UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Who needs an ETA (and who does not)

Whether you need an ETA, a visa, or nothing depends on your nationality and what you are coming to do. Use the official gov.uk checker to confirm your own position before you book travel.

• You usually need an ETA if you are a non-visa national visiting for a short stay — for example nationals of the EU/EEA, Switzerland, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many others
• You need a visa instead (not an ETA) if you are a visa national, or if you are coming to work, study long-term or live in the UK
• You do not need an ETA if you are a British or Irish citizen, or if you already have permission to live, work or study in the UK (for example a visa or settled status)
• You still need an ETA to change flights (transit) at a UK airport if you pass through border control

What you can and cannot do

An ETA covers the same kinds of short visits as the Standard Visitor route.

• Tourism and holidays
• Visiting family and friends
• Business activities such as meetings and conferences
• A short course of study (up to 6 months)
• Transit through the UK

• You cannot work for a UK employer or do paid work for a UK-based client
• You cannot study long-term or on a course leading to a qualification beyond what visitor rules allow
• You cannot live in the UK through frequent or back-to-back visits
• You cannot claim public funds

How to apply

The quickest way to apply is through the official “UK ETA” app, which lets you scan your passport and photo and often gives a decision within minutes. You can also apply online on gov.uk. Apply only through the official service — other websites charge more to do the same thing.

• Download the official UK ETA app or apply on gov.uk
• Scan your passport, take a photo of yourself, and answer a few questions
• Pay the £20 fee; each traveller (including children) needs their own ETA
• Your ETA is linked digitally to the passport you apply with — travel on that passport

How long a decision takes

Many applicants get an automatic decision within minutes, but a decision can take up to 3 working days. Apply at least 3 working days before you travel in case your application needs extra checks. You can check the status of your ETA online.