UK ETA EXPRESS
Your guide to the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) information and the submission of UK ETA applications.
What is the United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA)?
The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA) is a travel authorization issued by the British government to nationals of countries who are exempt from obtaining a UK visa. It is mandatory to apply for and obtain this authorization before traveling to the United Kingdom, and is designed for visits, transit, or Creative Workers under certain conditions.
This electronic authorization is a streamlined option for eligible individuals and is a key part of the government’s effort to digitize border control by 2025. The UK ETA facilitates various travel purposes, including tourism, family visits, business, and short-term study, offering an efficient alternative to the traditional visa process.
Our History
Who Needs the UK ETA?
The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA) is being implemented in stages to make travel to the UK more secure and efficient. Below is a summary of the phased rollout and the eligible countries:
2023
in November 2023
implementation began in November 2023, with Qatar becoming the first eligible country, followed by nationals of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Oman
2024
Jordan in February 2024
Jordan in February 2024. However, the UK government made the decision to exclude Jordanian nationals from the ETA scheme
2024
In September 2024
In September 2024, with visitors from Jordan now requiring a visa to travel to the UK.
2024
November 27, 2024
The UK expanded its ETA program to 49 more non-European countries on November 27, 2024
Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahrain
Barbados
Belize
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Bahrain
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Kiribati
Kuwait
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao
Malaysia
Maldives
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Monaco
Mexico
Micronesia
Nauru
New Zealand
Norway
Netherlands
Nicaragua
Oman
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
Samoa
Saudi Arabia
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
St. Kitts and Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
St. Kitts and Nevis
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
The Bahamas
The United Status
Tonga
Tuvalu
UAE
Uruguay
Vatican City
UK ETA Requirement Expands to European Nationals
Starting April 2, 2025, nationals from 34 European countries will need to obtain a UK ETA for travel to the United Kingdom. This marks the next phase of the UK’s ETA implementation, aimed at streamlining and securing the travel process.
April 2nd, 2025
when nationals of 34 European countries will require an ETA to travel to the UK.
March 5th, 2025
Applications for nationals from the following countries will open on March 5th, 2025. Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Vatican City.
Apply Early and Travel with Confidence!
Be Ready for Your UK Journey! Applications for European nationals open on March 5, 2025. Don’t wait—apply now with Travesia Express Portal and secure your hassle-free entry to the UK!
ETA Validity and Duration of Stay
Validity
2 Years The UK ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval, allowing travelers to make multiple visits to the United Kingdom within this timeframe. This extended validity ensures flexibility and convenience for frequent travelers, enabling hassle-free entry during the authorization period.
Duration of Stay
Stay Limit: 6 Months Per Visit Each visit to the UK with a UK ETA permits a stay of up to six months. Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks, conducting business, or spending quality time with loved ones, this generous duration enhances your travel experience.
Renewal and Extensions
The UK ETA cannot be renewed or extended. If your ETA has expired, or you wish to travel again after its validity ends, you must apply for a new UK ETA. This ensures compliance with UK immigration regulations and provides a seamless process for future travel.
Plan Ahead for Your Travels
With its long validity and ample stay allowance, the UK ETA offers a straightforward and flexible way to visit the UK. Make sure to reapply when needed to continue enjoying effortless travel.
What can I do with the UK ETA?
Embark on your journey to the United Kingdom with the UK ETA and explore a multitude of opportunities. Here’s what you can do with UK ETA. With the UK ETA, travelers enjoy the flexibility to make the most of their time in the United Kingdom, whether it’s for leisure, business, education, or transit purposes.
Short-term business activities
Creative workers
Transit through the UK
Tourism or visiting family and friends
Academic purposes
Prepare for a Hassle-Free Application
UK ETA Requirements: What You Need to Know
Applying for a UK ETA is simple when you’re well-prepared. Ensure you have a valid passport with at least six months of validity from your planned arrival date. Provide accurate personal information, including your travel itinerary and contact details. Confirm that your nationality is eligible for the UK ETA scheme and that your travel purpose aligns with the allowed categories, such as tourism, business, or short-term study. A valid email address and a secure payment method are also essential for completing the online application. By meeting these requirements, you can ensure a smooth and efficient application process, paving the way for a hassle-free journey to the UK.
Passport
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Personal Photo
A recent, clear passport-sized photo of the applicant is required, meeting specific size and format requirements outlined by the UK authorities.
Payment Method
Applicants need a valid payment method, such as a credit or debit card, to pay the processing fee for the UK ETA application.
Email address
A valid email address is essential for receiving updates, notifications, and the final decision on the UK ETA application.
How to Apply for the UK ETA?
Applying for a UK ETA is a straightforward process that can be completed online.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to obtain your UK ETA:
Fill Out the Application Form
Complete the online application form with accurate personal and travel details as required. Ensure all information provided is correct and matches your passport.
Pay the Required Fees
Once the application form is submitted, pay the required processing fee using a valid payment method, such as a credit or debit card.
Receive Your ETA
After the payment is processed and the application is reviewed, you will receive your UK ETA decision via email. Ensure to check your inbox regularly for updates and notifications regarding your application status.
ETA Validity and Duration of Stay
Normal
The processing time for a UK ETA is typically within three (3) working days. Applicants can expect to receive their ETA confirmation within this timeframe after submitting the required documents and payment.
Delay
Factors Extending Processing Time:
Additional Security Checks
Some applications may undergo additional security screenings, which can extend the processing time.
High Volume of Applications
During peak seasons or busy periods, a surge in applications may lead to delays in processing.
Errors or Incompleteness
Inaccurate information or missing documents can result in processing delays as additional verification may be required.
UK ETA Decision
After submitting a UK ETA application, applicants eagerly await the decision outcome. Here’s what happens in case of approval or rejection:
Approval
Upon successful review of the UK ETA application, applicants receive an approval notification via email. This confirmation grants them the authorization to travel to the United Kingdom hassle-free. The approved UK ETA, electronically linked to the passport, ensures a smooth entry process, offering peace of mind and convenience for the journey ahead.
Rejection
In the event of a rejected UK ETA application, applicants receive a notification outlining the reasons for the decision. Common causes may include inaccuracies in provided information or failure to meet eligibility criteria. However, applicants usually have the opportunity to rectify errors and reapply if necessary, ensuring fairness and transparency in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to the UK for short stays, such as tourism, business, or visiting family, typically require a UK ETA.
A UK ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval, allowing for multiple entries within this period.
No, the UK ETA cannot be extended or renewed. Once it expires, you will need to apply for a new ETA for future travel.
Most UK ETA applications are processed within 24 to 72 hours, but travelers are advised to apply well in advance of their travel dates.
To apply, you need a valid passport, accurate personal information, a valid email address, and a secure payment method to complete the application.
If your application is rejected, review the reasons provided and reapply with accurate information or seek assistance from our support team.
Disclaimer
This website is designed to provide travelers with information and assistance in completing the necessary steps for the online Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) application, at additional professional fees. Travesia Express Portal is a travel and tourism agency based in Dubai, UAE, licensed by the Government of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. We are not affiliated with the United Kingdom government in any way. Applicants still have the option to apply for the UK ETA on their own via the official government portal at gov.uk without paying any additional professional fees.