Search all content on GOV.UK

Apply for an ETA to come to the UK if you’re a tourist, visiting family or for certain other reasons for up to 6 months. It costs £16. Find out if you need an ETA or a visa instead.

• Overview

  An electronic travel authorisation (ETA) lets you travel to the UK for…

• When you do not need an ETA

  You do not need an ETA to travel to the UK if: you’re a British or Irish…

• What you can and cannot do with an ETA

  Whether you need to apply for an ETA depends on why you’re travelling to…

• Apply for an ETA

  It costs £16 to apply online or through the UK ETA app. You cannot get a…

You may need a visa to come to the UK to visit, study or work.

Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months), medical treatment and other activities. Find out whether you need a Standard Visitor visa, or can visit without a visa.

• Overview

  You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study…

• Visit on business

  You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to do the following business…

• Visit to study

  You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to: study at an accredited…

• Visit as an academic

  If you’re a scientist, researcher or academic you can: take part in formal…

• Visit for a paid engagement or event

  You can visit the UK for certain paid engagements or events (a ‘permitted…

• Visit for medical reasons

  You can visit the UK for up to 6 months to: have private medical treatment…

• If you're under 18

  You may visit the UK if you’re under 18 and: you’ve made suitable…

• Apply for a Standard Visitor visa

  If you need a Standard Visitor visa, you must apply online before you…

• When you can extend your stay

  You may be able to extend your stay if you have permission to be in the UK…

Get help from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Find out how to contact UKVI or get online guides and services to help with your problem.

Find out how to prove your right to work in the UK to an employer. Get an online share code to prove your right to work if you’re eligible or check what documents you can use instead.

Use a job applicant's share code to check they're eligible to work in the UK if they’re from outside the UK and Ireland.

How to access and use an eVisa: set up a UKVI account, update your details and get a share code to prove your immigration status when you work, rent or travel.

Check someone's immigration status, and that they can access services like the NHS and benefits in the UK

The home of UK Visas and Immigration on GOV.UK. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is responsible for making millions of decisions every year about who has the right to visit or stay in the country, with a firm emphasis on nati…

• Updated: 28 October 2024

Compare visas to visit, work, study or join a family member already in the UK. How to apply and what the decision on your application means.