UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization for the United Kingdom)

UK ETA – General information

The United Kingdom is currently in the process of introducing the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme that, for many foreign visitors, will mean the need to get prior permission to enter the UK.

The UK ETA is already open for one nation, i.e., Qatar. From February 2024, other countries, including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, will be eligible for the UK ETA application.

The ETA functions as an electronic travel and entry permit for certain travelers wishing to visit the UK for short-term stays.

The permit is issued for 2 years and entitles to numerous entries to the United Kingdom. Every single stay in the country can be as long as 6 months.

According to some official government statements, the launch of the UK ETA was planned for the end of 2023. However, it is more likely that the new scheme will be fully operational by the end of 2024.

The introduction of the UK ETA is supposed to strengthen security checks and prevent certain people who could pose a danger from entering the country. The ETA scheme was to be launched along with the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). However, the launch of ETIAS was postponed to spring 2025.

Who needs an ETA to the UK

The UK ETA is expected to be a mandatory document for all EU and EEA member states, as well as some other countries like the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Japan, etc. It will also replace the UK Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW), which is currently issued to GCC countries.

British and Irish citizens will be exempt from the necessity to get permission to travel to or remain in the UK.

APPLY FOR ETA UNITED KINGDOM

List of eligible countries

Important notes:

• Currently, the ETA UK application is open only to citizens of Qatar.
• From February 2024, citizens of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE will be added to the list of UK ETA-eligible countries.

The complete list of UK ETA-eligible countries is yet to be confirmed. Nevertheless, the following nations having visa-free agreements with the UK are expected to be included on the list:

European Union member countries

• Austria
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Germany
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Spain
• Finland
• France
• Greece
• Croatia
• Hungary
• Italy
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Latvia
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Poland
• Portugal
• Sweden
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Romania

Other European countries

• Andorra
• Switzerland
• Iceland
• Liechtenstein
• Monaco
• Norway
• Vatican City

Other visa-exempt nations

• United Arab Emirates
• Argentina
• Australia
• Barbados
• Bahrain
• Brunei
• Brazil
• Bahamas
• Botswana
• Belize
• Canada
• Chile
• Costa Rica
• Dominica
• Micronesia
• Grenada
• Guinea
• Guatemala
• Hong Kong
• Honduras
• Israel
• Japan
• Kiribati
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• South Korea
• Kuwait
• Saint Lucia
• Marshall Islands
• Macau
• Mauritius
• Maldives
• Mexico
• Malaysia
• Namibia
• Nicaragua
• Nauru
• New Zealand
• Oman
• Panama
• Papua New Guinea
• San Marino
• El Salvador
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Taiwan
• United States
• Uruguay
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Vanuatu
• Samoa
• Qatar
• Singapore
• Seychelles
• Palau
• Saudi Arabia
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Paraguay
• Solomon Islands
• Antigua and Barbuda

UK ETA available types

The UK ETA is a one-type mandatory permit that can be granted to eligible travelers for the following purposes:

• tourism
• business
• transit

Also, ETA holders can use the valid permit for the purpose of:

• short-term study

Important: For any other traveling purpose, including long-term residency or working in the UK, you will need to obtain an appropriate visa directly at the nearest UK embassy or consulate present in your residence or home country.

UK ETA application form

UK ETA is available online, and the application process itself should take just a couple of minutes. What is essential it must be completed a few days prior to the departure – at least 3 business days prior to travel.

Applicants need to prepare a valid passport and start the application process consisting of the following steps:

• Fill out the online form: put your personal data, passport information, as well as details related to your planned trip to the UK; upload the required documents (passport copy and face photo).
• Cover the processing fee: choose one preferred method of online payment and pay the service fee of 49 Euro.
• Check our email inbox: receive the approved UK ETA delivered straight to your email.

To avoid any unnecessary delays in the processing of your ETA application, make sure that all the details provided in the online form are up-to-date, true, and correct.

Please note that there is no need to carry a printed version of your approved ETA since it will be automatically linked to your passport.

APPLY FOR ETA UNITED KINGDOM

UK ETA validity

The validity of the UK ETA is 2 years from the issue date and covers numerous entries to Great Britain.

Since it is issued as a multiple-entry permit, its holder can enter and re-enter the United Kingdom as many times as they wish and stay for up to 6 months each time.

UK ETA requirements

To successfully complete the UK ETA application, you will need to prepare the following documents and information, which can help to smoothly go through the online registration:

• a valid passport (biometric passport from an ETA-eligible country)
• an applicant’s face photograph
• travel-related information
• information about jobs, criminal history, and other nationalities (if applicable)
• a valid means of online payment
• an active email address
• a working electronic device with a stable Internet connection

Transit information

ETA UK is mandatory even if you plan only transit through the United Kingdom before reaching the final destination.

Do remember to apply for the UK ETA before transiting through the United Kingdom (even if you are not going to seek immigration clearance) to avoid any issues.