Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) Into the UK
An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) essentially gives you permission to travel to the UK, specifically for those who are not required to obtain a visa but still need to register their travel plans digitally before arriving in the country; it allows for short-term stays for tourism, visiting family, business, or short-term study.
You will need to apply for your ETA before travelling to or transiting through the UK. You must travel on the passport used for your ETA application. You may need a work permit or visa even if you plan to do: unpaid work. Key points about an ETA:
Who needs it
Individuals from countries that are considered “visa-exempt” for short stays in the UK need to apply for an ETA.
Purpose
It acts as a digital pre-clearance for border control, allowing for smoother entry process.
Duration of stay
An ETA typically allows for stays in the UK up to 6 months.
Application process
You can apply for an ETA online, usually requiring passport details and a small fee.
You can apply now to travel to the UK, if you are a national of:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi
- Arabia
- United Arab
Emirates
You must be a national of one of these countries and travel using a national passport. You cannot use other types of passports or travel documents. Who does not need an ETA
Who does not need an ETA
If you are a national of another country, you do not currently need an ETA. Check if your nationality can apply later.
You do not need an ETA if any of these apply to you:
- Have a visa
- Have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme)
- You are a British or Irish citizen
- You are travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport
- You live in Ireland and you are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
Dual citizens
If you are a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship, you do not need an ETA. Prove your permission to travel using your British passport, Irish passport or other passport containing acertificate of entitlement.
What you can do with an ETA
You can get an ETA instead of a visa if you are:
- Coming to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study
- coming to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
- coming to the UK for a permitted paid engagement
- Transiting through the UK – including if you are not going through UK border control
If you are coming to the UK for another reason, check if you need a visa instead.
What you CANNOT do with an ETA
Stay in the UK for longer than 6 months
Do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless you are doing a permitted paid engagement or event or work on the Creative Worker visa concession
Claim public funds (benefits)
Live in the UK through frequent or successive visits
- Marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership – you will need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa
How much it costs
It costs £10 to apply.
Everyone travelling needs to get an ETA, including babies and children.
You can apply for other people.
You cannot get a refund after you apply.
Before you start You need:
The passport you will travel with – not a photocopy or digital passport • access to your emails • a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
You will need to upload or take photos of the:
Passport
Face of the person applying
You do not need to enter your travel details.
Apply for an ETA
The fastest way to apply is using the UK ETA app.
Help with the app
You can read the guide on using the UK ETA app.
If you cannot use the app
You can apply online. If you are applying for someone else who is not with you, you should apply online.
How long it
takes You will usually get a decision within 3 working days, but you may get a quicker decision. Occasionally, it may take longer than 3 working days.
Group applications
Each person must apply separately. You may get a decision at a different time from someone else in your group – even if you applied at the same time.
If you need to travel soon
You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK. You can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision.
After you apply
You will get an email confirming you have got an ETA. It will be linked to the passport you applied with. Your ETA lasts for 2 years. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time. If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new ETA.
You still need to see a Border Force officer to enter the UK. An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.
Get help
You can ask about ETA if you need help.
You can also watch videos on:
Updated 2/10/25