Uk Visas Immigration
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement for people who do not need a visa to come to the UK. It gives you permission to travel to the UK, and it is electronically linked to your passport.
Youll be allowed to:
- come to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study
- come to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
- transit through the UK
You can check if you need a visa.
This page will be updated with more details.
Who will need an ETA
From 15 November 2023, youll need an ETA if youre travelling to the UK and youre a national of Qatar.
From 22 February 2024, youll need an ETA if youre travelling to the UK and youre a national of:
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
More countries will be added to the scheme later.
Who will not need an ETA
You will not need an ETA if you have either:
- a British or Irish passport
- permission to live, work or study in the UK
- avisa to enter the UK
If youre legally resident in Ireland, and you do not need a visa to visit the UK, you will not need an ETA if youre entering the UK from either:
- Ireland
- Guernsey
- Jersey
- Isle of Man
How to apply
Youll need to apply on the UK ETA app, or online on GOV.UK.
Youll usually get a decision within 3 working days, but you may get a quicker decision.
It may take longer than 3 working days if we need to make further checks.
How much it costs
We will confirm the exact cost of an ETA shortly.
Each traveller must apply for their own ETA, including children.
How youll get your ETA
Youll get an email confirmation if your application is approved.
Well link your ETA electronically to the passport you applied with. You must use the same passport to travel.
After you get your ETA
Your ETA will last for 2 years.
You can use it to make multiple visits to the UK. You still need to either use anePassport gateif you are eligible to use one or see a Border Force officer to enter the UK.
If you get a new passport in less than 2 years, youll need to get a new ETA.
An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.
If youre refused an ETA
You need to apply for either a:
- Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK
- Temporary Work - Creative Worker visa to come to the UK as a creative worker
- transit visa to transit through the UK
Watch a video to help you understand how to apply for an ETA
Last updated 9 March 2023 +show all updates
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Corrected the date from when nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates need to get an ETA. The date is 22 February 2024, not 15 February 2024.
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First published.