Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Why do I need an ETA?

You’ll need an ETA if you are:

• Visiting the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study
• Visiting the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
• Transiting through a UK airport – including if you’re not going through UK border control

Who will need an ETA?

From 15 November 2023, you’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK and if you’re a citizen of Qatar. You’ll be able to apply from 25 October 2023.

From 22 February 2024, you’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK and you’re a citizen of:

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

*More nationalities will be added to the scheme at a later date.

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
• A visa to enter the UK

Check if you’re eligible for a UK visa

Is the ETA a visa to enter the UK?

No, the ETA is not a visa. All other entry requirements into the UK will remain unchanged.

Find out more information on passports, visa requirements

When will the ETA scheme be implemented?

The ETA scheme will gradually roll out in November 2023, on a nationality basis, over the next two years. The UK Government will provide further details of which countries will be rolled out next in due course.

Get more information and regular updates from the UK Government

How do I apply for an ETA?

You can apply on the UK ETA app, or online at GOV.UK. Each traveller must get their own ETA, including children and babies, and you can apply on the behalf of others. You’ll normally find out within 3 working days on whether your application is successful.

Please note, applications may take longer if further checks are needed.

How much will an ETA cost?

An ETA will cost £10 per person.

How will I receive my ETA?

You’ll get an email confirmation if your application has been approved and your ETA will be linked electronically to the passport you applied with. You must use the same passport to travel.

When does my ETA expire?

Your ETA will last for two years. It will allow multiple journeys to the UK and will be valid for two years or until your passport expires – whichever is sooner.

What if I’m refused an ETA?

You’ll 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