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UK ETA Requirements for Polish Citizens

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




Do Polish citizens need a UK ETA?


Polish passport holders are eligible for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short visits or airport transit. The ETA is an online pre-travel authorisation linked to your passport and required for visa-free travel.


  • Fee

    £16 per application, payable online.

  • Validity

    Valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.

  • Stay & entries

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

  • Processing time

    Often within hours; allow up to 3 working days.


Eligibility Overview

Apply for UK ETA


Requirements for Poland applicants


  • Valid Polish biometric passport

    Apply using the same passport you plan to travel with.

  • Recent digital photo

    Plain background, neutral expression, no glare.

  • Email address

    For receiving ETA confirmations and status updates.

  • Payment method

    Debit/credit card or digital wallet to pay the £16 fee.


Full Requirements

Photo & Passport Rules


What Polish nationals can do on an ETA


Allowed (examples)


  • Tourism, visiting family/friends, attending events

  • Business meetings, conferences, trade visits

  • Short study (≤ 6 months) and airport transit


Not allowed


  • Paid work, self-employment, providing services to UK clients

  • Internships, training with pay, or long-term assignments

  • Long-term study or residence


If you plan to work or stay long-term in the UK, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa instead of an ETA.


UK ETA Eligibility – Poland


How to apply (for Poland citizens)


  • Start your application online or via the ETA app

    Create an account or sign in to begin.

  • Scan your passport & upload photo

    Use NFC if your device supports it.

  • Answer eligibility questions

    Choose your reason for travel: tourism, business, or transit.

  • Pay £16 and submit

    A confirmation email will be sent immediately.

  • Wait for your ETA decision

    Most are approved within hours; allow up to 3 working days.


Apply for UK ETA

Processing Time


UK ETA – FAQ for Poland Citizens


Do Polish citizens need a UK ETA to travel from Poland to the UK?

Yes – all Polish passport holders travelling from Poland to the UK must have a UK ETA if they do not already hold a UK visa.

Can Polish citizens use the UK ETA for tourism or visiting family in the UK?

Yes – Polish travellers can use the UK ETA for short visits to see family, friends, or for tourism.

Can Polish citizens use the UK ETA for business trips from Poland?

Yes – the UK ETA allows short-term business visits from Poland, such as meetings, conferences, or attending events. It also covers transit through UK airports.

What documents do Polish citizens need for a UK ETA?

A valid Polish biometric passport.
A recent digital photo that meets UK ETA requirements.
An email address to receive confirmation.
A payment method (card or digital wallet) to pay the application fee.

How much does the UK ETA cost for Polish citizens, and how long is it valid?

Fee: £16.
Validity: 2 years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

How long can Polish citizens stay in the UK with a UK ETA?

Each visit can last up to 6 months. The ETA allows multiple entries while it remains valid.

How quickly do Polish citizens get a decision on their UK ETA application?

Most applicants from Poland receive a decision within hours, but it may take up to 3 working days.

Do Polish citizens already living or working in the UK need a UK ETA?

No – if you already have a valid UK visa or permission to live, work, or study in the UK, you do not need a UK ETA.

Can Polish citizens work in the UK on a UK ETA?

No – the UK ETA does not allow paid work, self-employment, or long-term study. For employment, a proper UK visa is required.

What if a Polish citizen gets a new passport after obtaining a UK ETA?

If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new UK ETA. The previous ETA will not transfer automatically.

What should Polish travellers do if their UK ETA is refused?

If refused, you may need to apply for a standard UK visa for your intended travel purpose. A refusal means you cannot rely on the ETA to travel.




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