UK Visa vs UK ETA: Which do I need?

uk visa vs eta
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Confused about UK visa vs ETA rules? Under the latest UK entry requirements, visitors must hold either an ETA or a visa depending on their nationality and purpose of travel. This guide explains whether you need a UK visa or ETA, how to apply, and how Etauk.com can help you prepare.

Do I need a visa or ETA for the UK?

The ETA and visa for the UK are two different types of entry permits. The one you need depends on your nationality and your reasons for visiting the United Kingdom.

Only British and Irish nationals are exempt from the new requirements. If you already hold a valid UK visa, you don’t need an ETA.

If you hold a passport from an ETA eligible country, the Electronic Travel Authorisation is the fastest and easiest way to visit the UK. You only need to apply for a visa if you want to stay for longer than 6 months, or work for a British company.

EU and Swiss passport holders can get an ETA for short business or tourism visits. You only need to apply for a visa if you want to stay for longer than 6 months, or work for a British company.

Key differences between the UK ETA and visa

Here’s a summary of the main differences between Electronic Travel Authorisations and visas:

Feature UK ETA UK Visa
Eligibility Only travellers from visa-exempt countries can get the ETA. If your country isn’t eligible for an ETA, you must apply for a visa.
Reason for travel The ETA is for tourism, business, and transit. You can also study, as long as your course lasts fewer than 6 months. If you need a visa to visit the UK, you can apply for a visit visa for tourism. To work, study long-term, or live in the UK, you’ll need another type of visa.
Length of stay You can stay for up to 6 months with an ETA. Border officials must be confident that you’ll return to your country at the end of your trip. Visas have different validity periods. Visitor visas allow you to stay for up to 6 months per trip, and are valid from 6 months to 10 years.
Application process The ETA application is 100% online. Visas require an in-person appointment, biometric data, and more documents to be processed.
Processing time ETAs are approved quickly, usually in just 1–2 days (1h with Priority). Visa applications take around 3 weeks to be processed.
Embassy visit needed? No Yes

Get your UK ETA hassle-free

Eligible for the ETA? With Etauk.com, you only need 10 minutes to submit your details and get your trip to the UK approved.

We’re not affiliated with the UK government, but we are experts in the ETA process.

Our platform is designed to make the entire process easy from start to finish. Before we submit your form, we’ll review it to pick up any mistakes that could cause it to be rejected.

Get your ETA accepted first time around. No stress. No long waiting times.

Checklist for ETA eligibility

If you meet all the following requirements, you can apply online for an ETA for the UK:

  • Passport: From a visa-exempt country
  • Reason for visiting: Tourism, business, seeing family/friends, or short-term study
  • Length of stay: 6 months or less
  • Travel history: You’ve never been denied entry to the UK

Fast application. Complete the form in 10 minutes.

Apply for the ETA

Is the ETA a visa?

The UK ETA is not a visa. It’s a digital travel authorisation for people who don’t need a visa.

Your ETA gives you permission to enter the UK for a short stay, but it doesn’t replace a visa or offer the same rights. If you want to work, study long-term, or live in the UK, you’ll still need a visa.

Can I travel with an ETA if I’ve been refused entry before?

If you’ve ever been denied entry at the UK border, you’re not eligible for an ETA. This means you arrived in the UK and were turned away by border officials, even if you had a valid visa or travel document.

This could be because of missing documents, unclear answers during questioning, or concerns that you might overstay. If this applies to you, you’ll need a visa instead.

Important: This is not the same as having a visa application refused before travelling. A refused visa application does not disqualify you from getting an ETA — you’re still eligible to apply.

When do you need a UK visa instead of an ETA?

You’ll need to apply for a UK visa if you:

  • Hold a passport from a country without a visa exemption
  • Want to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months
  • Plan to work in the UK or take a long-term course
  • Were previously refused entry to the UK
  • Wish to get married or enter a civil partnership in the UK

If any of the above apply, the ETA is not the right travel permit. Apply for a visa through the UK government website.

Popular UK visas

The UK has various visas for foreign visitors who aren’t eligible for the ETA. Depending on your plans, you may need a:

  • Standard visitor visa — Tourism and business visits
  • Study visa — Full-time education
  • Family visa — Join relatives and stay long-term
  • Work visa — Sponsored by a UK employer
  • Marriage visitor visa — Travel for wedding or civil ceremony

In almost all cases, you’ll need to complete an online form and attend a visa centre to submit your application (fingerprints and photo).

To start your UK visa application, visit the official UK Visas and Immigration website.

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