The ETA applies to citizens of 92 visa-exempt countries. This includes US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, Japanese, South Korean, and all EU and EEA nationals (even though the EU is no longer part of the UK). If you are a British citizen, Irish citizen, or hold a UK visa, you do not need an ETA. If you are a citizen of a country that already requires a UK visa—India, China, Nigeria, Pakistan, and many others—you do not apply for an ETA; you apply for a visa instead through the standard route.
The ETA costs £10 (approximately $12.50 USD). You apply online through the official UK government website at www.gov.uk/apply-uk-eta. The application takes about 10 minutes and asks for your passport details, personal information, and a photograph. You will need a digital photo file (JPG or PNG) that meets UK passport photo standards: face clearly visible, neutral background, taken within the last six months. You can take this yourself using your phone; it does not need to be a professional photo booth picture.
Most applications are approved within minutes or hours. Some take up to three working days. Once approved, your ETA is valid for two years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This is the critical detail many people miss: your ETA is tied to your passport. If you renew your passport before your ETA expires, your old ETA becomes worthless. You must apply for a new ETA with your new passport number. You cannot transfer an ETA to a new passport.
The ETA allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months per visit. You can enter and exit multiple times during the two-year validity period without needing a new ETA, as long as you are not working or studying. If you plan to work, study, or stay longer than six months, you need a visa, not an ETA.
Children need their own ETA. If you are traveling with a child, you must apply for an ETA for each child using their own passport number. There is no family rate or group discount. Each ETA costs £10.
The application process is straightforward, but there are common mistakes. Do not apply through third-party websites that claim to expedite your ETA or charge extra fees. The official UK government website is free to use and is the only legitimate source. Some commercial sites charge £30 or £50 for the same service and add no value. Apply directly through gov.uk.
You must have a valid passport to apply. Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK, though the UK does not have a formal "six-month validity rule" like some countries. However, if your passport expires during your trip, you may face problems. Check your passport expiry date before you apply.
If you are refused an ETA, you will receive a reason. Common reasons include a mismatch between the name on your passport and the name you entered in the application, or a photograph that does not meet standards. You can reapply immediately and correct the error. There is no penalty for reapplying.
Once you have your ETA, you do not need to print it or carry it with you. It is digital and linked to your passport. When you check in at the airport or ferry terminal, the airline or ferry company will verify it automatically. You only need your valid passport.
If you are already in the UK on a visa or other permission, you do not need an ETA. The ETA is for visa-exempt nationals arriving from outside the UK. If you are a UK resident with settled status or indefinite leave to remain, you do not need an ETA.
The ETA does not replace travel insurance or other entry requirements. You may still need proof of funds, a return ticket, or accommodation details, depending on the purpose of your visit and the discretion of the border officer. The ETA is one requirement among several.
If you are traveling soon, apply now. The system is working smoothly, but processing can take up to three days, and you should not rely on last-minute applications. If you are traveling within the next week, apply today. If your ETA is refused for any reason, you will not have time to fix it or apply for a visa instead.
Keep your ETA confirmation email. While you do not need to print it, having proof that you applied and were approved is useful if there is a technical glitch at check-in. The confirmation email contains your ETA number and approval date.
If you have a criminal record or immigration history, the ETA application may be refused. The UK will conduct background checks. If you have been refused entry to the UK before, denied a visa, or have a criminal conviction, disclose this in your application. Lying on the application is a serious offense and can result in a permanent ban from the UK.
The ETA system is part of the UK's broader shift toward digital immigration management. It mirrors similar systems in the US (ESTA), Canada (eTA), and Australia (ETA). If you have used those systems before, the UK ETA process will feel familiar.
Plan ahead. Do not wait until the day before your flight. Apply as soon as your travel dates are confirmed and your passport is valid for the full duration of your trip. The £10 fee is non-refundable if you cancel your trip, so only apply when you are certain you are traveling.
