Who Needs a UK ETA?
The UK ETA is rolling out to several visa‑exempt nationalities and also applies to airport transit passengers. Current coverage includes countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia and GCC states (Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman). Coverage will expand.
Core UK ETA Requirements
Valid passport
Issued by an eligible country and valid for your entire stay. Details must match your application exactly.
Recent digital photo
Colour photo, plain light background, neutral expression; must meet UK photo standards.
Active email address
Used to receive confirmation and updates about your ETA.
Payment method
Debit/credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. Application fee is £16 per person.
Every traveller — including children and infants — must apply for their own ETA.
Eligibility & Conditions
Purpose of travel
Tourism, short business activities, short study, or airport transit.
Stay limit
Up to 6 months per visit.
One ETA per passport
Your ETA is digitally linked to a single passport.
Non‑transferable
ETAs cannot be shared or transferred to another traveller.
Security & background questions
Answer truthfully; discrepancies may lead to refusal or delay.
New passport?
You must apply for a new ETA if you change passports.
Not for work or long study
If your purpose falls outside ETA, apply for the appropriate visa.
Documents Checklist
Passport (eligible & valid)
Use the same passport you will travel with.
Digital photo (recent)
Plain light background • Neutral expression • Good lighting.
Email address
For status updates and your decision.
Payment method
Card or mobile wallet to pay the £16 fee.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect passport number
Enter exactly as printed, including all digits and letters.
Non‑compliant photo
Blur, shadows or sunglasses cause rejections; follow UK rules.
Applying too close to departure
Allow up to 3 working days for checks — apply early.
Using unofficial websites
Risk of overcharges and scams — stick to official channels.
Ready to apply?
Check you meet the UK ETA requirements, then complete the application online or in the app.
Requirements FAQs
What passport validity is required for the UK ETA? Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK. If you renew or replace your passport after approval, the ETA can’t be transferred—submit a new application linked to your new passport.
Do children and infants need their own ETA? Yes. Every traveller—babies and children included—must meet the UK ETA requirements and hold their own ETA.
Are transit passengers required to meet UK ETA requirements? Yes, if your nationality is in scope. Travellers transiting a UK airport should meet ETA requirements before departure.
What are the key photo requirements for the UK ETA? Provide a recent colour photo with a plain light background, neutral expression and no hats or sunglasses. Keep lighting even—avoid glare and shadows.
Do I need a return ticket or proof of accommodation? Not usually for the ETA application itself. However, Border Force may ask about your itinerary on arrival—keep your plans handy.
Can I apply with an emergency or temporary passport? Your document must be eligible and machine-readable. If you only have an emergency or temporary passport, check eligibility first; otherwise consider applying for the appropriate UK visa.
What if my details change after I meet the requirements? If your passport or other core details change, reapply so your ETA matches your current information.
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