UK ETA
Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) Get your ETA fast and easy with simple steps And you are ready to travel to the United Kingdom.
WHAT IS THE ELECTRONIC
TRAVEL AUTHORISATION?
The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA) is a travel authorization issued by the British government to nationals of countries who are exempt from obtaining a UK visa. It is mandatory to apply for and obtain this authorization before traveling to the United Kingdom, and is designed for visits, transit, or Creative Workers under certain conditions.
This electronic authorization is a streamlined option for eligible individuals and is a key part of the government’s effort to digitize border control by 2025. The UK ETA facilitates various travel purposes, including tourism, family visits, business, and short-term study, offering an efficient
UK VISA VS. ETA
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is not a visa, but a special entry authorization for nationals from specific visa-exempt countries. Unlike the standard visitor visa, which is required for a wide range of nationalities andtypically involves a detailed application process,including offline steps, the ETA offers an efficient, entirely online application method.
Another difference between the UK standard visitor visa and the ETA is their validity and associated costs. The ETA United Kingdom remains valid for up to two years or until the passport it’s linked to expires, allowing for multiple entries into the UK for stays of up to six months each. In contrast, the standard visitor visa is tailored to various durations based on the visa type and typically permits multiple entries. Notably, the ETA is cost-effective compared to the diverse fees required for different types of visitor visas.
UK ETA
- Entirely online application method.
- Simple and streamlined application process.
- Valid for up to two years.
- More cost-effective than traditional visas.
UK VISA
- Entirely online application method.
- Simple and streamlined application process.
- Valid for up to two years.
- More cost-effective than traditional visas.
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
We offer insights into Electronic Travel Authorization, UK ETA requirements, and eligibility criteria, along with
step-by-step instructions for preparing and submitting your
WHO DOESN'T NEED THE UK ETA?
Not every traveler is required to obtain the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for entry into the United Kingdom. Some individuals might need a visa instead, or they might be exempt from both the visa and ETA requirements due to their specific circumstances. The UK ETA permits engagement in several activities, such as the following:
Other Nationalities
Currently, nationals from countries that are visa-exempt, other than those eligible for the ETA, do not require this authorization.
Visa Holders and UK Residents
Those who possess a valid visa or have permission to live, work, or study in the UK do not need the ETA.
British or Irish Passport Holders
Individuals holding a British or Irish passport are not required to obtain the ETA.
Residents of Ireland
If traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, they are also exempt from the ETA.
VISA HOLDERS AND UK RESIDENTS, CITIZENS
Individuals who already hold a UK visa or have permission to live, work, or study in the UK are exempt.
IRISH RESIDENTS AND CITIZENS
Non-Irish citizens who are legally resident in the Republic of Ireland and travelling from within the Common Travel Area (which includes Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man) do not require an ETA.
WHO NEEDS
THE UK ETA?
The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is being implemented in stages, starting with nationals from certain countries, including those in the Gulf region, with further expansion planned in the near future.
The requirement for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) was first introduced for Qatari nationals on November 15, 2023. As part of the scheme’s expansion, from February 1, 2024, nationals from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Jordan became eligible to apply for an ETA, effective for travel starting from February 22, 2024. However, in September 2024, Jordan was removed from the list of eligible nationalities for the UK ETA. On November 27, 2024 the UK ETA was expanded to an additional 49 non-European countries. Currently the following countries are required to apply for UK ETA in advance before traveling to the United Kingdom
Antigua and Barbuda
Agrentina
Australia
Bahamas
Aland Islands
The final phase will apply to eligible European countries, which will be able to start applying for an ETA from March 5, 2025, and will be required to have an ETA to travel to the UK from April 2, 2025. This list of countries includes Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Vatican City.
ETA VALIDITY
AND DURATION OF STAY
VALIDITY
2 YEARS
The ETA is a multiple-entry permit and remains valid for two years from the date of issuance. If the ETA holder’s passport expires before the two-year deadline, then the authorization is invalidated. ETA holders must use their authorization by traveling to the UK before it
DURATION OF STAY
6 MONTH
Eligible travelers who obtain an ETA can stay for up to 6 months in the UK for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or engaging in business or short-term study. Those traveling under the Creative Worker visa concession can come to the UK for up to 3 months. Additionally, individuals utilizing the Permitted Paid Engagement pathway are allowed to stay for up to 1 month.
RENEWAL
EXTENSIONS
The United Kingdom ETA cannot be renewed or extended. Once issued, it is linked to the specific passport used during the initial application. If a traveler’s passport expires or they obtain a new passport, they must apply for a new ETA. There are no provisions for renewing or extending the validity of an existing ETA.
WHAT CAN I DO
WITH THE UK ETA?
The UK ETA is designed to allow eligible travelers a convenient way to experience all the UK has to offer. However, there are some guidelines for what ETA holder can do.
TOURISM OR VISITING FAMILY
AND FRIENDS.
SHORT-TERM
BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
ACADEMIC PURPOSES
CREATICE WORKERS
TRANSIT THROUGH THE UK
While the UK ETA accommodates various travel activities, it’s important to note that for other purposes not specifically mentioned here, travelers, including those eligible based on their nationality, may require a different relevant visa type.
UK ETA REQUIERMENTS
To apply for a UK ETA, all eligible travelers must provide some basic requirements. The following are mandatory requirements for all applicants:
This is the heading
Passports must be valid and from an eligible country. It’srecommended to have at least two years of validity to benefit from the full validity period of the ETA.
PERSONAL PHOTO
Applicants must submit a recent portrait-style photograph capturing the upper body, which complies with standard specifications.
PAYMENT METHOD
Applicants must possess a valid credit/debit card or have access to Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay the ETA UK fee.
HOW TO APPLY FOR
THE UK ETA
The United Kingdom ETA application process is verystraightforward and can be completed online. Eligible nationals can swiftly finalize their application within moments.
Applicants can take the following basic steps to complete their ETA application:
1
FILL OUT THE
APPLICATION
FORM
Complete the online application by entering your personal information and attaching necessary documents.
2
PAY THE
REQUIRED FEES
Proceed with the payment to finalize your application submission
3
RECEIVE
YOUR ETA
Once approved, your ETA decision will be emailed directly to you. it will be digitaly linked to your current passport, allowing entry into the UK with this passport
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is eligible to apply for the
Electronic Travel Authority UK?
Nationals of Qatar can apply for ETA now, and nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE can apply for ETA UK starting February 1, 2024, for travel on or after February 22, 2024.
Are there exemptions from
obtaining an ETA for Travelling to
the UK?
Yes, citizens of other visa-exempt countries, such as Canada, Australia, the EU countries, and the United States, currently do not need an ETA but may be required to apply for one in the future. Individuals with a valid visa, permission to live, work, or study in the UK, or those holding a British or Irish passport are also exempt.
What can I do in the UK while
holding an ETA?
An ETA is suitable for various purposes, including tourism, visiting family and friends, business, short-term study (up to 6 months), Creative Worker concessions (up to 3 months), Permitted Paid Engagements (up to 1 month), and transit through the UK.
How long is the United Kingdom
ETA valid for?
The ETA is valid for two years and allows stays based on the specific purpose, ranging from up to 6 months for general visits to shorter durations for creative work or permitted paid engagements.
UK ETA
PROCESSING TIME
NORMAL
Applicants will most likely receive their ETA UK decision within three (3) working days after submitting their application. It is possible that the decision will be made in less time, depending on the applicant’s unique case. However, certain circumstances can extend this processing time.
DELAY
Certain circumstances can extend this processing time:
- Additional Security Checksz
If further verification or security checks are needed.
- High Volume of Applications
Delays can occur during peak travel times or due to operational reasons.
- Errors or Incompleteness
Applications with mistakes or missing information may take longer to process.
UK ETA DECISION
After the application is processed, the applicant will receive a decision on their ETA application by email.
APPROVAL
If approved, the ETA confirmation is sent to the email address provided during the application process. The ETA is electronically linked to the applicant’s passport, and travelers will not need a physical copy to present. However, applicants are encouraged to carry a printed copy for reference. The ETA allows for multiple visits to the UK, as long as the ETA is valid, with each visit lasting up to six months.
REJECTION
WE WILL ASSIST YOU IN
EVERY STEP
Apply for your UK Electronic Travel Authorization today.
Simplyfill out the online form to get started
This website is designed to provide travelers with information and assistance in completing the necessary steps for the online Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) application, at additional professional fees. AL WAHBA LLC is a travel and tourism agency based in 2532 Grayson Cir, San Antonio, Texas , 78232 ,USA, licensed by the Government Of USA Department of Economy and Tourism. We are not affiliated with the United Kingdom government in any way. Applicants still have the option to apply for the UK ETA on their own via the official government portal at gov.uk without paying any additional professional fees.