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UK Electronic Travel Authorization

Your gateway to visiting the United Kingdom

Check if you need an ETA

Enter your nationality and travel date to check if you need a UK ETA

What is the UK ETA?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a new digital permission to travel that will be required for visitors who do not need a visa to enter the United Kingdom.

Initial Launch - Qatar

The ETA scheme begins with visitors from Qatar. This initial phase allows the UK to test and refine the system.

Eligible Nationalities:

Qatar flagQatar

Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordan

The scheme expands to include visitors from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

Eligible Nationalities:

Bahrain flagBahrain
Kuwait flagKuwait
Oman flagOman
Saudi Arabia flagSaudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates
Jordan flagJordan

Worldwide Implementation

The ETA requirement extends to all visitors who do not need a visa to enter the UK, including EU citizens, and travelers from the USA, Canada, Australia, and other visa-exempt countries.

Eligible Nationalities:

European Union flagEuropean Union
United States flagUnited States
Canada flagCanada
Australia flagAustralia
New Zealand flagNew Zealand
Japan flagJapan
South Korea flagSouth Korea
Singapore flagSingapore
Switzerland flagSwitzerland
Norway flagNorway
Iceland flagIceland

ETA Requirements

To apply for a UK ETA, you will need to prepare the following documents and information:

Valid Passport

Your passport must meet specific requirements for the ETA application.

Requirements:

  • At least 6 months validity from your planned arrival date
  • Must be in good condition with no damage
  • Must have at least one blank page
  • Must be a regular passport (not emergency or temporary)
  • Must be machine-readable with two lines of letters, numbers and chevrons (<<<) at the bottom of the personal information page

Document Examples:

Good passport condition

Clean, undamaged passport with clear machine-readable zone and no tears or water damage

Unacceptable passport condition

Damaged passport with torn pages, water damage, or unclear machine-readable zone

Digital Photograph

A recent digital photograph meeting UK government standards.

Requirements:

  • Taken within the last month
  • Clear, in focus, and in color
  • Taken against a plain light background
  • Show your full face, front view with eyes open
  • No head covering (unless for religious or medical reasons)
  • Size: minimum 600x750 pixels
  • File format: JPEG or PNG

Photo Examples:

Acceptable photo

Clear, front-facing photo with neutral expression, plain background, and good lighting

Unacceptable photo

Poor quality, side angle, wearing sunglasses, or inappropriate background

Contact Information

Current contact details and travel information.

Requirements:

  • Valid email address
  • Current residential address
  • Phone number
  • Travel dates and accommodation details in the UK
  • Emergency contact information

Payment Method

A valid payment method to pay the ETA application fee.

Requirements:

  • Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express)
  • Card must be valid for online international payments
  • Application fee: £10 per person
  • Additional service fees may apply

Key Dates & Information

Important dates and deadlines for the UK ETA implementation. Plan your travel accordingly to ensure compliance with the new requirements.

Initial Launch for Qatar

UK ETA requirement begins for visitors from Qatar. This marks the first phase of the ETA implementation.

GCC Countries and Jordan

ETA requirement extends to visitors from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.

Global Implementation

ETA becomes mandatory for all visa-exempt visitors, including EU citizens and travelers from the USA, Canada, and Australia.

Important Notice

Travelers must obtain their ETA before booking flights or making travel arrangements. Applications should be submitted at least 72 hours before travel.

Travel Planning

Once approved, your ETA is valid for multiple visits over two years. Keep your ETA confirmation accessible during travel.

Application Process

Follow these steps to obtain your UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The process is designed to be straightforward and efficient.

Step 1: Complete Online Application

Fill out the ETA application form with your personal and travel information

  • 1Provide personal details (name, date of birth, nationality)
  • 2Enter passport information
  • 3Upload a recent digital photo
  • 4Specify travel dates and accommodation details
  • 5Answer security and background questions
Approximately 10-15 minutes
Have your passport and travel details ready before starting the application

Step 2: Identity Verification

Submit required documents and complete the verification process

  • 1Upload passport bio page scan
  • 2Verify email address
  • 3Complete facial recognition check if required
  • 4Provide additional documents if requested
Approximately 5-10 minutes
Ensure all document scans are clear and meet the specified requirements

Step 3: Payment

Pay the ETA application and service fees

  • 1Review the total cost breakdown
  • 2Select your preferred payment method
  • 3Complete the secure payment process
  • 4Receive payment confirmation
2-3 minutes
Payment is non-refundable once the application is submitted

Step 4: Receive Your ETA

Wait for processing and receive your approved ETA

  • 1Application review by UK authorities
  • 2Receive email notifications about status
  • 3Download your ETA confirmation
  • 4Save digital copy for your records
Processing time: 48-72 hours
Keep your ETA reference number safe - you'll need it for travel

Costs & Fees

As a professional visa agency, we provide comprehensive support throughout your ETA application process. Our services include expert application review, dedicated assistance, and guidance to ensure a smooth experience.

Contact Us

Have questions about the UK ETA application process? Get in touch with our expert team.

98%
Application Success Rate
24/7
Customer Support
<72h
Average Processing Time
50K+
Applications Processed

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

ETA United Kingdom

This is a private visa application service. We are not affiliated with the UK government. Additional service fees apply on top of the official ETA fee.

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