Tower Bridge in London at golden hour

United Kingdom · Electronic Travel Authorisation

UK ETA — Apply Online

Valid for 2 years with multiple entries, up to 6 months per stay. Service fee: $129 USD (includes the government fee)

  • ✓ Up to 6 months per stay
  • ✓ Processed within minutes
  • ✓ 100% secure

This is a private application assistance service and is not affiliated with the UK Government or the Home Office.

What is the UK ETA?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is an official travel permission linked digitally to your passport. It lets citizens of eligible countries visit the United Kingdom for tourism, business, transit or short-term study without a full visa. The ETA lasts 2 years, covers multiple entries, and allows stays of up to 6 months each.

Important: an ETA does not guarantee entry. Final admission is decided by UK Border Force officers at the port of entry.

Who needs a UK ETA?

  • ✓ Citizens of eligible countries visiting for tourism or leisure
  • ✓ Travellers attending business meetings, conferences or short-term work activities
  • ✓ Passengers transiting through UK airports to another destination

Who does NOT need an ETA

  • ✕ British and Irish citizens
  • ✕ Travellers who already hold a valid UK visa
  • ✕ British Overseas Territory citizens

Countries eligible for the UK ETA

Citizens of the following nationalities must obtain a UK ETA before travelling to or transiting through the United Kingdom:

Note: this list is current as of 2026. Trinidad & Tobago, Jordan, Colombia, Nauru, Nicaragua and Saint Lucia have been removed and now require a standard UK visa. Always verify at gov.uk before travelling.

Apply for your UK ETA

Most applications are processed within minutes, though some can take up to 3 working days. We recommend applying at least 72 hours before you travel.

Start your UK ETA application

UK ETA types & purposes

The UK ETA covers several kinds of visits.

Tourism & leisure

Holidays, sightseeing and visiting friends or family — up to 6 months per stay.

Business travel

Meetings, conferences and events. Not valid for taking up employment in the UK.

Transit

Passing through a UK airport on your way to another destination.

Short-term study

Courses of up to 6 months at an accredited UK institution.

How to apply for a UK ETA

Follow these steps to complete your application.

1

Complete the online form

Enter your personal details, passport information and travel plans in our simple guided form.

2

Upload your documents

Add a recent digital photo and a scan of your passport's bio-data page.

3

Pay the application fee

Pay securely online with any major credit or debit card.

4

Receive your ETA

Most applications are processed within minutes. Your approval arrives by email.

Required documents

Prepare the following before starting your application:

  • ✓ A passport valid for at least 6 months
  • ✓ At least 2 blank pages in your passport
  • ✓ A recent digital passport-style photo
  • ✓ A scan of your passport's bio-data page
  • ✓ A valid email address for your confirmation
  • ✓ A credit or debit card for the fee

ETA fee & validity

Validity period

The UK ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries, with each stay of up to 6 months.

Note: the ETA fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied or you choose not to travel.

Important information

  • • Your ETA is linked electronically to your passport — no need to print it, but keep the confirmation email.
  • • Apply at least 72 hours before your travel date.
  • • The ETA does not allow you to work in the UK — employment requires a separate work visa.
  • • Every traveller needs their own ETA, including children.
  • • If you renew your passport, you must apply for a new ETA.

Our UK ETA assistance service

You can apply directly on the official UK government website — or let us handle it. We offer professional assistance for travellers who prefer support in their own language.

Service fee: $129 USD (includes the government fee)

Start your UK ETA application

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a UK ETA?+

Most applications are processed within minutes, though some can take up to 3 working days. We recommend applying at least 72 hours before you travel.

Can I work in the UK with an ETA?+

No. The ETA covers tourism, business meetings, short-term study and transit only. Taking up employment requires a separate work visa.

Do I need to print my UK ETA?+

No — it is linked electronically to your passport. Still, keep the approval email handy, as airlines may ask to see confirmation at boarding.

Can I extend my stay beyond 6 months?+

No. Stays on an ETA are limited to 6 months. For a longer stay you would need to apply for a different visa type.

What happens if my application is rejected?+

You'll be notified by email. You can reapply with corrected information, or apply for a full UK visa through a visa application centre.

Is the ETA the same as a visa?+

No. The ETA is a quicker, simpler pre-travel authorisation for eligible nationalities. A full visa involves a more extensive application process.