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Electronic Travel Authorisation
United KingdomUnited Kingdom•Europe
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Electronic Travel Authorisation

Tourist

At a Glance

Processing Time

1–3 days

Estimated Cost

GBP £20

Stay Duration

6 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
United Kingdom flag

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living
2% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary£31,000
Quality of Life
174/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Digital pre-travel permission for visa-exempt nationalities visiting UK for up to 6 months.

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is digital pre-travel permission for nationals of visa-exempt countries visiting the UK for up to 6 months. Required since February 2026, it covers tourism, family visits, permitted business activities, and short-term study for travellers who do not otherwise need a UK visa.

An ETA costs £20, is valid for 2 years or until passport expiry, and allows multiple entries. Most decisions arrive within minutes; up to 3 working days is the official outer limit. Work is not permitted, there is no PR pathway, and each traveller — including children — needs a separate ETA.

This visa is ideal for nationals of the 80+ qualifying countries making short leisure, family, or business trips to the UK who do not hold a UK visa or settled status.

United Kingdom

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Stay & Extensions

Initial grant6 months

Eligible Nationalities (83)

AndorraAndorraAntigua & BarbudaAntigua & BarbudaArgentinaArgentinaAustraliaAustraliaAustriaAustriaBahamasBahamasBahrainBahrainBarbadosBarbadosBelgiumBelgiumBelizeBelizeBrazilBrazilBruneiBruneiBulgariaBulgariaCanadaCanadaChileChileCosta RicaCosta RicaCroatiaCroatiaCyprusCyprusCzechiaCzechiaDenmarkDenmarkEstoniaEstoniaFinlandFinlandFranceFranceGermanyGermany

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a national of a country that does not require a visa to visit the UK for short stays.

Must be travelling for tourism, visiting family/friends, business, or transit.

Must not hold a UK visa, Biometric Residence Permit, or other permission to live, work, or study in the UK.

Must not be a British or Irish citizen.

Must have a valid passport that can be scanned via the UK ETA app.

Must pass security and immigration history checks.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photo

Facial/selfie photo

Email address

Payment card

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Multiple entries permitted during 2-year validity
  • Valid for 2 years or until passport expiry
  • Fast processing — usually approved within 1 day
  • Covers tourism, family visits, business trips, and short-term study
  • Fully digital — no physical visa stamp required

Worth Knowing

  • Working is not permitted (except specific permitted paid engagements)
  • Cannot claim public benefits
  • Cannot marry or register a civil partnership
  • Fee rising from £16 to £20 on 8 April 2026
  • No refunds after application
  • Not required for British/Irish passport holders or those with UK visa or settled status

Application Process

1

Apply online or via the UK ETA mobile app

2

Provide valid passport details

3

Upload passport photo and facial photo

4

Pay the £20 application fee

5

Receive decision (usually within 1 day)

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Online application
Online ETA application via GOV.UK
Fill online
UK ETA mobile app
UK ETA mobile app (iOS and Android) — alternative application channel
Fill online

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