Travelling to the UK has become more streamlined with the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This article provides a comprehensive overview of what an ETA is, who needs it, and how to apply for it.
What is an ETA?
An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) grants permission to travel to the UK. It is a digital permission to travel—not a visa—and does not permit entry into the UK. Instead, it authorises an individual to travel to the UK, where entry is decided by border authorities. It is a mandatory requirement for certain travellers, depending on their nationality and travel dates.
Who can apply for an ETA?
Whether you can apply for an ETA depends on:
- The date you travel
- Your nationality as shown on your passport
Who does not need an ETA?
You do not need an ETA if:
- You have a visa
- You have permission to live, work, or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)
- You are a British or Irish citizen
- You are travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport
- You live in Ireland and are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man
What are the Benefits of an ETA?
With an ETA, you can:
- Visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study
- Stay in the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
- Enter the UK for a permitted paid engagement
- Transit through the UK, including if you are not going through UK border control
What are the restrictions of an ETA?
With an ETA, you cannot:
- Stay in the UK for longer than 6 months
- Do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless it is a permitted paid engagement or work on the Creative Worker visa concession
- Claim public funds (benefits)
- Live in the UK through frequent or successive visits
- Marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership (you will need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa)
How much does it cost to apply for an ETA?
Applying for an ETA costs £10. Everyone travelling needs an ETA, including babies and children. Refunds are not available after application.
What do you need before you start the application?
Before you start your application, ensure you have:
- The passport you will travel with (not a photocopy or digital passport)
- Access to your emails
- A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay
How long does it take to get an ETA?
You will usually receive a decision within 3 working days, though it may be quicker or occasionally take longer.
What happens after you apply for an ETA?
After applying, you will receive an email confirming your ETA. It will be linked to the passport you applied with and will last for 2 years, allowing multiple entries to the UK during that period. If you get a new passport, you will need to apply for a new ETA.
Morgan Smith Immigration, an award-winning firm with over 20+ years of expertise in UK Visa and Immigration, is here to assist you with all your visa and immigration needs. For any enquiries or assistance, please contact us at 0203 959 3335 or send an email to [email protected]. Stay informed and up to date by following us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Also, don’t forget to subscribe our channel on YouTube.
