Eligible non-visa nationals can now apply for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) entirely online — no embassy visit required. Answer a few simple questions, pay the applicable fee, and travel to the United Kingdom with confidence.
United Kingdom10,000+
Applications Assisted
70+
ETA Eligible Countries
24/7
Support
3 days
Typical Decision
Requirements
Before starting your UK ETA application, make sure you have these four essentials ready.
A clear digital photo of your face against a plain background.
A machine-readable passport with a biometric chip is required.
Working email address to receive your ETA confirmation.
Credit or debit card to pay the UK ETA fee securely online.
Overview
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital pre-travel permission introduced by the UK Home Office for eligible non-visa nationals visiting the United Kingdom. It is not a visa — it is an authorisation electronically linked to your passport that allows you to board a flight, train, or ship to the UK.
The scheme was rolled out in phases from late 2023 and expanded to most eligible nationalities through 2024 and 2025. It applies to travel to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
A UK ETA is valid for 2 years, or until your passport expires — whichever is sooner. During that period it allows multiple entries, with each visit lasting up to 6 months for tourism, business, short study, or transit. Applications are typically decided within 3 working days, and many come back much faster.
London, United Kingdom
The heart of British culture, history and business
Simple process
Apply for your UK ETA in four straightforward steps — secure, guided, and stress-free.
Answer a few simple questions, upload your passport photo and personal photo, and pay securely online. Most people finish in under 10 minutes.
Our team checks every detail — photo quality, passport data page, and eligibility declarations — to minimise the risk of a refusal.
We submit your application to the UK Home Office on your behalf and keep you updated throughout the review process.
Your approved UK ETA is delivered by email, electronically linked to your passport. We tell you exactly what to show at the border.
ETA options
A single UK ETA covers multiple short-stay purposes. The activity you can carry out in the UK depends on the reason for your visit — here are the most common categories.
Most travellers apply for a UK ETA to visit the UK for leisure — sightseeing, exploring London and beyond, visiting friends and family, or attending events. Under the ETA, tourism visits share the same key rules:
Documents
To complete your UK ETA application, have the following documents and information ready. All details must match your passport exactly.
Valid biometric passport
A machine-readable passport with a biometric chip. Your passport must be valid on the day you travel to the UK.
Digital scan of your passport photo page
A clear scan or photo of the personal-details page of your passport, showing all information legibly.
Digital passport-style photograph
A recent photo of your face against a plain, light-coloured background — head and shoulders, no filters or accessories.
Personal photo taken during the application
The Home Office also requires a live personal photo captured during the application to confirm your identity.
Contact details (email and address)
A working email address for your ETA confirmation and a home address for identification purposes.
Credit or debit card
For secure online payment of the UK Home Office fee and any expedited-processing service fee.
Important Notice
The UK Home Office requires that the information in your ETA application matches the passport you will travel on precisely. This includes:
Any discrepancy between your application and your passport may result in delays, denial of boarding, or refusal of entry at the UK border. An ETA cannot be edited after submission — a new application is required if changes are needed.
Guidelines
Before applying for your UK ETA, review these important guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful application.
Apply at least 3 working days before your departure. While most decisions come back within 3 working days, some applications may take longer if referred for additional checks.
Every traveller, including infants and children, must have their own individual UK ETA. Children cannot be added to a parent's application — but a parent or guardian may apply on their behalf.
The UK ETA cannot be amended after submission. If you make an error, you must submit a new application — with a new fee.
The UK ETA does not guarantee entry into the United Kingdom. UK Border Force officers make the final decision at the border.
The UK ETA is linked to your passport. If your passport expires or is replaced, you must apply for a new UK ETA linked to your new passport.
The UK ETA does not permit paid employment with a UK employer, long-term study beyond 6 months, or settlement in the UK.
The UK ETA covers England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man). It does not cover the Republic of Ireland.
The UK Home Office fee is non-refundable — it pays for the assessment, not the outcome. This applies whether your ETA is approved or refused.
Entry requirements
Under the UK ETA scheme, eligible non-visa nationals must obtain a valid ETA before travelling to the UK. Visa nationals must instead apply for a Standard Visitor Visa or the relevant visa category. British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.
Pricing
No visa options available for the selected nationality.
At a glance
< 10 min
Average time to apply
≤ 3 days
Typical processing time
2 years
Validity, multiple entries
Eligibility
Nationals of the following countries and territories are eligible to apply for a UK ETA online without visiting a UK visa application centre. Always check the latest UK Home Office guidance for your specific nationality before travel.
UK ETA Eligible Countries
Where the UK ETA Is Valid
Passport & UK ETA
Your approved UK ETA is electronically linked to your passport
Validity
Valid for 2 years or until passport expiry
A UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date it is issued, or until the passport it is linked to expires — whichever is sooner. During that period it permits multiple entries to the UK.
Up to 6 months per visit
Each stay in the United Kingdom on a UK ETA can last up to 6 months. There is no set limit on the number of visits within the 2-year validity window.
Linked to your passport
The UK ETA is electronically tied to the passport you applied with. If your passport expires or is replaced, you must apply for a new UK ETA linked to the new document.
Cannot be extended
The UK ETA itself cannot be extended. If you wish to stay in the UK beyond 6 months or for a purpose not covered by the ETA, you must apply for the appropriate UK visa before travelling.
Does not guarantee entry
Holding a valid UK ETA does not guarantee entry into the United Kingdom. Border Force officers make the final decision on admission at the UK border.
Why us
Applying for a UK ETA directly can be straightforward — but small mistakes can lead to delays or refusals. OnlineVisa simplifies the process, catches errors before submission, and gives you confidence every step of the way.
| Feature | Applying yourself | OnlineVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Simple, guided application forms | ||
| 24/7 support from visa experts | ||
| Error detection to prevent rejections | ||
| Secure document upload | ||
| Multiple payment methods | ||
| Real-time application tracking |
FAQs
Everything you need to know about applying for a UK ETA online.
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