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UK ETA for Business

Travel to the UK for meetings, conferences and short professional visits with an ETA.

Overview

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) lets eligible business travellers enter the UK for short professional activities without a visa. It is a digital authorisation linked to your passport and does not permit paid work.

What you can and cannot do on a Business ETA

Business activities under an ETA
Allowed (examples)Not allowed
Attend meetings, interviews, conferences, trade fairs as a visitor.Paid employment or providing services directly to UK clients.
Negotiate and sign contracts; conduct site inspections or short field visits.Selling goods/services to the public; long-term assignments.
Deliver unpaid talks or lectures; short training not involving paid work.Paid performances or speaking engagements.

The ETA is for visitor business activities only. If you plan to do paid work or a long-term project, apply for a UK work visa.

Eligibility & documents

  • Eligible nationality & valid passport

    Your passport must be valid for your stay; eligibility depends on nationality.

  • Compliant digital photo

    Plain light background, neutral expression, good lighting.

  • Email & payment method

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

  • Supporting evidence (recommended)

    Invitation letter, proof of employment, return/onward booking, accommodation and funds.

Check full requirements
Photo & document rules

How to apply (quick steps)

  • Step 1

    Open the UK ETA app or portal

    Create an account or sign in.

  • Enter passport details & upload photo

    Use NFC scan in the app if available.

    Step 2

  • Step 3

    Choose purpose: Business

    Answer eligibility questions honestly.

  • Pay the £16 fee & submit

    You’ll receive a confirmation email.

    Step 4

  • Step 5

    Wait for approval

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

Full step-by-step guide
Apply for a UK ETA

Business ETA – FAQs

No. Paid work is not permitted under an ETA. Use a UK work visa instead.

Not mandatory, but recommended to evidence your purpose.

Up to 6 months per visit, within the ETA validity period.

No. Your ETA is digital and linked to your passport.

Apply for a new ETA — it can’t be transferred between passports.

Traveling for business?

Apply early, carry supporting documents, and keep your itinerary handy.

Apply for a UK ETA
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