UK ETA for Spouse/Family Visits – What You Need to Know (2025)

Planning to visit your spouse or family living in the United Kingdom in 2025? One of the most common questions travellers ask is:
“Can I use the UK ETA to visit my spouse or relatives in the UK?”
Here’s everything you need to know before applying — including eligibility, requirements, and important rules for family visits.

Can You Use a UK ETA for Spouse or Family Visits?

Yes — the UK ETA can be used for visiting family members, including your spouse, parents, siblings, or relatives, as long as your visit is short-term (up to 6 months) and you are not planning to live, work, or get married in the UK.

The UK ETA is classified as a visitor authorisation and allows:

• Family visits

• Tourism and sightseeing

• Short business trips

• Transit

✅ So if you simply want to stay with your spouse or family for a short visit, the UK ETA is the correct travel document.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

You can apply for a UK ETA for family visits if:

• Your nationality is on the ETA-eligible list

• You have a valid passport

• You are only visiting for up to 180 days

• You do not plan to work, study or join your spouse permanently

If you intend to live with your spouse in the UK (long-term), you must apply for a UK Spouse Visa instead — the ETA is only for short family visits.Check your eligiblity here

UK ETA Requirements for Family Visitors

To apply, you’ll need:

• A valid passport from an ETA-eligible country

• Basic travel details (where and when you plan to visit)

• Contact information (email, phone number)

• Debit/credit card for the ETA fee

• Confirmation that you will leave the UK before the authorisation expires

How Long Can You Stay With Your Family in the UK?

With the UK ETA, you can stay up to 180 days (6 months) per visit.
During this period, you are free to live with your spouse or family, travel around the UK, and return home when the visit ends.

👉 You can re-enter multiple times while the ETA is valid (2 years or until your passport expires).

Important Tips for Spouse/Family Visits Using the UK ETA

• Apply 2–4 weeks before travel to avoid delays

• Have a return ticket or proof of onward travel

• Carry a letter of invitation from your spouse/family (optional but helpful for border control)

• Do not overstay or engage in work — it may affect future travel to the UK

Final Word:
The UK ETA is perfect for short family or spouse visits in 2025.
As long as you meet the eligibility criteria and plan to stay for less than 6 months, you can apply for the UK ETA and enjoy your family time without needing a full visa.