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Find more info about how to answer each question below:

Select your nationality from the dropdown list. This information is used to determine the visa requirements and applicable fees.

Select the type of visa you're applying for. The various types include different durations and entry types. Make sure to choose the one that matches your travel plans.

Please select the date you will be arriving at your destination. This date will help us determine the validity period of your visa.

Enter your first name and middle name exactly as they appear in your passport, using letters A-Z.

Enter your last name exactly as it appears in your passport, using letters A-Z. If you don't have a last name, enter "N/A."

Select your date of birth from the dropdown menus. Make sure this matches the date of birth listed in your passport.

Enter your email address. We'll use this to send you updates about your application. You won't be enrolled in any promotional messages unless you click the checkbox below.

Select the nationality as it appears on your passport. This must match the nationality on the passport you're using for this application.

Check this box if you want to skip entering your passport information at this moment. You'll need to provide this information later to complete your application.

Check Your Eligibility

Who Needs a UK ETA?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a mandatory digital travel permission that applies to nationals of specific countries who wish to enter the United Kingdom without a traditional visa. The ETA programme was introduced as part of the UK Government's strategy to modernise its border management system and enhance pre-travel security screening for all incoming visitors.

If you are a citizen of an eligible country and you plan to travel to the UK for a short-term visit, you will need to apply for an ETA before your journey. The ETA is digitally linked to your passport and is checked by carriers before boarding and by UK Border Force upon arrival. Travelling without an approved ETA when one is required may result in denied boarding or refusal of entry at the UK border.

General Eligibility Criteria

The UK ETA requirement is determined primarily by your nationality and the purpose of your visit. You may need a UK ETA if the following conditions apply to your situation:

  • You hold a passport from a country included in the UK ETA programme
  • You do not currently hold a valid UK visa, British Nationality, or other form of UK entry clearance
  • You intend to visit the UK for tourism, business, transit, or other permitted short-term purposes
  • Your planned stay in the United Kingdom will be within the maximum duration permitted for ETA holders
  • You have not been previously banned or excluded from entering the UK

The UK Government determines which nationalities require an ETA. The programme is being implemented in phases, which means additional countries may be added over time. We recommend checking the latest published list of eligible nationalities before planning your travel.

Countries Included in the UK ETA Programme

The UK ETA programme currently applies to nationals from countries that previously enjoyed visa-free access to the United Kingdom but are now required to obtain pre-travel authorisation. This includes nationals from many Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and is progressively expanding to cover additional regions and nationalities worldwide.

Citizens of the following types of countries are most likely to be affected by the ETA requirement: countries with existing visa-free or visa-waiver arrangements with the UK, countries whose nationals are classified as non-visa nationals under UK immigration rules, and countries that have been added during subsequent phases of the ETA programme rollout.

Exemptions from the UK ETA Requirement

Certain categories of travellers may be exempt from the UK ETA requirement, even if their nationality would otherwise require one. The following groups may not need to apply for an ETA:

  • Valid UK visa holders: If you already have a valid UK visa (such as a Standard Visitor visa, work visa, or student visa), you do not need an ETA in addition to your visa
  • Settled or pre-settled status: Individuals who have been granted settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme do not need to apply for an ETA
  • British and Irish nationals: Citizens of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland are not required to obtain an ETA
  • Diplomatic passport holders: Certain diplomatic and official passport holders may be exempt under bilateral agreements between the UK and their home country
  • Frontier workers: Those with a valid Frontier Worker permit are exempt from the ETA requirement

Travel Purposes Covered by the UK ETA

The UK ETA permits travel to the United Kingdom for a range of short-term purposes. Understanding which activities are covered will help you determine whether an ETA is the appropriate travel document for your visit:

  • Tourism and leisure: Visiting tourist attractions, sightseeing, attending cultural events, or taking a holiday in the UK
  • Business activities: Attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, or site visits. Note that paid employment in the UK is not permitted under an ETA
  • Transit: Passing through the United Kingdom en route to another destination, whether or not you pass through UK immigration control
  • Family and personal visits: Visiting family members, friends, or partners residing in the UK
  • Short-term study: Certain short courses or training programmes may be permitted under an ETA, subject to specific conditions
  • Medical treatment: Receiving private medical treatment in the UK on a short-term basis

Activities NOT Permitted Under a UK ETA

The UK ETA does not grant permission to undertake the following activities in the United Kingdom. If your travel plans include any of these, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa instead:

  • Paid or unpaid employment in the UK
  • Long-term study at a UK educational institution
  • Settling permanently in the United Kingdom
  • Accessing public funds or benefits
  • Getting married or entering into a civil partnership in the UK (without the appropriate visa)

How to Determine Your Eligibility

To determine whether you need a UK ETA, consider the following steps: First, identify your nationality and check whether it is included in the current ETA programme. Second, confirm that you do not hold any existing UK entry clearance or visa. Third, verify that your purpose of travel falls within the activities permitted under the ETA. Finally, ensure that your planned stay does not exceed the maximum permitted duration.

If you remain unsure about your eligibility after reviewing these criteria, our support team can provide general guidance. However, please note that official eligibility determinations are made by the UK Government. For authoritative information, refer to GOV.UK.

Children and Dependants

Every traveller, regardless of age, must have their own individual UK ETA linked to their own passport. This includes infants and children. Parents or guardians are responsible for completing the ETA application on behalf of minors. Each child must have a valid passport in their own name — they cannot travel on a parent's passport for the purposes of ETA eligibility.

Important Disclaimer

We are a private third-party service providing application assistance. We are not affiliated with the UK Government or GOV.UK. The eligibility information provided on this page is based on publicly available data and is intended for general guidance only. Eligibility requirements are set by the UK Government and may change at any time without notice. Our service assists with the application process but does not make eligibility or approval decisions.

For the most current and official eligibility information, we recommend consulting the UK Government's official resources. If you believe you meet the eligibility criteria, you can begin your application through our guided application form.

Ready to begin your UK ETA application?

Start Your ETA Application