A UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital travel permission required for visa-exempt nationals visiting or transiting through the UK. Citizens of countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and Singapore need an ETA for short stays.

Most ETA applications are processed within 3 working days. However, we recommend applying at least 1 week before your travel date to allow for any potential delays or additional processing requirements.

A UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can make multiple trips to the UK, with each stay lasting up to 6 months.

You need a valid passport from an eligible country, a recent digital photograph that meets UK passport photo standards, and a valid email address to receive your ETA decision.

No, all eligible nationals need an ETA even for transit through the UK, including if you don't plan to leave the airport. This applies to all UK airports and seaports.

If your ETA application is refused, you will need to apply for a visit visa instead. The refusal decision will include information about your options and the visa application process.

ETAs cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer than 6 months or your circumstances change, you would need to leave the UK and apply for an appropriate visa.

If you require an ETA but don't have one, you will be refused boarding by your airline or entry at the UK border. Airlines are required to check ETA status before allowing boarding.

An ETA allows you to do business activities like attending meetings or conferences, but it doesn't permit employment in the UK. For work purposes, you would need to apply for a work visa.

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