European citizens must have an ETA to enter the UK from 2 April 2025. Applications for European passport holders and all other eligible travellers are now open.
To comply with the latest UK travel requirements, you may need an Electronic Travel Authorisation, also known as an ETA. It’s not a type of visa — the ETA is a permit needed by visa-free travellers for short visits to the United Kingdom.
This guide covers:
- Who needs an ETA
- Required documents for travel to the UK
- Key differences between the ETA and a visa
UK ETA: Eligible nationalities
The ETA system has now been fully rolled out. You must apply for an ETA to visit the UK if you hold a passport from any of the following countries:
Africa
Asia
Europe
Middle East
North America
Oceania
South America
*Hong Kong: You can apply using a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport or a British National Overseas passport.
**Taiwan: Your Taiwanese passport must include a National Identification Card number to be eligible.
Entering the UK with an approved ETA
To meet the UK’s entry requirements, you must travel with a passport that has at least 6 months' validity. Your approved ETA is electronically linked to your passport, and can be seen by border officials when scanned.
Only British and Irish citizens are exempt from the new travel requirements for the UK. If you’re not travelling with an ETA, you must carry your visa or residence permit for the United Kingdom.
If you have indefinite leave to remain but do not hold a biometric residence permit, your endorsement must be visible in your passport, or you must carry a letter from the Home Office confirming your status.
Updates to the ETA system for UK travel
The ETA system has been introduced gradually since its launch in 2023. As of 2 April 2025, it’s fully in place, and all visa-free visitors now need a Travel Authorisation to enter the United Kingdom.
According to the latest announcements, the UK government has no plans to expand the ETA requirement to additional countries.
Citizens of non-eligible countries
If your passport-issuing country does not appear in the list above, you must get a visa for the UK. Only British or Irish passport holders are exempt, along with people who have resident status in the United Kingdom.
Visit visas are open to applicants who are not eligible for an ETA. You’re required to start your application online, but most people also need to visit a test centre in person. If you want to travel to the United Kingdom for work, your employer must sponsor your visa application.
If you’re not eligible for an ETA, you must apply for a visitor visa for the UK. Make your application through the official UK Visas and Immigration portal.
What documents do I need to get the ETA?
You must fill out a short online form to get your ETA for the UK. You’ll be asked to provide:
Personal information
- Full name
- Gender
- Country of birth
- Date of birth
Passport data
- Passport number
- Issue and expiry dates
- Issuing country
Contact details
- Mobile phone number
- Email address
The ETA application process also requires some supporting documents:
- Photo of applicant
A recent, clear ID-style photo - Passport image
A scan or photo of the biodata page
At Etauk.com, we cross-check your details to help you avoid typos and other mistakes on your form.
How can Etauk.com help with your application?
These expert services are included in your ETA application fee with Etauk.com. We’ll boost your chances of approval so you can focus on organising your trip to the UK:
- Expert guidance — Our easy-to-use application form has built-in tooltips to help you fill in each section correctly
- Photo editing— We’ll make sure your supporting documents meet size and format specifications
- Customer support — We’re here to help with any queries or issues via our Contact Form
- Error checking— Our team of ETA specialists troubleshoots typos and missing information in your application
Application requirements: UK visa vs. ETA
If you’re eligible for the ETA UK, you can complete a quick online application. There’s no need to visit an embassy or submit your ID documents in person. Your ETA only takes a few days to process, so you can prepare your trip at short notice.
To get a visa, you must apply via the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration portal. The process begins online, but most applicants also need to visit a test centre to give biometric data, like fingerprints, in person. It usually takes around 3 weeks to get a UK visa.
The ETA application process is fast and hassle-free. Fill out your details today to get started.
FAQs
What is the entry requirement for EU citizens to the UK? Toggle faqs
EU citizens can visit the UK for up to 6 months without a visa, but must hold a valid ETA. You can visit with an ETA for tourism, business, or short-term study. To work or stay long-term, you’ll need a visa instead.
If you have settled or pre-settled status, or indefinite leave to remain in the UK following Brexit, you do not need an ETA. You should carry proof of your right to live in the UK, along with your passport, when entering or leaving the country.
Can I go to the UK without a visa? Toggle faqs
The entry rules for the United Kingdom depend on your nationality. Citizens of more than 80 nations can visit visa-free, but must have an ETA. This includes EU countries, the US, Canada, and Australia.
If you’re not eligible for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation, you must get a visa instead.
Only people with a biometric residence permit for the UK, and British and Irish citizens can enter the United Kingdom without a visa or ETA.
How much bank balance is required for a UK visa? Toggle faqs
To apply for a standard visitor visa, you must show you have enough funds for your stay, but there is no fixed bank balance you must meet. Work and student visas have specific financial requirements, ranging from £1,270 to £4,000.
Financial matters are usually not included in UK ETA travel requirements. Border officers may ask any foreign visitors about their plans in the country, return or onward travel bookings, or trip funding, but this does not form part of the online ETA application.