Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is an online travel authorisation for visitors from visa-exempt countries who are planning to travel to the UK for a short stay. It is not a visa, but a mandatory pre-travel authorisation required for entry into the UK. The ETA is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for up to two years, permitting multiple visits of up to six months each.

You’ll need an ETA if you are a national of a country that usually does not need a visa to enter the UK for a short visit. The ETA also applies to those visiting the UK for tourism, business activities, short-term study, or to give a permitted paid engagement. You do not need an ETA if you are a British or Irish citizen, have a valid UK visa, hold settled or pre-settled status, or are a person who is legally resident in Ireland and entering the UK from within the Common Travel Area.

You can submit your ETA application online through the official UK Government’s website or through the UK ETA mobile app. It is a quick process which is free of any charge except £10 (increasing to £16 in 2025). To apply for an ETA, you need to have a valid passport, an email address, and a credit/debit card for payment. The majority of applications are approved within minutes, while some may take up to three working days. Once approved, your ETA is digitally linked to your passport—meaning you must travel using the same passport used for your application. Do keep in mind that an ETA is a travel authorization only and is not a guarantee of entry into the UK. UK Border Force officers will have the final say in whether you are allowed to enter. 

Given the complexity of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, it is advisable to seek specialist advice from an immigration solicitor before applying. If your ETA application is refused or delayed —often due to criminal convictions, previous immigration problems or providing incorrect information you may still be able to travel to the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa. TRS Solicitors will look at your individual circumstances, advise you whether an ETA or a visa would be most suitable for you and assist with your preparation of a full and frank application. If you are a traveller with a complicated history and/or prior UK refusals, it is recommended you seek professional advice before you apply.