for less than six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, permitted business activities, short-term study, and lanside transit.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is an electronic document similar to the UK ETA. In 2025, foreign nationals who don’t require a visa to enter the Schengen area, including UK citizens, must obtain an ETIAS.
ETA application processing FAQs
How do I apply for a UK ETA?
You can only apply for a UK ETA online on the UK government website or the UK ETA app. There are no alternative paper-based methods; applicants do not need to appear in person at visa offices.
Can I apply for a UK ETA for someone else?
You can apply for a UK ETA on behalf of someone else. Parents or guardians can apply for it on behalf of their children, and a friend or a third party can also apply for one.
How does the ETA application process work?
The process is primarily digital. Travelers must complete the online application form, answer security-related questions, and pay the ETA application fee online. After submitting their application, applicants will receive a confirmation email.
The ETA system will then cross-verify the information submitted in the application form against the UK and international security and immigration databases to determine the individual ETA’s suitability.
Applicants typically receive a decision, whether an approval or denial, on their ETA application within three days. Many may receive their ETA within minutes after submitting their application.
However, some applications may take longer than three days to process.
What are the requirements for applying for a UK ETA?
To apply for a UK ETA, a traveler needs a valid, biometric national passport from an eligible visa-exempt country, a recent high-quality digital passport photo, an active email address, and an electronic payment method, such as a credit or debit card.
What information will I need to provide on a UK ETA application?
You must provide personal and employment details, home address, email address, contact details, and online payment information.
You must also answer truthfully security-related questions regarding criminal record, immigration history, and any association with illegal groups.
The ETA application does not ask for an individual’s travel details or proof of financial capacity to support oneself during the visit to the UK.
However, travelers must be prepared to answer questions or show evidence of these when going through border control.
When should I apply for the ETA?
Travelers are advised to apply for a UK ETA before purchasing tickets or booking accommodations in the UK. A decision on a UK ETA application typically takes three days.
While many applicants receive their ETA earlier than three days, some may take longer.
Can I apply for the ETA now but travel in a month or two?
Travelers should apply for an ETA before booking travel. The Home Office does not restrict how far in advance travelers can apply for an ETA.
Travelers can apply for an ETA whenever they wish, as long as they do so at least three days before their travel date.
The ETA will be valid for two years or as long as the passport it is linked to remains valid.
Can I apply for a UK ETA if my travel plans aren’t confirmed?
You can apply for a UK ETA even when your travel plans are not confirmed. However, for the ETA to remain valid, you must ensure that the passport used in the application is still valid for the duration of your stay in the UK.
If I apply for an ETA today, does the two-year validity start on the date I receive it or the date I apply?
The ETA validity starts from the date it is granted or the date you receive your ETA confirmation email.
What will happen to my ETA if my passport has less than two years left before expiry?
Your UK ETA will expire on the same date your passport expires.
A UK ETA is valid for two years from the date of issue or until the passport it is linked to expires, whichever comes first. If your passport expires before the ETA’s two-year validity period, you must apply for a new one.
How long does it take to apply for a UK ETA?
Completing the online application form will only take a few minutes. After paying for your application online and submitting it, you will get confirmation via the email address you provided.
How long does it take to process a UK ETA application?
A UK ETA application typically takes three days to process and receive a decision. Some applicants may receive a decision within minutes, while others may wait longer.
Does the ETA application have a ‘save’ function?
The online ETA application on the UK government website or the UK ETA app does not save any previously entered or submitted data during a canceled or expired session.
Once you click the link, complete your application as soon as possible. If you remain inactive on the website for 20 minutes, your session will expire, and you will need to restart the process and fill in the required information again.
Is there a way to fast-track an ETA approval in emergency circumstances?
The majority of ETA applications will be processed automatically. This means travelers should receive their ETA quickly, even in emergencies.
Can I use one application form for more than one person?
Each UK ETA application is for a single individual, as an approved travel permit is linked to an individual’s passport.
Any other eligible individuals who plan to travel to the UK must complete an application form, regardless of age and whether they are traveling together.
Parents and guardians can apply for their children’s ETA using a separate application form.
How will I receive my approved UK ETA?
You will receive the decision on your ETA application, whether approval or denial, via the email address you provided in the application form.
You do not need to print the email. Your ETA is digitally linked to the passport you used to apply with. Still, it’s best to keep the confirmation email in your inbox.
Do I need to apply for a separate ETA when traveling between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland?
No. An approved ETA means permission to travel to any of the UK’s constituent countries. After passing through border control, they can travel between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
However, an ETA does not allow travelers to enter the Republic of Ireland, a separate and independent country, and other European countries.
I have dual citizenship. Do I need a UK ETA for both my passports?
You can apply for a UK ETA for only one of your passports, but make sure it is the one you bring when you travel to the UK.
While you must disclose any other citizenship or passport details on the ETA online application form, the approved digital permit will be linked to the passport you used to apply with.
Still, you may apply for a UK ETA for both your passports. You must complete the online application form and pay twice to do so.
Can I travel to the EU with an EU passport and return to the UK with a British passport?
It’s possible to travel to the EY with an EU passport and return to the UK with a British passport.
However, the UK government advises British citizens with dual nationalities to travel on their British passports. Dual nationals can show their British passport to the carrier to prove they do not need an ETA to travel to the UK.
I have dual citizenship in the US and the UK. Can I come to the UK with my British passport and return to the US with my American passport?
UK citizens with dual nationalities are advised to travel with their British passports. A British passport proves they do not need an ETA to visit the UK.
The UK government acknowledges that American nationals must travel to and from the USA using their American passport.
Travelers with American and British nationality can use their American passports for check-in purposes but should present their British passports to the carrier for boarding to show they are exempt from needing an ETA to travel to the UK.
What can I do if I need to correct the details on my UK ETA application?
Filling out a new UK ETA application form is the easiest and fastest way to correct any mistakes after submission. Travelers should carefully review all their information before submitting their ETA application.
Once submitted, you cannot modify it. If you made a mistake on your submitted application, you must repeat the process and pay the application fee again.
Can a third party apply for an ETA on my behalf, or do I need to complete the application process myself?
An applicant can enlist the assistance of a third party to complete the UK ETA application process on their behalf. This approach is not currently planned to change.
However, they are strongly advised to be vigilant in sharing the information required in the ETA application.
I have a criminal record. Can I still apply for a UK ETA?
You can apply for a UK ETA but may be denied. It’s important to note that not all individuals with a criminal record are automatically denied an ETA.
Applicants with a criminal record in the UK or elsewhere who were sentenced to 12 months or more in jail or convicted within the past 12 months will be refused an ETA.
Those with a criminal record and are denied an ETA must apply for a UK visa.
Should I apply for a new UK ETA if my details have changed?
If you need to change any vital information on your passport, such as your first name, last name, gender, or nationality, you must update your passport and apply for a new UK ETA. Your UK ETA is connected to your passport.
What happens to my UK ETA if I get a new passport?
When you get a new passport, the ETA linked to it will be invalidated or canceled. Each passport is a unique travel document with distinctive details, such as the passport number. You need to apply for a new UK ETA with the details of your new passport.
Will I need to apply for a new UK ETA if my passport is stolen or goes missing?
Yes. If your passport is lost or stolen, you must report it immediately and arrange to get a new one. Once you have a new passport, you must apply for a new UK ETA using your new travel document.
Payment methods and fees FAQs
How much does a UK ETA cost?
Each application for a UK ETA costs £10. You must pay the fee online to submit the form and complete the ETA application process.
How do I pay for my ETA application?
To pay for your UK ETA application, you must provide your credit or debit card number, the card’s name, the expiry date, and the CVV code. Apply Pay and Google Pay are also accepted payment methods.
If my application is refused, can I get my money back?’
Payments for UK ETA applications are non-refundable.
Traveling with a UK ETA FAQs
How long can I stay in the UK on an approved ETA?
Travelers with an approved UK ETA can stay in the UK for up to six months per visit and travel freely between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Will a valid UK ETA guarantee my entry?
An approved UK ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK.
An ETA allows you to board your carrier (i.e., plane, ship, train) and travel to the country. Upon arrival, you must still submit your identity documents to the UK Border Force or go through an electronic passport gate (eGate), if available.
The border agency will assess whether you comply with the security requirements. Even if you have an ETA, you may still be refused entry if you fail a border check or meet other entry conditions.
How will they know at the border if someone has a settled or pre-settled status? Some people’s status is tied to their old passports.
The UK ETA is a digital trailer permit tied to one’s passport. By scanning your passport, carriers, the UK Border Force, and other relevant authorities can confirm your ETA validity and other travel permissions.
The UK Home Office uses the Advance Passenger Information (API), which allows carriers to confirm travelers’ permissions.
This could include permission to bring passengers to the UK, denial of permission to carry the passenger to the UK, or the need for the carrier to determine their permission.
Travelers with British, Irish, British Overseas Territory Citizens (BOTC) passports, UK visas, and UK immigration statuses only need to show their passport or immigration status to prove they are not required to carry an ETA to travel to the UK.
Suppose one has an Indefinite Leave To Remain (ILR) in the UK but was issued 15 years ago. Does it need to be converted into a digital format?
A person with an immigration status in the UK must switch to an online record of immigration statuses or electronic visas (eVisa). To do this, they must create a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) account and link it to their passport.
When the Advance Passenger Information (API) system shows that a traveler has permission to enter the UK, carriers can check for physical proof of it.
However, physical representations of UK immigration statuses will only remain valid for travel purposes until March 2025. This includes biometric residence permits (BRPs) and passport endorsements such as wet ink stamps and vignette stickers
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is transitioning to a digital immigration system. This is part of a broader strategy to strengthen border security.
If I don’t receive my ETA on time, can I enter the UK anyway if allowed by the border officer?
Travelers are expected to obtain a UK ETA before traveling to the UK once their country is added to the list of those subjected to the ETA requirement.
Non-European visa-exempt nationals can already apply for a UK ETA and must have one for travels to the UK on and after 8 January 2025.
Starting 5 March 2025, Europeans, except Irish citizens, can apply for a UK ETA, which will be mandatory for travel from 2 April 2025 onwards.
The British government is taking a pragmatic approach to enforcing the new ETA requirement, knowing it is a significant change that may take time for people to understand.
However, once the UK ETA is enforced, carriers can refuse to board passengers without the required permissions.
This is why travelers are recommended to apply for and receive their ETA at least three working days before their travel to avoid any inconvenience or disruption to their plans.
Do I need to bring a physical paper copy of my UK ETA?
You do not need a digital copy or physical printout of your ETA. It is an electronic travel permit linked to your passport. By scanning your passport, carriers, the UK Border Force, and other relevant authorities can confirm its validity through their systems.
Still, keep your ETA confirmation email in your inbox and print it in case manual checks are suddenly required.
Is it six months spent in the UK in total within the ETA validity period, per calendar year, or something else?
With a UK ETA, you can visit the UK as a standard visitor for up to six months on a single trip for tourism, short-term study, business, and other permitted activities for short visits. The ETA is valid for multiple short visits in the UK within its two-year validity.
What happens after the two-year validity period has expired? Will a new ETA have to be applied for? Are there any limitations to this?
When a UK ETA expires after its two-year validity period, travelers who still plan to visit the UK must apply for a new ETA and pay the application fee again. There is no limit to the number of repeat applications.
Will the UK ETA affect the rights of travelers using the Airside transit or Landside transit?
The UK ETA will not affect the existing Airside and Landside transit rules.
Can I switch to a UK visa after arriving on an ETA?
You cannot switch your UK ETA for a visa while still in the UK for whatever reason.
Arriving on an ETA allows the traveler to stay in the UK for a maximum of only six months at a time, and you may opt to leave and re-enter the country with your valid ETA.
If you suddenly need to stay longer in the UK to study, work, or for other reasons, you must first return to your home country and apply for the proper UK visa.
What happens if my UK ETA expires while I am still in the UK?
You must leave the country immediately if your ETA expires while still in the UK. Your ETA is no longer valid, and you may be considered to have overstayed your permission.
You cannot renew or extend an ETA validity or switch to a UK visa while already in the UK. You must reapply for a new ETA outside the UK to be allowed back in the country.
Can I visit other European countries with a UK ETA?
A UK ETA does not allow travelers to enter the Republic of Ireland, an independent country, and other parts of Europe. The UK is not a member of the European Union (EU) or the Schengen Common Travel Area.
To visit other European countries, you must inquire about the country’s entry requirements, whether you require a visa or not, before booking your travel.
The EU is developing a similar system, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS). In 2025, foreign nationals who don’t require a visa to enter the Schengen area must obtain an ETIAS. This includes UK citizens.
Refusals, cancellations, and appeals FAQs
Why would my ETA application be denied?
An application for a UK ETA may be denied for the following reasons:
- Providing false, inaccurate, or incomplete information
- Having a passport issued by a country whose citizens need a visa to enter the UK
- Staying in the UK for longer than six months or working in the UK
- Having past immigration breaches in the UK or elsewhere
- Having a criminal record in the UK or elsewhere
- Having any involvement or associations with illegal groups
What are my options if my UK ETA application is denied?
If your UK ETA application is denied, you may apply for a UK visa to enter the country as an alternative travel authorization permit. You can apply for a Standard Visitor visa, Transit visa, or Temporary Creative Worker visa.
Can I apply for a UK ETA again if my previous application was rejected?
Individuals denied a UK ETA may pay for and submit a new application. Still, it’s crucial to address the cause of the initial rejection.
Is it possible for an approved UK ETA to be canceled or revoked?
An approved ETA can be canceled or revoked for the following reasons:
- The holder is excluded or deported from the UK.
- The holder is convicted of a crime in the UK or elsewhere and sentenced to 12 or more months in jail.
- The holder is proven to be in breach of immigration laws (i.e., overstaying or working)
- The holder is verified to have withheld or submitted false documents, knowingly or not.
- The holder has accumulated unpaid debts or litigation costs.’
- The holder is found to be detrimental to the UK public due to their behavior, character, associations, or other reasons, regardless of whether it results in a conviction.
My ETA has been canceled while I am still in the UK. What do I do?
You cannot legally stay in the country if your ETA has been revoked. If your passport is lost or stolen, you can report it to your embassy, which will help you leave the UK and return to your home country.
Once you have a new passport, you can apply for a new ETA.
What is the process for canceling an approved UK ETA?
UK Immigration authorities typically initiate the process of canceling an approved ETA when there are grounds for cancellation.
Can I appeal my case if my ETA was denied or canceled?
There is no right to administrative review or appeal against a decision made on an ETA application.
ETA applicants are entitled to a review within 30 days of receiving a refusal only if the decision was made entirely through automation. However, human caseworkers often decide on ETA denials.
If an ETA is refused, a traveler can apply for a UK visa instead, where the application process allows for a more thorough consideration.
Still, the UK’s Judicial Review process allows applicants to challenge a decision they believe to be unlawful.
ETA data privacy FAQs
Will UK ETA applicant data be shared with carriers?
The UK government will use the Existing Advance Passenger Information (API) systems to send carriers (land, sea, and air) information on travelers and their permissions to enter the UK.
Carriers must check whether travelers have valid and eligible identification documents (e.g., passport) and permissions (e.g., ETA and visa) before boarding them and bringing them to the UK.
How will the UK ETA system process my data?
Travelers’ data will be handled according to the privacy policy on the UK ETA application form. The system will check applicants’ data against numerous UK and international security and immigration databases.
These include lists that search for outstanding arrest warrants, terrorism watch lists, immigration watch lists, and any other searches that help the UK Border Force and Home Office determine potential security threats.
How long will the UK ETA system have my data?
The system typically stores facial biometric data for three years unless there’s a reason to hold onto them longer. Personal information and biographics are kept for 15 years following the last case action under visa retention periods.