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iVisa Mobile App Online global travel documents
United Kingdom ETA

Get your UK ETA before it’s too late: Apply now

What you need to know

  • The UK ETA lets you travel to the UK multiple times for tourism, business, short study courses, or visiting friends and family.

  • It’s valid for 2 years, and you can stay up to 6 months on each visit.

  • 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.

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Not sure if this is the visa for you?
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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.

Do I need a UK ETA?

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:

  • Standard: For those who have booked their trip further in advance and aren't in a rush.

  • Rush: For those who require their ETA quicker than the standard option.

  • Super Rush: If you require your ETA urgently, select this option for an additional fee.

Why choose iVisa?

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.

  • Fast & easy: Apply for your UK ETA faster than the government process, with fewer steps, no face scanning, and no security codes required.

  • Skip the line: You can apply for your UK ETA in minutes without lengthy government forms.

  • Save your session: Start, pause, and resume your application without losing any progress.

  • Language flexibility: Apply in your preferred language so you can complete your application easily.

  • 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.

Ask iVisa

Have a visa question? We'll provide the answer.

Harvey S
United StatesJune 15, 2025
We are traveling to Switzerland from the United States and our return flight includes a change of planes in London. Do we need an ETA?
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iVisa
June 16, 2025

Hello Harvey,

If you're a U.S. citizen transiting through London on your return from Switzerland, you do not need a UK ETA as long as you remain in the airport's airside transit area and do not pass through UK border control.

However, if your connection requires you to exit immigration, for example, to change terminals or re-check luggage, you will need to apply for an ETA in advance. The ETA is valid for multiple visits over two years and is linked to your passport and should you end up having plans to change terminals or leave the airport, you can apply quickly and easily for the UK ETA here on our platform

Nancy
United StatesJune 11, 2025
Once the ETA is approved do we get a code that we need to show someone? How do we know it was approved? It says there are no documents.
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iVisa
June 13, 2025

Hello Nancy,

Once your UK ETA is approved, you won’t receive a physical document or code to carry with you. The ETA is digitally linked to your passport, so there’s nothing you need to print or show and UK border officials will automatically see it when they scan your passport on arrival.

You’ll know your ETA is approved because you'll receive a confirmation email from UK authorities. Just make sure to travel with the same passport you used for the application.

Osasumwen V
ItalyMay 21, 2025
I have a Visa ETA I wanna use this year? Can I still use it? Because I have to travel again through the UK, the last time I traveled was in February this year? I travel through Germany I have it is that one valid to travel again?
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iVisa
May 23, 2025

Hi Osasumwen,

As of April 2025, an Italian citizen, you are required to obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for short visits to the United Kingdom. If you previously applied for an ETA and received approval, it will be valid for two years from the date of issuance or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can make multiple trips to the UK, with each stay lasting up to six months.

It's important to note that the ETA is electronically linked to the passport used during the application process. Therefore, if you have renewed your passport since your last trip, you will need to apply for a new ETA using your new passport and can do so quickly and stress-free on our platform.

Meredith R
United StatesMay 14, 2025
What is the easiest way to apply for a visa?
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iVisa
May 16, 2025

Hello Meredith,

We make the process of applying for your UK ETA simple and easy so you can focus on planning your trip and not worrying about the paperwork. Our expert team will take care of the application for you to reduce the risk of delays or rejections, and we also offer 24/7 support in case you need help at any point.

To apply, you’ll need a valid U.S. passport, basic travel details (like where you’re staying), and a payment method.

You can get started today right here on our platform so you can travel with peace of mind.

Rebecca C
United StatesMay 13, 2025
What is the fastest service for ETA? How long does it take?
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iVisa
May 14, 2025

Hi Rebecca,

The UK government aims to process most ETA applications within 3 working days, though it may take longer if additional checks are needed.

To apply stress-free, you can submit your application through our platform, where our expert team will guide you through the process, review your application for errors, offer expedited options, and provide 24/7 customer support.

Peter
New ZealandMay 10, 2025
What happens if my passport expires or is due to expire with a current UK ETA? My passport will be due for renewal in November, but I am travelling in June and again in December
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iVisa
May 12, 2025

Hello Peter,

Since your UK ETA is electronically linked to your current passport, if you renew your passport after your June trip, your existing ETA will no longer be valid for your December travel. You’ll need to apply for a new ETA using your new passport for your December trip.

In New Zealand, you can renew your passport at any time, even if it’s still valid, and many travelers do this to avoid complications with visas or ETAs. If you renew your passport before both trips, you can apply for the ETA on our platform once using your new passport and use it for both June and December visits. This saves you from applying twice and ensures your ETA stays valid for future travel while your new passport is valid.

Sami A
Saudi ArabiaMay 2, 2025
I am from Saudi Arabia and I would like to go to the United Kingdom
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iVisa
May 5, 2025

Hello Sami,

In order to travel to the United Kingdom, you'll need a UK visa, which is valid for two years with a multiple-entry allowance for stays up to six months.

You will need the following documents to apply for your visa: your passport, proof of your travel plans, accommodation, financial means to cover your trip, and your intent to return to Saudi Arabia.

For a smooth experience, we can help you through the process on our platform, reducing paperwork and saving you time.

Michael S
CanadaApril 25, 2025
I had an ETA for travel to the UK. I travel on a Canadian passport, but I am also a British citizen, having been born there. I have just renewed my passport. Do I need a ETA for the UK with the info from my new pasport?
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iVisa
April 27, 2025

Hello Michael,

If you are a British citizen and hold a UK passport, you are exempt from the ETA requirement.

However, if you don't have a valid UK passport and are traveling on another passport (like a Canadian one), you’ll need to apply for the ETA with your updated passport information to avoid any immigration issues.

You can get your application started today on our platform so you can travel stress-free to the UK.

Kris D
United KingdomApril 20, 2025
Once you’ve been denied the ETA and apply for a VISA how long does it take UK to review your passport application and get back to you?
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iVisa
April 22, 2025

Hello Kris,

If you've been denied an ETA and are now applying for a UK visa instead, the processing time can vary a little depending on the type of visa and where you're applying from.

Generally, a standard visitor visa usually takes about 3 weeks (15 working days) from the date UK immigration officials receive your application and passport.

However, here are a few helpful things to keep in mind:

Processing times can vary by country and season, especially during busy travel periods, so it may take longer.

Make sure your application is complete and accurate to avoid delays or rejections. A missing document or small error could mean starting over.

If you want to avoid the stress of paperwork and reduce the risk of mistakes, you can apply through our platform, where we will handle your application process so you can feel confident about getting your visa on time and stress-free.

Bruce R
USAApril 14, 2025
My family and I will be travelling from Ireland to Northern Ireland. Is it necessary to get the UK ETA.
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iVisa
April 16, 2025

Hey Bruce,

Due to changes implemented this year, you will need an ETA to visit Northern Ireland even if you are traveling from Ireland.

You can apply on our platform, which makes it easy to submit a single application for you and your family, saving you time and avoiding unnecessary stress.

Jeff S
USAApril 5, 2025
I am flying from the USA to Lisbon Portugal next month. I have a couple hours layover at London’s Heathrow airport. Will I need an ETA if my luggage is checked thru to Portugal? I am not sure if I have to go thru border control, but probably not. Is this your understanding? Please can you let me know how to get a uk tourism visa.
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iVisa
April 7, 2025

Hi Jeff,

If you're flying from the USA to Lisbon with a layover at Heathrow Airport and your luggage is checked through, you likely won't need to go through UK border control if you remain in the airport's international transit area (known as "airside") during your layover.

We recommend having your onward itinerary to Lisbon handy just in case, but otherwise, you will not need an ETA for this quick layover.

Sonia E
USAJanuary 22, 2025
I'm planning a trip to Europe with a layover in the UK. Do I still need to get an ETA?
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iVisa
January 24, 2025

Hi Sonia,

That's a great question. If you're transiting through the UK and will pass through UK border control during your layover, you'll need to obtain an ETA. However, if you remain airside and do not go through border control, an ETA is not required.

We recommend that you check with your airline to understand the specifics of your layover and whether you'll need to pass through border control.

Maria
BrazilJanuary 16, 2025
Do you need UK ETA if you already have a UK 10-year visa?
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iVisa
January 20, 2025

Hi Maria,

If you already hold a valid UK visa, such as a 10-year multiple-entry visa, you do not need to obtain an ETA for your travels. The ETA is designed for travelers who do not require a visa for short stays.

Since your visa is still valid and covers your intended activities and duration of stay, you're all set for your trip without needing an ETA.

Alan G
USAJanuary 8, 2025
I want to travel to the UK from the USA but I have a misdemeanor criminal conviction and less than 12 months has been passed since that date, also had zero sentencing time. Will I ever be allowed to apply for an ETA? Or do I have to wait a certain amount of time.
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iVisa
January 10, 2025

Hi Alan,

We understand your concern about how a misdemeanor might affect your travel plans. When applying for a UK ETA, you'll be asked about any criminal convictions. A misdemeanor conviction without sentencing time may not automatically disqualify you, but each application is assessed individually. It's essential to provide honest and accurate information on your application.

If you're not sure, you might want to apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa instead, where you can explain the circumstances of your criminal record in the cover letter.

Yousef
Saudi ArabiaJanuary 3, 2025
I'm a bit confused about the difference between a UK ETA and an electronic visa waiver. Are they the same thing?
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iVisa
January 6, 2025

Hi Yousef,

We understand the confusion between the UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW). The EVW was a system that allowed nationals from certain Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to travel to the UK without obtaining a visa, provided they completed an online waiver before their trip. However, the UK has phased out the EVW and introduced the ETA system.

Now, visitors from former EVW-eligible countries, as well as nations that don't need a visa to enter the UK, need to apply for an ETA before traveling to the region. The ETA is valid for multiple trips over two years, allowing stays of up to six months per visit. This change aims to simplify entry procedures and improve security.

United Kingdom ETA Certified customer reviews

Travelers to United Kingdom rated this product a 4.9 out of 5 based on 495 reviews.
4.9 out of 5

How to Apply: ETA

01
Fill out online application

Complete our easy online application and pay with credit card or PayPal

02
Receive document via email

No need to deal with the embassy. We do it for you so you don't lose valuable time

03
Enter destination

Present your Passport and the Document we provide upon entry to destination country

How to Apply: Embassy Registration

01
Fill Out Online Application

Complete our easy online application and pay with credit card or PayPal

02
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.

Questions?

It depends on your nationality.

Find out more about transiting on the UK government website.

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.

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.

We advise you to apply at least 7 days in advance of your trip to avoid any issues.
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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