UK ETA Application Requirements 2025 – Complete Guide

Traveling to the United Kingdom is about to change in 2025. The UK government is rolling out the UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), a new digital entry permit for nationals of visa-exempt countries.

If you’re planning to visit the UK for tourism, family visits, business trips, or even a short study course, you’ll need to understand the UK ETA application requirements before booking your flight.

This complete guide will walk you through every detail — documents, eligibility, costs, processing time, and common mistakes — so you don’t have to jump between different websites.

What Is the UK ETA?

The UK ETA is an electronic travel authorisation designed to simplify border control while enhancing security. It works much like the US ESTA or Canada’s eTA.

Instead of applying for a visa, travelers from visa-exempt countries will now need an ETA for short stays of up to 6 months.

It’s:

• 100% online

• Linked directly to your passport

• Valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires)

• Allowing multiple visits within its validity

Who Needs a UK ETA in 2025?

The ETA requirement applies to visa-exempt nationals who previously could enter the UK without prior authorization.

You will need a UK ETA if you are traveling to the UK for:

• Tourism or leisure

• Visiting family or friends

• Short business trips (meetings, conferences, negotiations)

• Short-term study (up to 6 months)

• Transit through a UK airport or port

You will not need a UK ETA if:

• You already hold a valid UK visa

• You are a British or Irish citizen

• You are a UK resident with indefinite leave to remain

UK ETA Application Requirements – Documents You’ll Need

To apply successfully, you must prepare the following:

1. Valid Passport

   • Must be machine-readable and biometric

   • Must be valid for the duration of your intended stay

2. Digital Passport Photo

   • Meets UK standards (clear, recent, plain background)

   • Uploaded during the online application

3. Personal Information

   • Full name, date of birth, nationality, and contact details

4. Travel Details

   • Purpose of visit (tourism, business, family, etc.)

   • Expected dates of travel

5. Email Address

   • To receive confirmation and approval notice

6. Payment Method

   • Debit or credit card to pay the ETA fee online

7. Security Questions

   • Background checks on health, security, and immigration history

How Much Does the UK ETA Cost?

The official fee for a UK ETA is expected to be £10 per application. This must be paid online at the time of submission.

Processing Time for UK ETA

Most applications are processed within 48–72 hours. However, travelers are advised to apply at least one week before departure in case of delays.

Validity and Multiple Trips

Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years (or until your passport expires).

During that period, you can:

• Enter the UK multiple times

• Stay up to 6 months per visit

• Use the same ETA for tourism, family visits, short business, or study

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Entering incorrect passport details (even a single digit mismatch leads to refusal)

• Uploading poor-quality or non-compliant photos

• Applying last minute and missing flight deadlines

• Confusing ETA with a visa (they are different)

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the UK ETA

1. Visit the official UK ETA application portal.

2. Fill in your personal and passport details.

3. Upload your digital passport photo.

4. Answer the security and background questions.

5. Pay the ETA fee securely online.

6. Submit the application.

7. Receive your approval email — it will be electronically linked to your passport.

Final Thoughts

The UK ETA application requirements are straightforward — but accuracy is everything. With just a valid passport, a digital photo, and a few minutes online, you can secure your ETA and travel worry-free.

By applying early, double-checking your details, and keeping a copy of your approval email, you’ll avoid unnecessary delays and enjoy a smooth journey.

👉 Ready to apply?