Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
Information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK.
An ETA gives you permission to travel to the UK.
Who can apply
You can apply now if you’re a national of:
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
You must be a national of one of these countries and travel using a national passport. You cannot use other types of passports or travel documents.
Who does not need an ETA
If you’re a national of another country, you do not currently need an ETA.
More nationalities will be able to apply later. We will add these to this page in advance, to give you enough time to plan your travel. Get emails about this page to find out when more nationalities are added.
You also do not need an ETA if you have either:
- a visa
- permission to live, work or study in the UK
- a British or Irish passport
- a British overseas territories passport
You do not need an ETA if you live in Ireland and you’re travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
What you can do with an ETA
You can get an ETA instead of a visa if you’re:
- coming to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study
- coming to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
- coming to the UK for a permitted paid engagement
- transiting through the UK – including if you’re not going through UK border control
If you’re coming to the UK for another reason, check if you need a visa instead.
How much it costs
It costs £10 to apply. Everyone travelling needs to get an ETA, including babies and children. You can apply for other people.
You cannot get a refund after you apply.
Before you start
You need:
- the passport you’ll travel with - not a photocopy
- access to your emails
- a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
You’ll need to upload or take photos of the:
- passport
- face of the person applying
You do not need to enter your travel details.
Apply for an ETA
The fastest way to apply is using the UK ETA app.
Help with the app
You can read the guide on using the UK ETA app.
If you cannot use the app
You can apply online.
If you’re applying for someone else who’s not with you, you should apply online.
How long it takes
You’ll usually get a decision within 3 working days, but you may get a quicker decision.
Occasionally, it may take longer than 3 working days.
Group applications
Each person must apply separately.
You may get a decision at a different time from someone else in your group - even if you applied at the same time.
If you need to travel soon
You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK. You can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision.
After you apply
You’ll get an email confirming you’ve got an ETA. We’ll link it to the passport you applied with.
Your ETA lasts for 2 years. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time.
If you get a new passport, you’ll need to get a new ETA.
You still need to see a Border Force officer to enter the UK.
An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.
Get help
You can ask about ETA if you need help.
You can also watch videos on:
Last updated 4 April 2024 + show all updates
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British overseas territories passport holders do not need an ETA.
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First published.