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UK visa resources

Check if you need a UK visa or ETA

How to check whether you need a UK visa, an ETA, or neither.

Official guidance Regularly updated

Important

This information is for general guidance only. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee your application will be approved.

Whether you need a UK visa, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), or neither depends on your nationality, the reason for your visit and how long you plan to stay. This page explains how to check in plain language, drawing on the official gov.uk guidance; always confirm your own requirement on the official checker before you book or apply.

  • Use the official gov.uk checker — it asks about your nationality, why you are visiting and how long you will stay, then tells you whether you need a visa, an ETA, or neither. It is the authoritative starting point.
  • Visa, ETA or neither — some travellers need to apply for a visa in advance; others who do not need a visa for short stays need an ETA; and some do not need either.

Next steps

  1. Check the documents you’ll needView documents
  2. How to applyStart here
  3. Choose your visaFind a visa

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-10. Information only — not legal advice.