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Article
United Kingdom
8,250+ Travel Documents processed by iVisa
How to Apply: ETA
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Fill out online application
Complete our easy online application and pay with credit card or PayPal
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Receive document via email
No need to deal with the embassy. We do it for you so you don't lose valuable time
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Enter destination
Present your Passport and the Document we provide upon entry to destination country
How to Apply: Embassy Registration
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Fill Out Online Application
Complete our easy online application and pay with credit card or PayPal
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Travel Safely
Your embassy will assist you if an emergency (eg. Natural disasters, civil unrest, etc) occur
Why Register with the Embassy
Travel Registration is a service provided by the government. This service allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad to the Department of State so it can be used to assist you in case of an emergency. People residing abroad can also get routine information from their nearest embassy or consulate if registered.
Required Information to Apply
Once You Have Registered With Your Embassy Or Consulate, You Will Need To Update Your Data If:
- your contact details change,
- your civil status changes,
- you are going back to your home country.
Learn More: ETA
What you need to know
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The United Kingdom ETA is a multiple-entry travel document that allows you to visit the country for tourism, business, studies, working, and visiting friends and family
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The UK ETA allows you to stay in the country for 6 months and is valid for 2 years
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You can enter the UK by air, land, or sea with this travel document
Apply for your UK ETA online today with us!
Last updated: April 2024
From the lively city life in London to the stunning natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands, the United Kingdom offers an abundance of fascinating sights.
With the UK ETA, eligible visitors can create unforgettable memories. Keep reading to learn more about this electronic travel authorization and how to apply.
What is the UK ETA?
The UK ETA is an electronic travel authorization (ETA) that allows you to travel to the United Kingdom without a visa.
To make use of the entire validity, make sure your passport is valid for more than 2 years. If your passport expires in less than 2 years, you must apply for another visa.
Visa-exempt travelers to the UK can use this permit instead of a visa. It’s easier and quicker to apply for than a regular visa and helps the UK government strengthen border security.
You can compare the UK ETA to similar international schemes like the United States ESTA.
What can you do with the UK ETA?
This document allows you to visit England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for tourism, business, short-term studies, transit, and visiting friends and family.
The ETA also allows coming to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession (extra requirements apply).
What can you not do with the UK ETA?
You can’t use the UK electronic travel authorization to live and/or work in the country (unless otherwise specified), or study for longer than 6 months.
Who is eligible to apply for the UK ETA?
You must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for the UK ETA:
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You’re traveling with a passport from a UK visa-exempt country
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The UK border is expected to become fully digital by 2025. This means that passengers arriving in the country will have to be able to scan the passport they used to apply for the ETA
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Travelers with dual nationality or multiple passports must enter the UK with the same document used during the registration process for the ETA
Who must apply for the UK ETA?
The UK ETA is being implemented for different international visitors over time.
Currently (April 2024), visitors from the following countries need the ETA:
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
You must be a national and have a passport from one of these countries.
Eventually, all non-visa nationals must have an ETA, including those from the European Union. We will update this page regularly to reflect current eligibility.
Scroll up and enter your nationality to find out if you need the ETA to travel to the UK or require another visa.
Who doesn’t need to apply for the UK ETA?
Those who require a visa for the United Kingdom, British and Irish citizens, or those with permission to study, work, or live in the UK, don’t need the UK ETA to enter the country.
Traveling to the UK with children and minors
Kids from eligible countries require their own UK ETA with a matching passport to enter the United Kingdom.
Parents or legal guardians can apply on their behalf. Simply apply as a family by clicking ‘add another person’ during the online process on our platform.
Keep in mind that you may need to show parental consent and other documentation for minors traveling alone or with someone else other than their legal guardians, upon arrival in the United Kingdom.
How long is the UK ETA valid?
Once you've got your ETA, you're all set for multiple trips within 2 years. This also covers trips across the Ireland-Northern Ireland border, helping maintain the integrity of the Common Travel Area.
Each stay can last up to 186 days Per Entry.
UK ETA: Required documents
You only need the following few documents to apply with us:
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Copy of your valid passport. Make sure it's valid for 6 months from the date of arrival in the United Kingdom
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Passport photo: Taken recently
The ETA will be electronically linked to your passport. However, we recommend keeping an electronic and printed copy of the ETA confirmation on hand just in case.
We will contact you if we need any more information about your application.
UK ETA costs and processing times
The government fee of the United Kingdom ETA is £10 (about USD $13.00).
When applying through us, you can choose from three different processing times:
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Standard: For those who have booked their trip further in advance and aren't in a rush.
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Rush: For those who require their ETA quicker than the standard option.
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Super rush: If you require your ETA urgently, select this option for an additional fee.
Check the total costs and processing, including the government fee by starting your application now!
Where can I learn more about the UK ETA?
In case you have any questions about the UK ETA or any other travel document, you can reach out to our outstanding customer support team online or WhatsApp.
Questions?
Do I need the ETA or a UK Visa to transit at a UK airport?
It depends on your nationality.
Find out more about transiting on the UK government website.
Are there other entry rules and regulations for the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom lifted all COVID-19 requirements.
It's important to note that having a valid visa or ETA for the UK does not guarantee entry into the country. The border control officers will assess if you're allowed entry into the UK based on factors such as security, financial details, travel history, and more.
What are the differences between the UK ETA and Standard Visitor Visa?
Knowing whether you need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a Standard Visitor Visa is essential for planning your trip. Here’s a simplified guide to help you distinguish between the two:
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): The UK ETA is available for visitors from certain countries, including those in the Gulf Cooperation Council and a few others. This list is expanding, so it’s crucial to check if your country is eligible.
It's intended for short visits, including tourism or business. It's perfect for brief stays up to 180 days. The process is entirely online, straightforward, and quick, as it also has fewer requirements.
UK Standard Visitor Visa: The main difference is that the visa is required for visitors from countries that do not qualify for visa-free entry or the ETA.
The application process is more comprehensive than the ETA, involving an online application, supporting documents, and sometimes an interview at a visa application center.
In short, the ETA and Standard Visitor Visa both facilitate short visits to the UK, but they cater to different traveler needs and come from distinct eligibility backgrounds.
When should I apply for the UK ETA?
We advise you to apply at least 7 days in advance of your trip to avoid any issues.
How long can I stay in the UK with the ETA?
The UK ETA is a multiple-entry travel document that allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 180 days per entry.
Where can I read more?
- UK Standard Visitor Visa for the citizens of Russia
- My experience of London Gatwick Airport: What to expect on arrival
- UK Standard Visitor Visa for Albanian citizens: Complete guide
- UK Standard Visitor Visa for Chinese citizens: Complete guide
- UK Standard Visitor Visa for Zimbabwean citizens: Complete guide for 2024
- UK Standard Visitor Visa for Filipino citizens
- UK Standard Visitor Visa for Moroccan citizens
- UK Standard Visitor Visa for Jamaican citizens
- UK Standard Visitor Visa for Indian citizens: Complete application guide
- UK Standard Visitor Visa for Pakistani citizens: Complete guide
- See All
- iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
