This paid pre-arrival authorisation (ETA) is a mandatory document, and even EU citizens will need an ETA to enter the UK from April 2, 2025. In this article, we will cover everything about ETA for UK visas: what an ETA is, who needs it, how to apply, when to apply, and certain key details!
What is the UK ETA?
The UK ETA is a pre-arrival travel permission that tourists who can travel to the UK without a visa must seek. Visitors who wish to enter the UK for a short stay, travel, or transit through the territory need to register for an ETA.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for the UK was first introduced in November 2023 for certain Middle Eastern countries and subsequently expanded. ETA is now mandatory for all visitors who come under the visa-exemption category and must be applied for before arrival.
Difference Between UK ETA and Traditional Visa
ETA is a mandatory document for visitors who do not need a UK visa. If your country is on the UK visa list, you will only require a standard visitor visa, not an ETA.
Here’s a brief understanding of the major differences between the UK ETA and the standard UK visa:
| Category | UK ETA | Standard Visitor Visa |
| Eligibility | Citizens do not require a visa to visit the UK for short stays.
 Do not have any other UK immigration status. |
Do not have an existing UK immigration status.
 Are not from a country whose nationals are eligible for visa-free travel for short stays (up to 6 months). |
| Processing Time | 3 days | 3 weeks |
| Stay | Up to 6 months | 3 months |
| Validity | 2 years | Up to 6 months |
| Fees | £16 per person | £127 per person |
| Permitted Activities |
|
|
Also Read: All About the UK Standard Visitor Visa for Indian Citizens
Who Needs a UK ETA?
Anyone who doesn’t need a visa to enter the UK must apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation post-April 2025. Each traveller must get their own ETA, including children and babies.
A UK ETA is digitally linked to your passport. You will be denied boarding if you fail to get the pre-approval authorization. You do not need a printed confirmation letter, but you can carry one for verification purposes.
List of Eligible Countries
Here is a list of countries eligible for the UK ETA:
| Andorra | The Bahamas | Croatia |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Bahrain | Cyprus |
| Argentina | Barbados | Czechia |
| Australia | Belgium | Denmark |
| Austria | Belize | Estonia |
| Botswana | Brazil | Finland |
| Brunei | Bulgaria | France |
| Canada | Chile | Germany |
| Costa Rica | Grenada | Greece |
| 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 (Federated) | 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 | Slovakia | Slovenia |
| Solomon Islands | South Korea | Spain |
| St Kitts and Nevis | St Lucia | St Vincent & Gren. |
| Sweden | Switzerland | Tonga |
| Tuvalu | United Arab Emirates | United States |
| Uruguay | Vatican City |
You do not need a UK ETA if you:
- have a UK visa or need to apply for one;
- are a British or Irish citizen;
- Already have permanent residency in the UK;
- Live in Ireland and are travelling from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man;
- Have dual British or Irish citizenship.
Also Read: Discover the Best of the UK With Kids: A Travel GuideÂ
UK ETA for Indian Citizens
Indian citizens are NOT eligible for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
The UK ETA is for nationals of countries who do not currently need a visa to visit the UK for short stays. Indian citizens still need to apply for a Standard UK Visitor visa to enter the United Kingdom, and the introduction of the ETA scheme does not change this requirement.
Key points for Indian citizens travelling to the UK:
- You cannot apply for a UK ETA.
- You must apply for a relevant UK visa before you travel.
- The Standard Visitor visa is typically used for short stays (up to 6 months) for purposes like tourism, visiting family, or certain business activities.
Note: Always check the UK ETA countries list before starting a new visa application. Visa requirements are subject to change.
Must Read: 11 Reasons for UK Visa Rejection for Indians: Key Tips
What You Can Do With a UK ETA
Here’s what is permitted with a UK ETA for tourists:
Tourism and Short Visits
- UK ETA allows tourists to come to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, to visit family and friends, to do business, or to do short-term study.
- You can also visit the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession.
- You can visit the UK for a permitted paid engagement.
Transit Through the UK
You may need a UK ETA for transit through the UK if you will pass through border control.
Also Read: How To Check UK Visa Status Online (All You Need To Know)Â
What You Cannot Do With a UK ETA
Here’s a list of activities that are not permitted on a UK ETA:
Work or Employment
You cannot sign up for paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless you have a permitted paid engagement or event, or work on the Creative Worker visa concession.
Long-Term Study
You cannot study long-term in the UK on an ETA. The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is designed for short-term visits, not for extended periods of study. For a long-term study, you’ll need to apply for a UK student visa.
Staying Beyond the Permitted Duration
- You cannot stay in the UK for longer than 6 months if you are on a UK ETA.
- You cannot live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.
- You cannot claim public funds (benefits).
- You cannot marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership.
Also Read: UK Visa Appeal For Indians [A Complete Guide]Â
UK ETA Validity and Duration
Overstaying a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) can lead to complications. Your future ETA applications may be rejected on this account. This is why you need to be aware of the UK ETA validity and duration:
How Long the ETA is Valid
A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Number of Allowed Entries
You can travel to the UK as many times as you want while you have a valid ETA.
Can You Extend Your ETA?
No, a UK ETA cannot be extended. You need to apply for a new permission.
Also Read: How to Book a UK Visa Appointment in India [A-to-Z Guide]Â
UK ETA Cost and Fees
The cost of a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is £16. This fee was increased from £10 on April 9, 2025.
UK ETA Requirements
Here are the UK ETA requirements you need to fulfil to get your permission approved:
Documents Required
- You will need a valid passport. You cannot use a photocopy or digital passport.
- Access to your emails.
- A payment method – you can use Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- You need photos to upload.
Passport Validity
Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. Even with a valid ETA, you cannot travel or enter the UK with an expired passport.
Personal and Travel Information
You will need to provide basic personal information. However, you do not need to provide travel details for a UK ETA application.
Must Read: Summer in the UK: Your Guide to Weather, Festivals & FoodÂ
How to Apply for a UK ETA
Here’s everything about the UK ETA application process:
Where to Apply?
There are two ways to apply for the UK ETA: through an app or online.
To apply through the app:
- You need to download it from the App Store or Google Play.
- Upload the documents and pay the fees.
- The form takes 10 minutes to complete.
- Processing time is up to 3 days.
Here’s how to apply for a UK ETA online:
- Visit the official portal for the UK ETA.
- You will need to complete your application in one go; it cannot be saved.
- Upload your passport, photos, and complete the application.
- Pay the fees and wait for the verdict.
Note: If you are using the app, you can also apply for others.
Application Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure a successful UK ETA application, you must enter your passport details accurately:
- Do not enter incorrect passport information
- Do not upload poor-quality photos
- Do not upload digital copies of your passport
- Ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your stay.
- Answer the security questions truthfully.
- Do not submit incomplete applications.
UK ETA Processing Time
You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK. You can also travel to the UK while waiting for a decision, but it is wise to have the complete authorization before making any travel plans.
How Long Does Approval Take?
The processing time for the UK ETA is 3 days. In some cases, it may take more than 3 days. Once the decision is reached, the authorities will email you the result.
When Should You Apply Before Traveling?
Yes, you should apply for the UK ETA at least 3 days before travelling to the UK. It may take longer than 3 days to reach a decision, so please make your travel plans accordingly.
Even if you have applied together as a group at the same time, the decision for each application will be made and shared separately.
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FAQs
What is the UK ETA, and how does it work?
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a new pre-arrival digital permission to travel to the UK for short stays (up to 6 months for tourism, business, study, or transit). It is electronically linked to your passport and allows you to travel to the UK. It is not a visa and does not guarantee entry.
Is the UK ETA mandatory for Indian citizens?
No, the UK ETA is not mandatory for Indian citizens. Indian citizens still require a visa to enter the UK. The ETA is for nationals who do not currently need a visa for short visits.
What are the eligibility criteria for the UK ETA?
UK ETA eligibility depends on your nationality. It is for those who do not need a visa to visit the UK for short stays, or who do not already have UK immigration status. You also need a valid passport, an email address, and a payment method. You must not have a criminal record or a history of immigration violations.
How do I apply for a UK ETA online?
You can apply for a UK ETA online via the official UK government website or through the UK ETA app. You will need to provide your passport details, a photo, and answer some questions.
How much does the UK ETA cost?
The UK ETA currently costs £16. This fee was increased on April 9, 2025.
What is the difference between a UK visa and an ETA?
A UK visa is for countries that fall under the UK visa category. A UK ETA is a digital travel permission for short visits for those who are visa-exempt. This requirement helps immigration to prescreen all the travelers from visa-exempt countries and increase their border security.
How long is the UK ETA valid for?
The ETA for a UK visa is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner. It allows for multiple visits of up to 6 months each time.
