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UK ETA Application
UK ETA Basic information
The UK ETA is an electronic travel authorisation introduced by the United Kingdom authorities in 2023. The ETA is a mandatory document for citizens of visa-free countries.
The United Kingdom ETA pre-screens the incoming travelers to minimize any possible threats to the country.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation comes in the form of a multiple-entry permit allowing numerous visits to the United Kingdom, each one of which can be as long as 6 months. Moreover, the UK ETA stays valid for 2 years.
Travelers may use the approved travel authorisation for the purposes of tourism, business, and transit.
The application process is very intuitive and can be completed within minutes from the comfort of the applicant's home.
There are only two documents necessary to ensure a successful ETA application, including a valid passport and the applicant's face photograph.
Applications for the UK ETA should be submitted at least 3 business days before the planned trip.
Types of UK ETA
The Electronic Travel Authorisation for the UK comes in one type.
eVisa to the UK is a multiple-entry travel permit enabling several visits lasting for up to 6 months each. The application process can be completed entirely online.
Travelers can visit United Kingdom using their ETA for the following purposes:
- tourism – visiting one's friends and family, going on vacation, exploring tourist destinations
- transit – when traveling through the UK to another country
- business – any business-related activities, such as meetings, conferences, training, negotiating a contract
List of Eligible Countries
Citizens from the following countries are eligible to apply for the UK ETA:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong (SAR)
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Macao (SAR)
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Micronesia
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Oman
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Qatar
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Taiwan
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
UK ETA Application Form
The process of applying for the UK ETA is very simple. Prepare the necessary documents and start by:
- Filling out an online application form (provide your data, passport details, and details concerning your trip to the UK)
- Uploading supporting documents (passport bio-data page and face photograph)
- Covering the fees (use any preferred method of online payment)
- Waiting for your eVisa to be approved (as soon as your electronic visa gets approved, it's delivered straight to the email address provided in the application form)
Make sure to provide the data correctly and check if there are no mistakes in your form. Our team of experts is always checking if each application is error-free and contacts applicants who have some errors in their application.
However, to avoid delays or issues with approval, make sure to put the data correctly in the first place.
Validity Period
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation stays valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
All applicants need to have a valid passport that will not expire for the next 6 months beyond the planned entry to the UK.
Transit Information
Anyone wishing to transit through the United Kingdom to any other country needs to make an eVisa application first.
Have the online UK visa with you upon arrival to enter the United Kingdom without any issues.
Requirements on Arrival
Upon arrival in the United Kingdom, all travelers need to show the following documents:
- a valid passport that will not expire for the whole duration of the trip (at least 6 months beyond the intended entry date)
- the approved UK ETA
Required Documents
Make sure to prepare the documents described in this section to make your online application successful.
When applying for the UK ETA, you will need:
- a valid passport
- a face photograph
Ensure that your passport will stay valid for the whole duration of the trip.
Important Information
- Currently, only nationals of selected countries may request the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation.
- The travel information (departure, arrival dates, addresses you'll be staying at in the UK) needs to be relevant and correct in your online visa application form.
- With the approved ETA, you may stay in the United Kingdom for up to six months each time.
- The processing time for the online UK visa is around 72 hours (3 business days), and the approved document is sent to the applicant's email box.
- All travelers need to have a valid passport that will not expire for the next 6 months from the planned entry to the UK.
Benefits of Evisa Express
- Easy application processGet your online visa for the United Kingdom in three easy steps. You can quickly and easily complete the formalities from the comfort of your home.
- Qualified team of expertsA knowledgeable team oversees the processing of each visa application. If you have any questions, contact our Customer Service.
- Top satisfaction guaranteeIf your visa application cannot be processed, reimbursement is provided according to the conditions set out by our Terms of Service.
Evisa Express is an independent company offering efficient and professional assistance in the process of applying for electronic visas. We are not associated with any governmental agency. For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
FAQ
What is the UK ETA?
The UK ETA is an Electronic Travel Authorisation that serves as a multiple-entry permit and allows numerous 6-month visits to the United Kingdom. The process can be completed entirely online, and the approved document is sent directly to the applicant's email box.
Do I need an online visa for the UK?
If you come from a country that cannot visit the UK visa-free, you need to apply for either the Electronic Travel Authorisation or the Standard Visitor Visa. The second one requires the applicants to attend a visit at the Visa Application Center in their home country, and the waiting time may take up to 3 weeks. While the electronic visa can be applied for from home.
Do children need an eVisa for the UK?
Yes, every traveler needs an eVisa to cross the UK border. Parents or guardians should apply for underage travelers visiting the UK with them.
Can I enter the UK without an electronic visa?
If your country is eligible for an eVisa you need to apply for one before entering the UK. Please remember to check if there are other entry requirements to enter the United Kingdom without any issues.
What documents do I need for the UK ETA?
All UK ETA applicants need to have a valid passport that will not expire for at least 6 months from the intended arrival date. Please also prepare a recent photo of yourself. Apart from that, you will be asked to provide some information regarding your trip (date of arrival and departure, accommodation details), residential address, job, criminal story, and other nationalities (if you have any).
How do I apply for an electronic visa to the UK?
Once you have prepared the necessary documents for the UK eVisa application process, start by filling out an online form with your data, passport details, email address, and make sure to check if every piece of information provided in the form is correct. Then, make an online payment and wait for your approved electronic visa to arrive at your email address.
How long does it take to get the UK eVisa?
The UK eVisa application processing time takes up to 72 hours (3 business days). Remeber to submit your application earlier to receive the approved visa on time.
How will I receive the approved online UK visa?
The online UK visa will arrive at the applicant's email address provided in the form while applying online. The UK ETA application process can be completed entirely online as opposed to the Standard Visitor Visa.
Do I need to print the electronic UK visa?
Once you've completed the online visa application process and the approved ETA has been delivered to your email box, you may print it out and take it with you on your travel. The UK ETA will be automatically linked with your passport. Nevertheless, carrying its printed copy is always recommended.
How long can I stay in the UK with an eVisa?
If you hold a UK eVisa, you may stay in the United Kingdom for up to 6 months (during each visit). Please note that the electronic UK visa allows numerous entries during the entire validity period (2 years).
How long is an eVisa to the UK good for?
The Electronic Visa Authorisation stays valid for 2 years and allows multiple entries to the UK. Complete the UK eVisa application from home and receive your permit via email to travel to the United Kingdom for as long as six months.
Can I extend my stay in the UK with an electronic visa?
The electronic UK visa cannot be extended. You must apply for a new ETA once your current one has expired. Applying online takes just a few minutes, and an eVisa to the UK arrives straight at your email address.
Can I get an online visa on arrival in the UK?
There is no possibility of obtaining an online UK visa upon arrival. Travelers eligible for the UK eVisa may apply online at least 3 business days before their trip to the UK. When you are already an electronic UK visa holder, you may stay in the country for up to six months (each time).
What can I do if my UK eVisa is denied?
In case your electronic UK visa does not get approved, please contact our support team via email or phone to discuss your situation and find out why your ETA was denied.
Three easy steps to get your electronic visa
- Fill the application formProvide your data, email address, passport details, purpose of your travel, and other required information. Next, attach additional documents if necessary.
- PaymentPay the visa handling fee using any of the available online payment methods.
- Check your inboxImmediately after approval, the processed eVisa will arrive in your inbox. Make sure to provide a correct email address in the application form to receive your eVisa without any issues or delays.
