UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- Max stay
- 180days
- Processing
- 0–3days
- Fee
- £16.00≈ $21.78
Difficulty9/10·Realism8/10Why? ▾
Difficulty
Quick paperworkQuick to obtain, light documentation, fast turnaround.
Why this score?
- —Visa-free with eTA — quick online authorisation
- +0.5Fast processing (under a week)
- -0.25Onward / return ticket required
Approval realism
Approval is likelyMost applicants with the right paperwork get approved.
What drives this score?
- —Approval is near-automatic for visa-free-with-eTA routes
- -1UK: tightened salary thresholds and family-visa income rules
Step-by-step checklist
Your application checklist
- 1
Check your passport validity
35+ days beforeMost countries require 0+ months of validity beyond your travel dates and at least one blank page. If it's close, renew before applying.
- 2
Gather supporting documents
19+ days beforeYou'll need: Valid passport (no separate ID accepted); Apply online via the UK ETA app or gov.uk before travel; Approved ETA links to your passport for 2 years (multi-entry); Travel for tourism, business meetings, or transit only — not work or study.
- 3
Book refundable flight + accommodation
12+ days beforeUse a refundable booking (or a free hold/itinerary service) until your visa is approved — embassies want to see real plans, but you don't want to lose the money on a refusal.
- 4
On the day of travel
day of travelCarry: passport (printed visa if applicable), onward ticket, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance. Border officers retain discretion regardless of visa status.
Show full requirements, fees, and source
What you need
- Valid passport (no separate ID accepted)
- Apply online via the UK ETA app or gov.uk before travel
- Approved ETA links to your passport for 2 years (multi-entry)
- Travel for tourism, business meetings, or transit only — not work or study
Fee breakdown
- UK ETA fee£16.00≈ $21.78