UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) lets you visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study. You will need an ETA if you are transiting through the UK – even if you’re not going through UK border control.

The ETA permits multiple journeys and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner) however, permission to enter upon arrival in the UK is up to 6 months maximum only. Visitors must still ensure they meet the Standard Visitor visa requirements at the point of arrival in the UK and throughout their visit duration.

You must ensure they do not overstay your permission in the UK.

If you’re visiting for another reason, such as longer-term study (over 6 months) or work you should check if you need a visa instead. For longer term stays and other visits, you may need a different visa. 

You do not need an ETA if you already have a visa or permission to live, work or study in the UK (i.e. you have a Student Route visa or other permission). If you are unsure, please email International@CampusLife with details so we can advise you further.

If you course requires an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate, you will need to apply in advance of travel, even if you come with an ETA.

Please see the section below for information on who is currently eligible for an ETA. 

You can apply for an ETA instead of a Visitor Visa if you are a national of:

• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

You cannot use a passport issued by one of these countries to apply for an ETA if you are not a national of that country. Other nationalities cannot and do not need to apply yet.

An ETA currently costs £10 per application. Each person travelling needs their own EVW, including children and babies.

The ETA fee is non-refundable.

Decisions for ETAs are usually returned within 3 working days, but this may be quicker. Occasionally, it may take longer than 3 working days. You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK. You can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision if you need to travel sooner.

To apply, you will need to:

• have the passport you will travel with (not a photocopy)
• have access to your emails
• provide contact and passport details
• provide a valid photograph which meets UKVI requirements 
• answer a set of questions about yourself/travellers
• have access to a payment method (a credit card or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay)

You must upload or take photos of the:

• passport
• face of the person applying

You do not need to enter your travel details.

The fastest way to apply is using the UK ETA mobile app (please follow the links at the Government website)

If you require help with the mobile app, you can find guide on using the UK ETA app here.

If you do not have access to the mobile app, you can apply online at this website.

You should get an email confirming you have successfully been given an ETA. UKVI will link your ETA to the passport you applied with.  

Your ETA will last for 2 years or until your passport expires (which ever is sooner). You can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time using the ETA.

Each time you must travel using the same passport you used when you applied for your ETA - if you change your passport, you need to apply for a new ETA.

You still need to see a Border Force officer to enter the UK when you arrive and an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.

If your ETA application is refused, you will need to apply for a visa if you wish to seek permission come to the UK (please email International@CampusLife if you require more information).

The EVW was replaced by the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and can no longer be applied for or used to come to the UK.