UK ETA Online Application FAQ

The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital travel permit that visa-exempt nationals must obtain before entering the United Kingdom. It was introduced under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 as part of the UK's Universal Permission to Travel scheme. The ETA is electronically linked to your passport.

The UK ETA scheme was first introduced in 2023 for Qatari nationals. It was expanded to all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals in 2024 and is being progressively rolled out to all visa-exempt nationalities including EU, US, Canadian, and Australian citizens through 2025 and 2026.

No, the UK ETA is not a visa. It is a pre-travel authorisation for nationals who do not need a visa to visit the UK. Unlike a visa, the ETA is a simpler, quicker, and cheaper process. However, it does not grant the right to work or study long-term in the UK.

You can apply for a UK ETA through the official online application form or the UK ETA app (available on iOS and Android). You'll need your biometric passport, a digital photograph, and a payment method. The application takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

Most UK ETA applications are processed within 3 working days. In some cases, it may take longer if additional checks are required. We recommend applying at least 1-2 weeks before your planned travel date.

Yes, you can submit a UK ETA application on behalf of another person, such as a family member or travel companion. You will need their valid passport details, a digital photograph, and their travel information. Each person requires their own separate ETA.

If you notice an error before submitting, you can correct it in the application form. After submission, if there is a mistake in your personal details, you may need to apply for a new ETA. It's crucial to double-check all information, especially your name and passport number, before submitting.

The UK ETA costs £10 per applicant. This is a one-time, non-refundable fee. Every traveller, including children and infants, must have their own ETA and pay the fee separately.

The UK ETA application accepts payment via Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. All payments are processed securely with bank-level encryption.

No, the £10 UK ETA application fee is non-refundable, regardless of whether your application is approved or denied. Make sure you are eligible and your information is correct before applying.

The UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During this period, you can make multiple trips to the UK, with each visit lasting up to 6 months.

Yes, the UK ETA allows multiple entries to the United Kingdom during its validity period. You do not need to reapply for each trip as long as your ETA and passport remain valid.

Yes, a single UK ETA is valid for travel to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It covers the entire United Kingdom. However, please note that the UK ETA does not cover travel to the Republic of Ireland, Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man), or British Overseas Territories.

With a UK ETA, you can visit for tourism, attend business meetings and conferences, visit family and friends, undertake short-term study (up to 6 months), receive private medical treatment, transit through the UK, and participate in certain creative or sporting activities.

Yes, visa-exempt nationals need a UK ETA even for airside transit (staying within the airport's international area) or landside transit (passing through UK border control). Apply for your ETA before booking transit flights through the UK.

If your ETA application is refused, you will receive a notification explaining the reason. You may reapply with corrected information, or you can apply for a standard UK visitor visa through the usual immigration process. Common refusal reasons include security concerns, incorrect passport information, or previous immigration violations.

Yes, because the UK ETA is linked to your passport. If you obtain a new passport, you must apply for a new UK ETA before travelling to the United Kingdom, even if your previous ETA has not expired.

No, the UK ETA allows stays of up to 6 months per visit. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for an appropriate UK visa (such as a student visa, work visa, or family visa) before or during your stay, depending on the visa type.