UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) 2025 – Guide for Short-Stay Visitors

As of November 2025, the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system has been rolled out to almost all non-visa nationals, including travellers from all EU and EEA countries (except Ireland), Switzerland, and most other visa-exempt nationalities. A small number of countries have moved back to the visitor visa regime instead. This means that for most short-stay visitors, travelling to the UK now requires securing ETA approval before boarding a flight or ferry.

The ETA system is designed to strengthen border security, streamline processing, and align the UK with digital pre-clearance models already used in the EU, US, and Canada. For travellers, it introduces a new mandatory step that requires awareness, accuracy, and early preparation.

This guide explains what ETA is, who needs it, how to apply, and the risks of travelling without approval.

What Is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital pre-approval system for visitors travelling to the UK. It verifies a traveller’s details before they arrive, reducing border risks and streamlining entry checks.

Unlike a visa, the ETA is quicker and easier to obtain. Applicants complete the process online, submit biometric details, and pay a small fee. Once granted, the ETA is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport.

The UK introduced the ETA to modernise border control. It aligns with international travel standards and helps authorities pre-screen visitors, ensuring only those who meet requirements can board a flight or ferry to the UK.

How to Apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation

Applying for a UK ETA is a straightforward process if you follow the official steps. Each stage requires accuracy, from eligibility checks to payment confirmation. Below is a clear, step-by-step breakdown of the ETA application process for short-stay visitors entering the UK in 2025.

Step 1 – Check Your Eligibility

• Confirm that your nationality requires an ETA for entry into the UK.
• The system covers short-stay visitors, including tourism, business, and transit.
• Travellers who already hold a UK visa or settlement status do not need an ETA.

 Step 2 – Prepare the Required Documents

• Have a valid biometric passport with at least six months’ validity.
• Ensure your email address and payment method (debit/credit card) are ready.
• Double-check personal details, as errors can lead to delays or refusal.

Step 3 – Complete the Online Application Form

• Access the official UK ETA portal or app provided by the Home Office.
• Enter personal details, passport information, and intended travel purpose.
• Upload supporting information where requested, ensuring accuracy and consistency.

Step 4 – Pay the ETA Application Fee

• The ETA fee is payable online at the time of submission.
• Payment is non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
• Keep the transaction confirmation as proof of successful submission.

Step 5 – Submit the Application and Await Processing

• Once submitted, your ETA request enters automated security checks.
• Typical processing times are within 48 to 72 hours.
• Applications may take longer if additional checks are required.

Step 6 – Receive and Verify Your ETA Approval

• Approved ETAs are delivered electronically via email or app.
• The ETA is digitally linked to your passport and does not require printing.
• Verify that all details match your passport before travelling.

Step 7 – Travel to the UK with Your ETA

• Present your biometric passport at the airline check-in or border control.
• Border systems automatically verify your ETA status against your passport.
• Without a valid ETA, boarding may be denied, even with booked tickets.

Validity of the UK ETA

• The ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first).
• Allows multiple short visits of up to 6 months each.
• Covers travel for tourism, business meetings, study (short-term), and family visits.

Documents and Information Needed for a UK ETA Application

Applying for a UK ETA requires accurate and up-to-date information. The application system is strict, and even small errors can lead to refusal. Travellers must ensure all documents and details match their passport records exactly.

The most important document is a valid biometric passport from an eligible country. The passport must be machine-readable and valid for the entire stay. If the passport expires sooner, the ETA will expire with it, even if the authorisation period has not finished.

Applicants must also provide a digital passport-style photograph. This photo must be clear, taken within the last six months, and meet UK Home Office standards. Blurred, poorly lit, or altered images can result in rejection.

Personal information, including full name, date of birth, and nationality, must be entered exactly as shown on the passport. Any difference, even a missing middle name or typo, may cause delays or refusal.

ETA applications only require passport information and core personal details. Applicants are not required to provide a flight number or a UK address at the time of applying. The system is designed to approve travellers based on identity verification and security checks, not on specific travel arrangements. Providing accurate personal information is what ensures a reliable approval outcome.

Applicants will also answer security and background questions, covering criminal convictions, past immigration breaches, and health concerns such as infectious diseases. False answers can lead to permanent bans.

Payment details are required to cover the application fee, which must be paid online via debit or credit card. Once processed, the applicant receives confirmation that the form has been submitted successfully.

Who Needs an ETA to Travel to the UK?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation applies to most travellers visiting for short stays. It covers tourism, business, visiting family, and short study or medical trips. Unlike a full visa, it only applies to those from non-Visa national countries. This means travellers from nations not already needing a visitor visa must apply for an ETA.

Nationals of countries such as the EU, EEA, Gulf states, and many Commonwealth nations fall under this requirement. British and Irish citizens are exempt, as are lawful UK residents. Travellers already holding a UK visa or status under schemes like the EU Settlement Scheme also don’t need an ETA. Airlines and carriers will check ETA approval before boarding, and failure to hold one will likely result in being refused travel.

The ETA rollout is being phased in by nationality, with implementation expanding throughout 2025. By the end of the year, it is expected to cover all non-visa nationals, creating a single, uniform system for advance travel authorisation. This shift aligns the UK with comparable EU systems such as ETIAS, ensuring consistent entry checks across inbound travellers.

Cromwell Wilkes advises businesses and individuals to review upcoming ETA requirements early, update internal travel policies, and ensure all staff or family members secure authorisation before booking travel. Taking proactive steps reduces the risk of delays, refusals, or last-minute disruptions.

Who Needs a UK ETA in 2025?

• EU and EEA nationals travelling for short visits
• Citizens of Gulf states (e.g. Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait)
• Nationals of many Commonwealth countries who don’t usually need a visa
• Visitors entering for tourism, family visits, business trips, or short study/medical stays
• All non-Visa nationals by the end of 2025

Who Does NOT Need a UK ETA?

• British citizens
• Irish citizens
• Lawful UK residents with valid visas or status (e.g. EU Settlement Scheme, Indefinite Leave to Remain)
• Travellers already holding a valid UK visa.

 

UK ETA Costs and Potential Hidden Risks

Applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is cheaper than applying for a visa, but travellers must understand the full costs and risks. As of April 2025, the government fee is £16. While straightforward in most cases, hidden issues such as refusals or additional applications can increase the real cost of travel.

Cost of UK ETA 2025

The official government fee for a UK ETA is £16 as of April 2025. Applicants pay online using debit or credit cards, with most major international cards accepted. Compared with standard visa fees, which range from hundreds to thousands of pounds, the ETA remains an affordable option for eligible travellers.

Common Reasons for Refusal

Despite the low fee, an ETA refusal can cause serious disruption. Refusals often result from incorrect personal details, such as errors in passport numbers or travel history. Past immigration violations, overstays, or visa refusals may also trigger rejection. In some cases, security concerns flagged during checks can lead to denial.

What to Do if Your ETA Is Refused

If your ETA is refused, you may reapply, but you should correct any errors before doing so. For refusals linked to immigration history or security issues, legal advice may be necessary to explore your options. In some cases, an alternative visa route—such as a Standard Visitor Visa—may provide a solution, though it involves higher costs and longer processing times.

UK ETA vs UK Visitor Visa – What’s the Difference?

As of April 2025, the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) applies to non-visa nationals. It grants quick pre-clearance to enter the UK for short stays without the need for a full visa. In contrast, a UK Visitor Visa is required for visa nationals, involving a formal application process and stricter checks. The ETA simplifies entry but is not a full visa; it only covers short visits, not work, settlement, or long-term stays.

ETA for Business Travellers and Employers

Business travel plays a major role in UK immigration planning. Employers must understand how the ETA applies to staff and visiting partners, especially when travel involves meetings, training, or conferences. Clear guidance helps prevent errors and ensures compliance with UK entry rules.

Business Meetings and Conferences

A UK ETA allows entry for business meetings, negotiations, and conferences. It streamlines short visits where no paid employment is involved. Business travellers can attend industry events, client discussions, or internal company sessions under this authorisation.

Work Restrictions with an ETA

An ETA does not permit paid work or long-term assignments in the UK. Business travellers must remain within the permitted scope of activities. Attempting employment or project delivery under an ETA breaches immigration rules and risks refusal of future entry.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers must confirm that staff or visiting partners have the correct authorisation. Checking ETA eligibility prevents costly compliance breaches. Ensuring accurate documentation protects both the business and the traveller from penalties or reputational damage.

ETA Exemptions and Special Cases

Not every traveller needs a UK ETA. The system has clear exemptions designed to reflect existing border agreements and immigration status. Irish citizens are covered by the Common Travel Area, so no ETA applies. Residents and existing visa holders also remain exempt. Transit passengers may face different requirements, depending on their route and nationality. Understanding these exemptions prevents confusion and ensures smooth entry through UK border controls.

How Cromwell Wilkes Can Help with UK Travel and Immigration

Travelling to the UK often raises questions, and immigration rules can be complex. Our team at Cromwell Wilkes provides clear advice for travellers who need certainty before they fly. We guide clients through ETA applications, visitor visa requirements, and complex entry issues. If your ETA is refused or you face a complex case, we build strong, evidence-led applications. As UK immigration law experts, we are the firm people trust for reliable guidance.

Please complete this form with as much information as possible for your consultation. This will enable your appointed Cromwell Wilkes lawyer to provide you with the best service and support. Rest assured that we will prioritise your inquiry, and you should receive a response within 24-48 hours.

FAQs – UK ETA 2025

How long does a UK ETA take to process?
Most applications are decided within 72 hours, though some are approved in minutes. Delays occur if extra checks are needed.

Do children need an ETA for the UK?
Yes. Every traveller, including children and infants, must hold an ETA before travelling.

Is a UK ETA valid for multiple trips?
Yes. An ETA allows repeated entry for up to two years or until your passport expires.

Can I extend my stay beyond 6 months with an ETA?
No. The ETA permits visits of up to six months only. Longer stays require the appropriate visa.

What happens if my ETA expires while I’m in the UK?
Your ETA must remain valid for entry. Expiry while inside the UK does not affect your right to remain during your authorised stay.

Do I need both an ETA and a visa?
No. If you qualify for an ETA, you don’t need a separate visa for standard visits. For work, study, or settlement, a visa is required.