Apply for UK ETA

United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation

Your guide to understanding the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirements and completing your application accurately and efficiently.

What is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a required digital entry clearance for travelers from visa-exempt countries who plan to visit the United Kingdom for short stays. It applies to visits for tourism, business, study, or transit purposes.

Starting in 2024, travelers from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe must obtain an approved ETA before arriving in the UK. The application is submitted online, and once approved, the ETA is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport.

An ETA is required for the following types of travel:

An approved ETA is typically valid for two years or until the expiration of your passport, and it allows for multiple short visits to the UK within that time.

Eligibility & Validity

The UK ETA authorises eligible travellers to board transport to the United Kingdom and request entry for short stays. Approval is electronically linked to your passport and is typically valid for multiple visits within its authorised period.

 

Eligibility depends on nationality, travel purpose, and passport validity. Requirements may change as the UK expands the ETA programme to additional countries.

Fees & Processing

We charge a processing fee for our support services in addition to the UK government’s ETA application fee. All fees are clearly disclosed before checkout.

Who Needs an ETA?

Beginning in 2024, the United Kingdom has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for visitors from many visa-exempt countries. If you are a national of one of these countries and plan to visit the UK for tourism, business, transit, or short-term study, you will need to apply for and receive an ETA before traveling.

 

The ETA is required even for short visits and must be approved prior to boarding your flight or travel carrier to the UK. Each traveler, including minors, must hold a valid ETA linked to their passport.

 

If you hold a UK visa or are a UK or Irish citizen, you do not need an ETA.

UK ETA Requirements

All eligible travelers must meet a few basic requirements to apply for a UK ETA. The following items are mandatory for all applicants:

Steps to Apply for a UK ETA

The UK ETA application is a simple online process. Eligible travelers can complete and submit their application in just a few minutes.

Fill Out the Application Form

Fill out the online application by providing your personal details and uploading the required documents.

Submit Documents & Pay Fee

Submit a valid passport and photo, then complete your payment through a secure online method, such as a credit or debit card.

Receive Your UK ETA

After approval, your ETA decision will be sent to you by email—typically within 72 hours, and will be linked to your passport.

UK ETA Processing Time

Typical Processing Time

Most applicants receive a decision on their UK ETA within three (3) business days of submitting their application. In most cases, a decision may be made even sooner. However, specific situations can lead to longer processing times.

Possible Reasons for Delay

If you application is missing information, or if the uploaded documents do not meet the submission criteria we will contact you by email.

UK ETA Decision

Once the application has been reviewed, the applicant will be notified of the ETA decision via email

 

If approved, the ETA confirmation will be emailed to the applicant and automatically linked to their passport, so there’s no need to present separate proof when entering the UK. The ETA is valid for two years or until the passport expires—whichever comes first—and permits multiple visits, each lasting up to six months.
Approved
If an ETA application is refused, the applicant will be notified of the reason—such as ineligibility, incorrect information, or security concerns. In such cases, the traveler may need to reapply or apply for a standard UK visa based on their travel purpose and length of stay.
Rejected

Begin Your UK Travel Authorization Application

Complete your eTA application online in just a few minutes.
Follow the secure process below to get started