Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

Details regarding eligibility for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and the application process prior to arrival in the United Kingdom.

In this article, you will learn who can apply for ETA before arriving in the UK.

Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

Who can apply for ETA?

Some countries that do not need to apply for a UK visitor visa before visiting the UK must be provided with an ETA authorization, and those countries are Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Who does not need an ETA before traveling to the UK?

If you are a citizen of another country, you do not need to apply for an ETA, but you may need to apply for a UK visitor visa. Here, you can see if you must apply for a UK visitor visa before traveling to the UK. You also do not need an ETA if you have a UK visitor visa or permission to stay and live in the UK. Irish citizens and residents do not need an ETA to visit the UK.

What can you do with an ETA?

You can visit the UK for tourist purposes or visit your relatives who live in the UK. You can also visit the UK under the Creative Worker visa concession for up to 3 months and use the UK for transit. If you want to travel to the UK for other purposes, we suggest you visit the official website of the British government and check the type of visa you need.

How much does an ETA cost?

The cost to apply for ETA is currently 10 GBP and allows for multiple trips, in some cases, until your passport expires. You can apply for your children or your acquaintances. Note that you cannot claim a refund for ETA in any way.

What is needed to be equipped with ETA?

To get the ETA authorization, all you need is a passport, access to your email, and a credit or debit card to pay the ETA fee.

How can I apply?

Applying for ETA is a straightforward procedure. You need to scan your passport, take a selfie photo, and upload it to the official website of the British government here.

How long does it take for the ETA application to be approved or rejected?

Usually, you will receive a response within three working days, but sometimes, this response may take a few more days. You will be notified by email that you have been provided with the ETA authorization. From that moment, your ETA will last two years, from which you can travel to the UK as often as you want. If you get a new passport, you must reapply for ETA.

Get help:

You can contact the British government via the ETA contact form , or you can contact us by email at [email protected], and if we can help you, we will help you.