UK ETA Guide 2025: Eligibility, How to Apply & Latest Updates

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt travelers. This guide covers who needs an ETA, how to apply, costs, and key deadlines for 2025.

Who Needs an ETA for UK?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is a new requirement under the UK's digital border strategy. Travelers from visa-exempt countries must apply for an ETA before boarding a flight to the UK. The rollout is happening in phases, with different application dates depending on nationality.

Below is the complete list of countries required to apply for an ETA, categorized by their implementation dates.

Countries Requiring a UK ETA from January 1, 2025

Countries Requiring a UK ETA from March 5, 2025

Who Does NOT Need a UK ETA? Full List of Exemptions

While the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is mandatory for many visa exempt travelers, there are several exemptions. If you belong to any of the categories below, you do not need to apply for a UK ETA before traveling.

You do not need an ETA if any of the following applies to you:

• You have a UK visa
• You have permission to live, work, or study in the UK, including:
  • Settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme
  • Right of abode in the UK
• You are a British or Irish citizen
• You are traveling with a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) passport
• You live in Ireland and are traveling from:
  • Ireland
  • Guernsey
  • Jersey
  • Isle of Man
• If you hold dual citizenship and one of your nationalities is British or Irish, you do not need an ETA.
  • To prove your permission to travel as a dual citizen, you must use one of the following:
    • A valid British passport
    • A valid Irish passport
    • Another valid passport containing a Certificate of Entitlement

What Can You Do with a UK ETA? Rules and Restrictions

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) allows visa-exempt travelers to visit the UK for short stays, but it comes with specific restrictions. Before applying, it’s essential to understand what you can and cannot do under an ETA.

With a valid UK ETA, you can:

• Visit the UK for up to 6 months for:
  • Tourism (holidays, sightseeing, or cultural visits)
  • Visiting family and friends
  • Business trips (attending meetings, conferences, or interviews)
  • Short-term study at an accredited institution
    
• Stay in the UK for up to 3 months under the Creative Worker Visa Concession, allowing short-term employment in specific creative industries.
  
• Enter the UK for a permitted paid engagement, such as giving lectures, performing, or working in a permitted professional capacity.
  
• Transit through the UK if passing through UK border control (also known as landside transit).

Important: You do not need an ETA if you are transiting through the UK without passing border control (airside transit).

What You CANNOT Do with an ETA from UK

A UK ETA does not grant full visa privileges. Travelers cannot:

• Stay in the UK for longer than 6 months
• Work in the UK (paid or unpaid) for a UK company or as a self-employed individual
  • Exception: You can work under a permitted paid engagement or the Creative Worker Visa Concession
• Claim public funds (benefits)
• Use frequent or successive visits to live in the UK
• Get married or register a civil partnership
  • You must apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa if you intend to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK.

If you plan to work, study long-term, or settle in the UK, you should check whether you need a standard UK visa instead.

How Much Does a UK ETA Cost?

Application Fee: £10 per person

No Refunds: Once submitted, ETA application fees are non-refundable, even if the application is denied.

Age Restrictions for UK ETA

The UK ETA is required for all travelers. Every individual including babies and children must have their own approved UK ETA before travel.

How long does a UK ETA last?

A UK ETA is valid for two years or until the expiration of the passport used to apply - whichever comes first. During this period, travelers can enter the UK multiple times for stays of up to six months per visit for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

Important: It is essential that your passport is valid for at least the duration of your intended stay in the UK. If your passport expires before the two-year validity period of the ETA, you'll need to obtain a new passport and reapply for a new ETA.

How to Apply for a UK ETA (Step-by-Step Guide)

Applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a simple process, but you must use the UK ETA app to complete your application. There is no online portal for ETA applications—if you cannot download the app on your phone, you must use another compatible device to apply.

Below, we cover the full application process, including tips for taking a photo, scanning your biometric passport, troubleshooting app issues, applying for someone else, and avoiding online scams.

1. Check If Your Device is Compatible

The UK ETA app is only available on compatible smartphones.

iPhone Requirements:

• iPhone 7 or newer
• iOS 15 or later
• At least 179MB of storage space
• Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)

Android Requirements:

• Android 8.0 or newer
• At least 165MB of storage space
• NFC (Near-Field Communication) capability for passport scanning
• Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data)

2. Download the UK ETA App

The official UK ETA app is available on:

• Apple App Store (iOS)
• Google Play Store (Android)

3. Prepare Your Documents

Before starting the application, have the following:

• A biometric passport (must be valid for your trip)
• A valid email address
• A credit/debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay for the £10 processing fee

Applying for a UK ETA Using the App

1. Take a Photo of Your Passport

• Place the passport on a flat surface.
• Ensure all details are clear and visible in the box
• Use good lighting to avoid glare or shadows.

2. Scan Your Passport’s Biometric Chip

• Ensure your phone has NFC enabled (for Android users).
• Place your phone on your passport front cover and hold steady.
• Wait for the app to read your biometric data.

3. Facial Recognition & Selfie Upload

• Position your face within the frame provided by the app.
• Remove glasses, hats, or anything obstructing your face.
• Use a plain white background for a clear image.

4. Answer Security & Travel Questions

• Ensure all details match your passport exactly.
• Double-check all answers before submitting.

5. Submit Your Application & Pay the Fee

• The UK ETA application costs £10 per person.
• Pay using Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
• You will receive an email confirmation once submitted.

What Happens If You Can’t Download the UK ETA App?

Since the UK ETA application is app-based only, there is no online alternative. If you cannot download the app on your phone, you must:

• Use another smartphone that meets the app’s requirements.
• Ask a family member or friend to use their phone to apply on your behalf.

Important: You cannot apply on a computer or through a UK government website.

How to Apply for Someone Else?

You can apply for another person using the UK ETA app if:

• They are physically present with you to complete the passport scan and selfie.
• You have their biometric passport and all required details.

Important: You cannot apply for someone remotely unless they provide access to their device and documents.

How Long Does It Take to Get a UK ETA approval?

The UK government states that processing takes up to three business days. However, in our independent testing with 10 applicants, approval took no more than 10 minutes in every case.

While most applications are approved almost instantly, travelers should still apply in advance in case of unexpected delays.

Avoiding UK ETA Scams: Only Apply Through the Official App

Several unofficial websites are posing as the UK government website, charging higher fees and collecting personal data fraudulently.

How to Avoid UK ETA Scams

• Only use the official UK ETA app available on the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android).
• Do not apply through third-party websites claiming to offer ETA services.
• Verify the URL before entering any personal details. The UK government does not operate an online ETA application portal.
• Be cautious of additional fees. The UK ETA fee is £10 per person. If a website charges more, it is likely fraudulent.

If you suspect a scam website, report it to the UK government fraud prevention team.

UK ETA: Visit with Ease or Stay for More?

The UK ETA is a mandatory travel authorization for visa exempt visitors coming to the UK for tourism, business, or short stays of up to six months. With processing times often under 10 minutes to 3 business days, applying through the official UK ETA app ensures a fast and hassle-free entry process.

For those seeking long-term opportunities, the UK offers other visa pathways such as the Innovator Founder Visa for entrepreneurs, the UK Expansion Worker Visa for business professionals, and the Skilled Worker Visa for those with job offers in the UK. If your goal is to live, work, or invest in the UK, these visas may provide a better pathway to residency and settlement beyond short-term visits under an ETA.

FAQs About ETA from the UK

Is UK ETA a visa?

An ETA is not a visa - it is an electronic travel authorization required for visa-exempt travelers entering the UK. Unlike a visa, an ETA:

• Does not require an embassy visit or biometric data submission
• Is processed entirely online
• Allows stays of up to six months per visit
• Does not permit work or long-term residence in the UK

Can I go to the UK without a visa?

Yes, travelers from visa-exempt countries can visit the UK without a visa, but they must apply for a UK ETA before departure. However, if you are from a country that is not visa-exempt, you will need a Standard Visitor Visa or another type of UK visa.

How long does a UK ETA last?

A UK ETA is valid 2 years or until the expiration of the passport used to apply, whichever comes first.

Do children and infants need a UK ETA?

Yes, all travelers, regardless of age, must have an approved UK ETA before travel, including infants and young children. Parents or guardians must apply for a separate ETA for each child, even if they are traveling on the same itinerary.

Can parents apply for a UK ETA on behalf of their children?

Yes, parents or legal guardians can apply for a UK ETA on behalf of their child using the official UK ETA app. The process includes:

• Using the child’s biometric passport for application
• Completing the required travel information
• Paying the £10 application fee per child

The child does not need to be present during the application process, but their passport details must be entered accurately to avoid rejections.

Do elderly travelers need a UK ETA?

Yes, senior travelers are required to apply for a UK ETA just like all other travelers from visa-exempt countries. The process for applying remains the same, and they must use the UK ETA app to complete their application.

If an elderly traveler is not comfortable using the ETA app, a family member, friend, or travel agent can apply on their behalf—as long as the correct passport details are provided.

What happens if I don’t get an ETA for my child or family member?

If a child or any other traveler does not have a valid ETA, they will not be allowed to board their flight to the UK. Each passenger must have an approved UK ETA linked to their passport before check-in.

It is advised to apply for the ETA well in advance to avoid travel disruptions.

References

UK Government. (2024). Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Gov.uk. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
UK Government. (2024). Using the UK ETA App. Gov.uk. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-uk-eta-app

UK Government. (2024). Check if You Need a Visa to Enter the UK. Gov.uk. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
UK Government. (2024). Innovator Founder Visa and Other UK Work Visas. Gov.uk. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/uk-visas-and-immigration-modernised-guidance