The UK ETA is an electronic travel authorisation—not a visa or tax—that grants permission to travel to the UK for tourism, business, short-term study, creative work (up to 3 months), and visiting family or friends. Valid for multiple entries over 2 years or until your passport expires, it allows up to six months per visit
Who needs one?
All travelers from visa-exempt countries—including Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others—must obtain a UK ETA before their trip
Who is exempt?
British or Irish passport holders
Those holding a valid UK visa, settled/pre-settled status
Residents in Ireland entering under the Common Travel Area
Airside transit passengers who do not pass through UK border control
When did this start?
Non‑EU nationalsbegan applying from 27 Nov 2024, with the rule effective 8 Jan 2025
EU/EEA nationalscould start applying from 5 Mar 2025, with mandates in place by 2 Apr 2025 .
Cost & processing time
Fee£16, updated from the earlier £10 on 9 April 2025
Most applicationsare processed within hours, though it may take up to 3 business days
Required documents
Valid passport(linked to ETA; if renewed, reapplication is required)
Passport-style photoand—depending on age—biometric face scan
Personal details(contact info, address, nationality, criminal history)
Email addressfor receiving the ETA confirmation electronically
How to apply
Use the official UK ETA app (iOS/Android) or the GOV.UK website
Follow the steps: upload passport and photo, scan biometrics (if required), answer security questions, pay, and wait for email confirmation.
Potential pitfalls & pro tips
Photo issues (blurry or obstructed images) and incorrect passport details or incomplete forms are the most common reasons for denials
If your passport is renewed during the ETA validity period, you must reapply
Applying early—even months before travel—is recommended; official processing can take up to 3 days
App usage tipsprogress isn’t saved mid-application, and the app is English-only—plan accordingly
Recommended phrasing for selomi
Apply online via the official UK ETA app or gov.uk. Ensure you use the same passport for your application and travel, and upload a clear photo meeting guidelines. Do this at least a few days before travel, especially if renewing your passport during the ETA’s validity period.
When you book with an account, you will be able to track your payment status, track the confirmation and you can also rate the tour after you finished the tour.
