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UK ETA Requirements for Australia Citizens

Everything Australian travellers need to visit or transit the UK with an ETA in 2025.

Do Australia citizens need a UK ETA?

Citizens of Australia are eligible to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short visits and airport transit. The ETA is a digital pre‑travel authorisation linked to your passport and does not permit paid work.

  • Fee

    £16 per person (paid online).

  • Validity

    Up to 2 years, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.

  • Stay & entries

    Multiple entries; up to 6 months per visit under visitor rules.

  • Processing time

    Often within hours; allow up to 3 working days.

Eligibility overview
Apply for a UK ETA

Requirements for Australia applicants

  • Valid Australian biometric passport

    Travel with the same passport you used to apply.

  • Recent digital photo

    Plain light background, neutral expression, no glare.

  • Email address

    For confirmation and decision updates.

  • Payment method

    Debit/credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay £16.

Full requirements
Documents & photo rules

What Australia nationals can do on an ETA

Permitted vs restricted activities
[b]Allowed (examples)[/b][b]Not allowed[/b]
Tourism, visiting family/friends, attending events as a visitor.Paid work, self‑employment, providing services to UK clients.
Business meetings, conferences, contract negotiations.Long‑term assignments, internships or training with pay.
Short study (≤ 6 months) at accredited providers; airport transit.Activities outside visitor rules or overstaying the permitted duration.

If your plans include paid employment or longer‑term activity, apply for an appropriate UK visa instead of using an ETA.

How to apply (quick steps for Australia citizens)

  • Open the UK ETA app or web portal

    Create an account or sign in.

  • Scan or enter passport; upload photo

    Use NFC scanning in the app if available.

  • Answer eligibility questions

    Choose your purpose: tourism, business or transit.

  • Pay the £16 fee & submit

    You’ll receive a confirmation email.

  • Wait for approval

    Many decisions arrive within hours; allow up to 3 working days.

Step‑by‑step guide
Processing time
Apply for a UK ETA

Related guides & next steps