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United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Visit the United Kingdom for tourism, business, eligible short-term study, or transit with an approved UK ETA.

United Kingdom eTA

Required to board your flight to the UK.

  • Entries: Multiple

  • Stay: Up to 6 months per visit

  • Validity: 2 years or passport expiry

  • Passport: Must match your application

Apply UK ETA →
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Learn More About: United Kingdom ETA

What is the UK ETA?

The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel requirement for eligible travellers visiting the UK for short stays. If you need an ETA to UK, you must obtain it before travelling.

The electronic travel authorisation UK system allows eligible travellers to visit for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, permitted business activities, short-term study, or certain transit journeys.

The UK electronic travel authorisation is issued electronically and linked directly to your passport, so there is no need for a physical visa document.

A valid UK ETA typically allows multiple visits for up to two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Each visit can last up to six months, subject to UK entry requirements and a decision at the border.

An approved UK travel authorisation allows you to travel to the UK, but it does not guarantee entry. Final entry decisions are made by border officials upon arrival.

The ETA does not permit employment, long-term stays, or settlement in the United Kingdom.

UK ETA: What to Know

What can you use your ETA for?

A UK ETA can be used for eligible visits to the UK, including tourism, visiting family or friends, permitted business activities and short-term study.

How long can you stay?

Eligible visitors can generally seek permission to stay for up to six months per visit.

How long is the ETA valid?

Normally two years, or until the passport linked to it expires, whichever comes first.

When should you apply?

Apply in good time and wait for confirmation that your ETA has been approved before travelling to the UK.

Countries Eligible for the UK ETA

The UK ETA is available to travellers from countries whose nationals are eligible under the current UK ETA rules.

Eligibility depends on your nationality, passport and travel circumstances. Requirements may change as the ETA system develops.

Travellers should confirm their eligibility before starting a UK ETA online application. If you are not eligible for an ETA, you may need to apply for UK Visa instead.

  • Andorra
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • The Bahamas
  • Bahrain
  • Barbados
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United States
  • Uruguay
  • Vatican City
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Cyprus
  • Czechia
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Guyana
  • Hong Kong SAR
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Italy
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Kiribati
  • Kuwait
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macao SAR
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Malta
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritius
  • Mexico
  • Micronesia
  • Monaco
  • Nauru
  • Netherlands
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Norway
  • Oman
  • Palau
  • Panama
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Romania
  • Samoa
  • San Marino
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Seychelles
  • Singapore
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Korea
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu
Your Application Checklist
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    Valid passport

  • ✓

    Email address

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    Passport photo

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    Facial image

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    Personal and travel information

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    Accepted payment method

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Which Passport Are You Travelling With?

Your passport nationality helps determine whether you need a UK ETA before travelling. Choose the passport you plan to use for your journey and check the requirements that apply to your nationality and travel plans.

1. US & Canada

Travelling with a US or Canadian passport? You will generally need a UK ETA for an eligible visit to the United Kingdom.

A UK ETA can cover permitted travel such as:

  • Tourism, holidays and sightseeing
  • Visiting family or friends
  • Permitted business activities
  • Short-term study where permitted
  • Eligible transit journeys where an ETA is required

Make sure your ETA is approved before you travel and use the same passport that was included in your application.

2. Australian Passport

Travelling with an Australian passport? You will generally need a UK ETA for an eligible visit to the United Kingdom.

Your trip may include permitted activities such as:

  • Tourism, holidays and sightseeing
  • Visiting family or friends
  • Permitted business activities
  • Short-term study where permitted
  • Eligible transit journeys where an ETA is required

Apply using the passport you intend to travel with and check your details carefully before submitting your application.

3. Eligible European Passport

Travelling with a European passport? You may need a UK ETA, depending on your nationality and circumstances.

For eligible European travellers, permitted activities can include:

  • Tourism, holidays and sightseeing
  • Visiting family or friends
  • Permitted business activities
  • Short-term study where permitted
  • Eligible transit journeys where an ETA is required

Check your passport details and travel plans before applying for your UK ETA.

Planning a trip to the UK? Check your nationality and travel details before starting your UK ETA application.

UK ETA Application Process

The UK ETA application is completed online.

Step 01

Complete the UK ETA Application Form

Enter your personal, passport and background details carefully when you apply for ETA UK.

Step 02

Provide Additional Information, If Required

Submit any requested details to support your ETA application UK.

Step 03

Review and Submit

Check that all information matches your passport before submitting your UK ETA application.

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Important Tip
Accuracy matters. Check your details carefully before you Apply UK ETA, as errors may lead to delays or an unsuccessful application.
Documents You May Need for the UK ETA

The UK ETA application requires basic information and documents to verify your identity and travel eligibility.

01
Valid Passport

You must have a valid passport from an eligible country. All details must match your passport exactly, including the spelling and order of your names.

02
Personal Information

Basic personal details and intended travel information are required. Confirmed bookings are not mandatory.

03
Background Information

You may be asked questions related to your travel history, employment, or security matters.

04
Digital Photo and Payment

You may need to provide a digital photo, either by uploading one or capturing it during the application process, along with a valid payment method.

05
Additional Information (If Required)

In some cases, further details may be requested during processing.

Having the required information ready can make your UK ETA application form easier to complete accurately.

Who Does Not Need a UK ETA?

You do not need a UK ETA if you:

  • Are a British or Irish citizen

  • Hold a valid UK visa

  • Have permission to live, work, or study in the UK

  • Have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme

  • If you already have the appropriate permission to enter the UK, you may not need to apply for ETA UK.

Travelling to the United Kingdom with an ETA

Travellers from eligible countries may need to obtain an approved UKETA before travelling to the United Kingdom, depending on their nationality and travel circumstances.

Your UK travel authorisation is checked electronically by airlines and carriers before boarding. If an ETA is required and you do not have one, you may not be allowed to travel.

If you need to Apply UKETA, make sure your passport details are entered correctly and that your ETA has been approved before travelling.

Everything You Need to Know About the UK ETA
Key Benefits of the UK ETA
  • Valid for up to two years or until passport expiry

  • Multiple entries allowed

  • Stay of up to six months per visit, subject to the applicable requirements

  • Fully online application process

  • No embassy visit required

  • Required before travel where applicable

The UK ETA online process lets eligible travellers apply for travel authorisation before travelling to the United Kingdom.

What You Can Do with a UK ETA

With an approved ETA for UK travel, you may:

  • Visit the UK for tourism or holidays

  • See family or friends

  • Attend meetings or permitted business activities

  • Study short-term courses

  • Transit through the UK where permitted

Important

The UK travel authorisation allows you to travel to the UK but does not guarantee entry. You must still meet all applicable entry requirements upon arrival.

The ETA does not permit employment in the United Kingdom.

Conditions You Must Follow

While visiting the UK, you must:

  • Not undertake unauthorised work.

  • Respect the permitted duration of stay.

  • Leave the UK before your permitted stay expires.

  • Study for up to six months where permitted. Longer courses may require the appropriate visa.

  • Follow all applicable entry conditions.

Failure to comply may affect future travel.

UK ETA Processing Time

Many UK ETA applications are processed quickly. Some may take up to three working days or longer, depending on individual circumstances.

Processing times can vary based on:

  • Accuracy of your application

  • Background checks

  • Application volume

Applying early and providing accurate information can help you prepare for your planned journey.

Common UK ETA Application Mistakes to Avoid
  • Entering incorrect passport details

  • Names not matching your passport exactly

  • Providing incomplete information

  • Applying too close to your travel date

  • Failing to check your UK ETA application form before submission

Accurate information helps reduce avoidable delays.

What Happens If Your ETA is Refused

If your application is not approved, you will be informed of the outcome.

Depending on the reason for refusal, you may be able to submit a new application after correcting any issues, or you may need to apply for a UK visa instead.

Each UK ETA application is assessed individually.

ETA Outcome and Entry to the UK

If approved, your ETA is electronically linked to your passport.

Approval allows you to travel to the UK, but border officials determine entry upon arrival.

Upon Arrival in the United Kingdom

Border officials may ask about:

  • The purpose of your visit

  • Length of your stay

  • Your travel plans

  • Your ability to support yourself financially during your visit

You must meet all applicable entry requirements at the border.

Before You Travel

You may be asked to present:

  • The passport used for your UK ETA application

  • Travel details

  • Supporting information if requested

Make sure the passport you use to travel matches the passport linked to your ETA.

After Your ETA is Approved
  • Check your details carefully

  • Confirm your ETA validity dates

  • Ensure your passport remains valid

  • Keep your confirmation for your records

Transit Through the United Kingdom

Some travellers may need an ETA to UK when transiting through the UK, depending on their nationality and whether they pass through UK border control.

If you remain airside and do not go through border control, an ETA may not be required. Transit requirements can vary, so check your circumstances before travelling.

Passport Requirement

Your UK electronic travel authorisation is electronically linked to your passport.

If your passport is renewed or replaced, you will need to apply for a new ETA before travelling.

Our Application Support
Streamlined process
Secure and reliable
Dedicated support
Step 01
Guided Application Support

We provide clear, structured guidance to help you prepare your UK ETA application accurately.

Step 02
Application Review for Accuracy

Your application is reviewed carefully to help minimise errors and improve consistency.

Step 03
Ongoing Support Throughout the Process

We offer continuous support throughout your application, helping you stay informed and prepared from start to submission.

Ready to Complete Your UK ETA Application?

Complete your UK ETA online application with clear, structured support designed to help improve accuracy and reduce avoidable delays.

Apply UKETA
Who We Are

DocuTrack Global is an independent travel and document support service focused on providing a clear and dependable application process. We assist travellers in preparing their applications with guided support, careful attention to detail, and structured document checklists to ensure accuracy and completeness.

We operate as a private entity and are not a government website. Our scope is to help applicants understand visa requirements and prepare complete and accurate applications before submission.

Services are provided by an Australian Registered Migration Agent (OMARA). Applicants also have the option to apply directly at any time without using our services.

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Transparent Fees & Pricing

We maintain clear and upfront pricing so you always know exactly what is included before proceeding.

Processing Fee:

Standard: GBP 110 total = GBP 90 service fee + GBP 20 Government fee ( We review and submit your application within 8 hours)

Express: GBP 125 total = GBP 105 service fee + GBP 20 Government fee ( We review and submit your application within 8 hours)

Emergency: GBP 140 total = GBP 120 service fee + GBP 20 Government fee (We review and submit your application within 1 hour)

This covers structured support throughout your application, including guided assistance, document organisation, detailed accuracy checks, and ongoing assistance until submission.

Government Charges

The official UK ETA government fee of GBP 20 is incorporated within our service and processed as part of the application submission.

Frequently Asked Questions
Many UK ETA applications are processed quickly, although some may take up to three working days or longer depending on individual circumstances.
Some UK ETA applications require additional checks, and you may be asked to provide more information. Apply before your travel date.
gov UK ETA is a commonly used phrase for information about the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation.
A UK entry permit is not the official name of the ETA. The UK ETA is a digital travel authorisation for eligible travellers and does not guarantee entry to the UK.
No. An evisa UK and a UK ETA are different types of travel permission. An ETA is a digital travel authorisation for eligible travellers who do not need a visa for their planned visit.
Travel authority UK is an informal phrase that may be used when referring to the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation. The official term is UK ETA.
If you are travelling to London as part of a UK visit, whether you need an ETA depends on your nationality, passport, and circumstances. An ETA London search generally refers to the same UK ETA requirement.
If your circumstances require a visa rather than an ETA, you may be able to Apply for UK Visa Online through the appropriate application route. The correct route depends on your nationality, purpose of travel and circumstances.
No. A UK Tourist Visa and a UK ETA are different travel permissions. Eligible travellers who require an ETA do not apply for a tourist visa for the same short visit.
In some circumstances, you may be able to submit a new application after addressing the issue. In other cases, you may need to apply for a UK visa.
The ETA itself cannot be extended. You must leave the UK before your permitted stay ends unless you have another form of permission that allows you to remain.
No. An approved UK travel authorisation lets you travel to the UK, but border officials determine entry when you arrive.
Yes. Each traveller, including children and infants, must have their own approved UK ETA linked to their passport.
Apply UK ETA