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Get your UK ETA before it’s too late: Apply now
What you need to know
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The UK ETA lets you travel to the UK multiple times for tourism, business, short study courses, or visiting friends and family.
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It’s valid for 2 years, and you can stay up to 6 months on each visit.
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The ETA is a new entry document, similar to the US ESTA, and it’s for travelers from countries that don’t need a visa to enter the UK.
Not sure if this is the visa for you?
Enter a few details about your trip, and we’ll suggest the right visa for you.
Apply for your UK ETA online today with us
Last updated: May 2025
The UK ETA is now required for all visa-free visitors traveling to the United Kingdom, who don't hold a British or Irish passport.
What is the UK ETA?
The UK ETA is an electronic travel authorization (ETA) that allows you to travel to the United Kingdom.
You can compare the UK ETA to similar international schemes like the United States ESTA.
What can you do with the UK ETA?
With this electronic document, you're good to go for trips to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for tourism, business, short-term studies, or visiting friends and family.
You won’t need an ETA if you’re only transiting through the UK and won’t go through border control (‘airside’ transit).
Just keep in mind, the ETA doesn’t replace the UK Visitor Visa. It’s only for travelers who don’t need a visa to enter the UK.
What can you not do with the UK ETA?
You can’t use the UK ETA to live, work, or study long-term in the country (unless stated otherwise).
Important: If you have dual nationality or multiple passports, you’ll need to enter the UK using the same passport you used to apply for the ETA.
Who must apply for the UK ETA?
All non-visa required travelers, including EU citizens, need to get an ETA before traveling to the UK.
Who doesn’t need to apply for the UK ETA?
No need to apply for an ETA if you already have (or need) a UK visa, are a British or Irish citizen, or have official permission to live, study, or work in the UK.
Traveling to the UK with children and minors
Every traveler in the family, including children and babies, needs their own ETA. Parents or guardians can easily apply on their behalf.
Just click ‘add another person’ when applying online to apply as a group.
If a minor is traveling alone or with someone who isn’t their legal guardian, you might need to show extra documents like parental consent at the border.
How long is the UK ETA valid?
Once you've got your ETA, you’re good to go for multiple trips within 2 years. It also covers travel across the Ireland-Northern Ireland border under the Common Travel Area agreement.
Each visit can last up to 6 months.
UK ETA: Required documents
Here’s what you’ll need to apply with us:
- A copy of your valid passport – it should be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date in the UK
- A recent passport photo
The ETA is linked to your passport electronically, but we recommend keeping a digital and printed copy of the confirmation just in case.
UK ETA costs and processing times
When applying through us, you can choose from three different processing times:
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Standard: For those who have booked their trip further in advance and aren't in a rush.
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Rush: For those who require their ETA quicker than the standard option.
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Super Rush: If you require your ETA urgently, select this option for an additional fee.
Why apply with iVisa?
At iVisa, we've been simplifying visa processes for more than 10 years. We're here to make the UK ETA application hassle-free and boost your chances of acceptance.
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Fast & easy: Apply for your UK ETA faster than the government process, with fewer steps, no face scanning, and no security codes required.
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Skip the line: You can apply for your UK ETA in minutes without lengthy government forms.
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Save your session: Start, pause, and resume your application without losing any progress.
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Language flexibility: Apply in your preferred language so you can complete your application easily.
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Apply for everyone at once: Easily add multiple travelers in one process, no need to completely start all over for each person individually.
Can I contact you about the UK ETA?
More questions about the UK ETA? Reach out to our customer support team via live chat or WhatsApp. We're here to help.
How to Apply: ETA
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Fill out online application
Complete our easy online application and pay with credit card or PayPal
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Receive document via email
No need to deal with the embassy. We do it for you so you don't lose valuable time
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Enter destination
Present your Passport and the Document we provide upon entry to destination country
How to Apply: Embassy Registration
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Fill Out Online Application
Complete our easy online application and pay with credit card or PayPal
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Travel Safely
Your embassy will assist you if an emergency (eg. Natural disasters, civil unrest, etc) occur
Why Register with the Embassy
Travel Registration is a service provided by the government. This service allows you to record information about your
upcoming trip abroad to the Department of State so it can be used to assist you in case of an emergency. People residing abroad can also get routine
information from their nearest embassy or consulate if registered.
Required Information to Apply
Once You Have Registered With Your Embassy Or Consulate, You Will Need To Update Your Data If:
- your contact details change,
- your civil status changes,
- you are going back to your home country.
Visas for Nearby Destinations
Questions?
Do I need the ETA or a UK Visa to transit at a UK airport?
It depends on your nationality.
Find out more about transiting on the UK government website.
Are there other entry rules and regulations for the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom lifted all COVID-19 requirements.
It's important to note that having a valid visa or ETA for the UK does not guarantee entry into the country. The border control officers will assess if you're allowed entry into the UK based on factors such as security, financial details, travel history, and more.
What are the differences between the UK ETA and Standard Visitor Visa?
Knowing whether you need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a Standard Visitor Visa is essential for planning your trip. Here’s a simplified guide to help you distinguish between the two:
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): The UK ETA is available for visitors from certain countries, including those in the Gulf Cooperation Council and a few others. This list is expanding, so it’s crucial to check if your country is eligible.
It's intended for short visits, including tourism or business. It's perfect for brief stays up to 180 days. The process is entirely online, straightforward, and quick, as it also has fewer requirements.
UK Standard Visitor Visa: The main difference is that the visa is required for visitors from countries that do not qualify for visa-free entry or the ETA.
The application process is more comprehensive than the ETA, involving an online application, supporting documents, and sometimes an interview at a visa application center.
In short, the ETA and Standard Visitor Visa both facilitate short visits to the UK, but they cater to different traveler needs and come from distinct eligibility backgrounds.
When should I apply for the UK ETA?
We advise you to apply at least 7 days in advance of your trip to avoid any issues.
How long can I stay in the UK with the ETA?
The UK ETA is a multiple-entry travel document that allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 180 days per entry.
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