UK ETA Tourist Visa

Journey to the UK using an ETA

The United Kingdom has introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) rule. It is for travellers who do not need a visa to travel to the UK. The UK ETA offers a cost-effective process and is easier to apply for than a Standard Visitor Visa UK application. The new system replaces the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) program.

The United Kingdom implemented the ETA system on October 25, 2023. Qatari citizens can apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) from this date. From November 15, 2023, Qatar passport holders used ETA to visit the UK.

The UK ETA is available to citizens of the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan starting from February 1, 2024. Beginning February 22, 2024, travellers from these countries need the UK ETA. After that, more countries will get the UK ETA.

The online application procedure conducts the entire process. You can even apply on behalf of fellow travellers from our website. The granted travel authorizations will be digitally linked to your passport. So, you don’t need to produce a physical copy of the approval when you travel to the UK.

When will I need to apply for an ETA UK?

Visitors who don’t need a visa must now get an ETA before travelling. Even US, Canadian, Australian, and European citizens will need an ETA for short trips. The ETA is not a visa. But it allows you to enter the country. Irish passport holders don’t need an ETA.

If you come from a country that doesn’t have an agreement with the UK, you will still need to apply for a visa and an ETA. Your ETA will be valid for up to six months and two years. If you revisit the UK within that period, you don’t need to apply for new permission to travel.

Who does not need an ETA?

If you are a traveller, you will not need an ETA if you:

  • British or Irish citizen
  • Already have a UK visa
  • Already settled in the UK or exempt from immigration control
  • A British Overseas Territory Citizen (BOTC) travelling on a BOTC passport
  • Someone with entry clearance or permission to enter or stay in the UK
 

If you live in Ireland, you don’t have to follow the ETA scheme. This applies to visitors who aren’t Irish but live in Ireland.

How long does it take to apply?

After you submit the form, you will usually get an email with a decision within three working days. If you need to travel to the UK urgently, you must apply for an ETA before you travel. The ETA will be valid for two years. The end date is the same as the traveller’s passport. If you have ETA approval, you can travel to the UK as many times as you want within the two years.

What are the reasons for ETA application refusal?

Authority can refuse an ETA application. This could happen for a few reasons:

  • Excluded or deported from the UK before
  • Received a 12-month or longer custodial sentence for a criminal offense
  • Convicted of any offence in the UK or overseas within the last year
  • Previously breached UK immigration laws
  • Provided false information in ETA applications
  • Failed to pay Home Office litigation costs
 

When filling out an ETA application, disclose all relevant information.

If your UK ETA is denied, what will you do?

If the UK refuses your ETA, you can apply for one of the following visas:

  • Standard visitor visa
  • Creative worker visa
  • Transit visa
 

If the UK rejects your application, don’t worry, contact our customer support.

Standard Visitor Visa UK

The UK visitor visa is familiar as a standard visitor visa or UK tourist visa. It allows foreigners to visit the UK as tourists for business and study. It also allows for other permitted activities. It is valid for six months.

You must meet specific eligibility requirements for a UK Visit visa. You must intend to leave the UK at the end of your stay. You also need enough money to cover the duration of your visit.

There are different categories of Visit Visas available in the United Kingdom. Like the Business Visitor Visa, Family Visitor Visa, Marriage Visitor Visa, and General Visitor Visa. There is also the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa.

UK Visitor Visa Application

For a successful Standard Visitor Visa UK, applicants must meet these criteria:

  • Genuine intention to leave the UK after the visit.
  • Adequate funds to support oneself during the stay.
  • Ability to finance the return journey.
  • No intention to live in the UK through repeated visits on a Visitor Visa.
 

Specific purposes may require extra eligibility when visiting the UK. Contact our customer service team for advice on a UK visitor visa.

UK Tourist Visa Requirements

You must have a passport or travel document. It must be valid for your whole stay in the UK. Also, your passport must have a blank page for your Standard Visitor Visa UK. You will need to provide the following information in your online application:

  1. Travel dates to the UK
  2. Accommodation details
  3. Estimated trip expenses
  4. Current home address and duration of residence
  5. Parents’ names and birthdates
  6. Annual income
  7. Disclosure of any criminal, civil, or immigration offenses
  8. 10-year travel history
  9. Employer’s contact details
  10. Partner’s name, birthdate, and passport number
  11. Trip sponsor’s details
  12. UK-based family members’ information
  13. TB test certificate (for stays over six months)
 

You must provide certified translations for documents outside of English or Welsh.

UK Tourist Visa Apply Online

To apply for a UK Visitor Visa, follow these steps:

  • Check if you need a Visitor visa.
  • Complete and submit the online application.
  • Pay the application fee.
  • Schedule a VAC appointment
  • Attend the appointment to provide documents and biometrics.
  • Receive a decision within three weeks in most cases.

Advantage of a UK Tourist Visa

Stay in the UK for up to 6 months with a Visit visa. Extend your visa if needed. Attend conferences, meet family or friends, and explore British cuisine during your stay.

Visitor visa: Permissions and prohibitions

As a Visitor Visa holder, you can engage in various activities during your 6-month stay in the UK, including:

  1. Tourism.
  2. Marriage.
  3. Visiting family or friends.
  4. Volunteering for a UK charity (up to 30 days).
  5. Transit to another country.
  6. Limited business activities.
  7. School exchange program.
  8. Recreational courses (up to 30 days).
  9. Short-term study (up to 6 months).
  10. Completing a placement.
  11. Taking an exam.
  12. Academic, senior. doctor, or dentist roles.
  13. Receiving medical treatment.
 

As a UK Visitor Visa holder, you cannot:

  1. Work.
  2. Access public. funds.
  3. Reside in the UK through frequent visits.
 

Marry without a Marriage Visitor visa.

FAQs About Tourist Visitor Visa UK

To apply for a UK tourist visa, complete an online form and schedule an appointment at a visa center. Follow these step-by-step guidelines:

  • Choose the right visa
  • Apply online
  • Pay fees
  • Book appointment
  • Upload documents
  • Visit Application Centre
  • Track application
  • Collect documents

Applying for a UK Standard Visitor Visa has become challenging with the new Immigration Rules. Clear purpose and proper documentation can increase England tourist visa approval chances.

UK Tourist Visa processing generally takes three weeks, depending on submitted documentation. Processing times for UK Visit Visas:

  • Standard Visitor: 3 weeks
  • Permitted Paid Engagement: 3 weeks
  • Marriage Visitor: 3 weeks
  • Transit: 3 weeks

UK Visitor visas permit short stays. You can extend them up to six months if granted for less than six months. Extensions can be longer than six months for medical reasons, academic purposes, or PLAB test retakes/clinical attachments.

For UK visitors, a standard visitor visa allows multiple entries. The visa holder can enter and exit the UK as often as needed within its validity, up to 6 months.

Visitors are not allowed to work in the UK unless it’s for a permitted paid engagement. You need a work visa for any other work.

Authorities may refuse visitor visas for many reasons. We recommend preparing a fresh application. Our service team can assist with your new application. We ensure it meets the criteria for a successful outcome.