United Kingdom ETA
Everything you need for your United Kingdom ETA: requirements, processing times and answers to the most common questions.
Official United Kingdom government portal- Validity
- 2 years
- Maximum stay
- 6 months per entry
- Entry type
- Multiple
Overview
The Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, is the United Kingdom's online permission to travel for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays. It is not a visa: it is a digital authorisation, linked electronically to your passport, that lets you board a carrier and request entry to the UK before you travel. An approved ETA is valid for two years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows multiple entries.
Each visit can last up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business meetings, short study or transit. The ETA does not cover paid work, long-term study or stays longer than six months, which need the corresponding UK visa applied for separately. Visa-exempt nationals are covered, including most citizens of the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan, and each traveller needs their own ETA, including children and infants.
Because the authorisation is tied to one passport, you must travel on the same passport you applied with; if you renew it, you apply again. If your nationality is not in the visa-exempt list, or you plan to live, work or study long-term in the UK, you will need a visa instead. Your UK ETA is prepared in your own language and every answer is checked before it is submitted to the Home Office.
United Kingdom ETA questions
When do I need a UK ETA?
From the date the scheme applies to your nationality (rolling 2024-2026 enrolment). If you previously entered the UK visa-free, the ETA is now mandatory before boarding. The ETA does not replace a visit visa for stays over six months.
How long does the UK government take to issue an ETA?
Most ETAs are decided within 72 hours of submission. Our Rush tier reviews your application within 24 hours so the UK Home Office receives a clean form. Super Rush prioritises review same-day.
Can I work in the UK with an ETA?
No. The ETA covers tourism, business meetings, short study and transit. Paid work requires a separate work visa. Our specialists will flag this if the wizard answers suggest a work purpose.
Does my child need their own ETA?
Yes. Each traveller including infants needs an individual ETA tied to their passport. VisitPass supports multiple travellers in a single application.
How long is the UK ETA valid?
The ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, with multiple entries of up to six months each.
How much does a UK ETA cost?
You pay one all-inclusive price that includes the UK government fee, which goes directly to UK Visas and Immigration, and our service fee for checking and submitting your application. The government portion is itemised on your receipt, with no hidden charges.
Is the official UK ETA app the only way to apply?
No. The UK Home Office runs an official UK ETA app, but using it is optional. VisitPass is an independent service that checks your details against current UK rules and submits the application for you, with the government fee passed straight to UK Visas and Immigration.
Do US citizens need a UK ETA?
Yes. US citizens are visa-exempt for short visits but now need an approved ETA before they board, just like most European, Canadian, Australian and Japanese travellers. It is valid for two years and allows multiple stays of up to six months. We confirm your eligibility against the current list before you pay.
Do I need to print my UK ETA before I travel?
No. The approved ETA is held electronically against your passport, so the airline and UK Border Force read it automatically when your passport is scanned and there is nothing to print or carry. We still suggest saving your approval email or application reference so you can check the status before you fly if you want to.
How long can I stay, and can I extend a UK ETA?
Each entry on an ETA allows a stay of up to six months for tourism, family visits, business or short study. The six months cannot be extended on an ETA, and you cannot use back-to-back trips to live in the UK. If you need to stay longer, apply for the appropriate UK visa before you travel rather than relying on the ETA.
Do I need a UK ETA if I am only transiting?
Usually yes. Most visa-exempt travellers need an approved ETA to transit through the UK, including when changing flights airside without passing through border control. A narrow set of airside transit cases can differ, so we check your itinerary and nationality against the current rules and tell you whether an ETA is required for your connection.
What happens if my UK ETA is refused?
If an ETA is not approved it usually means a visit visa is the right route for that trip, for example because of a previous immigration issue or criminal record, and you would apply for the appropriate UK visa instead. Where a refusal is outside your control our service fee is refunded; the government fee is paid to the authority and is non-refundable.
How far in advance should I apply for a UK ETA?
Apply a few days before you travel rather than at the airport. The UK Home Office decides most ETAs within 72 hours, and many the same day, but a case can occasionally take longer if it needs extra checks. Booking ahead gives room for that decision and a margin to fix any error, especially before non-refundable flights or hotels. An approved ETA stays valid for two years, so applying early carries no downside.
What is the most common reason a UK ETA is delayed or refused, and how can I avoid it?
Most avoidable problems come from a mismatch with your passport: a mistyped name, a wrong passport number, or a date entered incorrectly. Because the ETA is linked electronically to your passport, even one wrong character can hold you up at boarding. We check every answer against the details you enter and flag anything inconsistent before submission, so the UK Home Office receives a clean, accurate application.
What might a UK Border Force officer ask me on arrival?
An ETA lets you travel and request entry, but a Border Force officer makes the final decision. They may ask the purpose and length of your visit, where you are staying, and whether you can support yourself, so keep your return or onward ticket, your accommodation address and proof of funds easy to reach. Honest, consistent answers that match your ETA application make arrival straightforward.
What photo do I need for a UK ETA?
You need a recent, clear photograph of your face on a plain, light background, with no hat or sunglasses and your eyes open. A phone photo taken in good, even light is usually enough, and the official UK ETA app can capture it during the application. The photo is the item travellers most often overlook, so we prompt you for a usable image before your application goes to the UK Home Office.
More help from VisitPass
Browse our full Help Center for speed, payments, refunds, documents and security.
Visit the full Help CenterUnited Kingdom help desk
Have questions about your ETA? Email the United Kingdom desk and we reply within 24 hours.
uk@visitpass-online.com