The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permit required for travelers from visa-exempt countries to visit the United Kingdom for tourism, business, or short-term study. Introduced to enhance border security, the ETA ensures a seamless entry process for eligible travelers. But not everyone qualifies, and failing to meet eligibility requirements could derail your travel plans, leaving you stranded at the airport.
At Apply UK ETA, we make it easy to confirm your eligibility and secure your ETA quickly. Don’t risk rejection or delays with unreliable services—trust the market leader to guide you every step of the way. Let’s explore who needs an ETA and how to qualify in 2025.
The UK ETA is mandatory for nationals of visa-exempt countries planning to enter the UK for short stays (up to 6 months) for purposes like tourism, visiting family, business, or short-term study. As of 2025, the ETA requirement applies to a wide range of nationalities, with specific rollout dates:
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a mandatory requirement for nationals of visa-exempt countries planning to enter the UK for short stays of up to six months. This includes visits for tourism, business, family visits, or short-term study. The rollout of the ETA system is being implemented in phases.
Qatar nationals were the first to qualify, with applications opening on 25 October 2023 for travel from 15 November 2023. Beginning 1 February 2024, nationals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, and Saudi Arabia became eligible to apply for a UK ETA, although Jordan—initially included—was removed in September 2024 and now requires a visa.
Starting 8 January 2025, with applications opening on 27 November 2024, citizens of a large group of countries can apply. These include Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong SAR, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao SAR (including British nationals overseas), Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States, and Uruguay.
Finally, from 5 March 2025, travelers from Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Vatican City will also be eligible to apply for a UK ETA, for travel beginning 2 April 2025.
Andorra
Bahamas
Botswana
Chile
Denmark
Greece
Hungary
Kiribati
Luxembourg
Marshall Islands
Nauru
Oman
Peru
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Saint Kitts & Nevis
Tuvalu
Antigua & Barbuda
Bahrain
Brazil
Costa Rica
Estonia
Grenada
Iceland
Kuwait
Macao
Mauritius
Netherlands
Palau
Poland
San Marino
South Korea
Saint Lucia
UAE
Argentina
Barbados
Brunei
Croatia
Finland
Guatemala
Italy
Latvia
Malaysia
Mexico
New Zealand
Panama
Portugal
Saudi Arabia
Slovakia
Sweden
United States
Australia
Belgium
Bulgaria
Cyprus
France
Guyana
Israel
Liechtenstein
Maldives
Micronesia
Nicaragua
Papua New Guinea
Qatar
Seychelles
Slovenia
Switzerland
Uruguay
Austria
Belize
Canada
Czechia
Germany
Hong Kong
Japan
Lithuania
Malta
Monaco
Norway
Paraguay
Romania
Singapore
Spain
Tonga
Vatican City
Andorra
Australia
Bahrain
Belize
Brunei
Chile
Cyprus
Estonia
Germany
Guatemala
Hungary
Israel
Kuwait
Lithuania
Malaysia
Marshall Islands
Micronesia
Netherlands
Norway
Panama
Peru
Qatar
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Saint Kitts & Nevis
Switzerland
UAE
Antigua & Barbuda
Austria
Barbados
Botswana
Bulgaria
Costa Rica
Czechia
Finland
Greece
Guyana
Iceland
Japan
Latvia
Luxembourg
Maldives
Mauritius
Monaco
New Zealand
Oman
Papua New Guinea
Poland
Romania
Saudi Arabia
Solomon Islands
Slovenia
Saint Lucia
Tonga
United States
Vatican City
Argentina
Bahamas
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
Croatia
Denmark
France
Grenada
Hong Kong
Italy
Kiribati
Liechtenstein
Macao
Malta
Mexico
Nauru
Nicaragua
Palau
Paraguay
Portugal
Samoa
Seychelles
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Tuvalu
Uruguay
Not everyone requires an ETA to travel to the UK. The following groups are exempt:
Before applying for a UK ETA, it’s essential to understand the requirements to ensure a smooth and successful application process. Here’s what you need to know:
Applicants must possess a valid passport from an eligible country with a minimum validity period beyond their intended stay in the UK.
A recent, clear passport-sized photo of the applicant is required, meeting specific size and format requirements outlined by the UK authorities.
Applicants need a valid payment method, such as a credit or debit card, to pay the processing fee for the UK ETA application.
A valid email address is essential for receiving updates, notifications, and the final decision on the UK ETA application.
The United Kingdom ETA application process is very straightforward and can be completed online. Eligible nationals can swiftly finalize their application within moments.
Our process is designed to be so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t apply sooner. Here’s how it works:
Enter your personal details and passport information in our user-friendly application portal.
Pay with a credit/debit card or digital wallet through our encrypted payment gateway.
Your approved ETA will be emailed to you and linked to your passport, ready for travel.
That’s it! No complicated forms, no endless waiting. With Apply UK ETA, you’re just a few clicks away from exploring the UK’s castles, countryside, and culture. Apply now to lock in your travel plans before it’s too late.
The processing time for a UK ETA is typically within three (3) working days. Applicants can expect to receive their ETA confirmation within this timeframe after submitting the required documents and payment.
Travelers from visa-exempt countries, such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, need a UK ETA. Check your eligibility on our website to confirm. With Apply UK ETA, we make it easy to verify and apply in minutes.
The UK ETA fee is affordable, and with Apply UK ETA, you get transparent pricing with no hidden costs. For exact pricing, visit our application page. Don’t risk cheap services that compromise quality—choose the best.
Most UK ETA applications are processed within 3 working days. Apply UK ETA’s streamlined process ensures lightning-fast approvals, so you’re travel-ready without delays.
A UK ETA allows multiple entries for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. With Apply UK ETA, we ensure your application is error-free for maximum validity.
Yes, every traveler, including children, needs a UK ETA. Apply UK ETA’s user-friendly platform lets you apply for multiple family members quickly and securely.
Rejections are rare but can occur due to incorrect details or ineligibility. Apply UK ETA’s expert team reviews your application to minimize errors, and our support is here to help resolve issues fast.
If you’re transiting through the UK without passing border control, you may not need an ETA. However, requirements vary. Use Apply UK ETA’s eligibility checker to confirm and avoid surprises.
The United Kingdom ETA is an electronic travel authorization, serving as a necessary prerequisite for entry for nationals of countries who are exempt from obtaining a UK visa, not an e-visa UK. This differs from the UK eVisa, which is an online record detailing a traveler’s immigration status and the conditions of their permission to enter or stay in the UK.
The UK ETA is your gateway to exploring London’s vibrant streets, Scotland’s rugged highlands, or Wales’ historic castles. But without confirming your eligibility, you could face denied boarding or entry, turning your dream trip into a nightmare. Apply UK ETA makes it effortless to verify your status and secure your ETA with confidence.
With the 2025 rollout expanding to European nationals and high demand for ETAs, now is the time to act. Check your eligibility, apply with the best, and travel worry-free.
