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.
Travellers from Germany must meet the UK’s entry requirements for German citizens. this includes having the correct travel documents.
German citizens travelling to the UK for short stays need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This digital entry permit is part of the UK’s border security system and is required for all visa-exempt travellers.
This page outlines everything you need to know about the ETA and travelling to the UK from Germany, including:
- ETA UK overview
- Requirements
- How to apply
- Common travel routes
- FAQs
United Kingdom ETA overview for Germans
The ETA UK is an electronic visa waiver that allows German citizens to visit the UK without a visa. You must have either an ETA or a visa for your trip.
Here’s an overview of the visa waiver:
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Travel purposes
- Tourism
- Business
- Short-term study
- Family visits
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Validity period
2 years
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Length of stay
6 months per visit
An approved ETA is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for multiple entries, provided it’s still within its validity period.
What Germans need to apply for an ETA UK
To apply for a UK ETA, German citizens must meet the following requirements:
- Valid German passport – It must be biometric and valid for the duration of the stay.
- Digital photo – Applicants may need to upload a recent passport-style photograph.
- Valid email address – Confirmation and updates regarding the application will be sent via email.
- Debit or credit card – The ETA processing fee must be paid online during the application.
Etauk.com will edit your documents for you, making the process as smooth as possible.
Additional considerations
Travellers with a criminal record or previous immigration violations in the UK may face additional screening.
The ETA is required for short stays only. Those planning to work, live, or study long-term in the UK need a visa.
The same passport used for the ETA application must be presented upon arrival in the UK.
How to get an ETA UK from Germany
Applying for a UK ETA is 100% online, with no need to visit an embassy. The process is quick and straightforward:
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Step 1: Complete the online application form
Fill in personal details, passport information, travel plans, and answers to basic security questions. Ensure all data matches your German passport.
Get your ETA in minutes -
Step 2: Pay the ETA processing fee
Pay the application fee securely with a debit or credit card. Choose from standard processing (1-2 days) or priority processing (1h). You can also add on our Fee Protection Service for added security.
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Step 3: Receive the ETA via email
Once approved, applicants will receive an email confirmation with their ETA details. We recommend saving this on a mobile device and printing a copy.
Travel to the UK from Germany
With an approved ETA, German citizens can enter the UK via air, rail, and sea routes.
Flying from Germany to the UK
Germany has multiple direct flight connections to major UK cities, including:
- Frankfurt to London Heathrow – Lufthansa, British Airways
- Berlin to London Gatwick – easyJet, Ryanair
- Munich to Edinburgh – Lufthansa
- Hamburg to Manchester – Ryanair
- Düsseldorf to Birmingham – Eurowings
Most flights take 1.5 to 2 hours, making air travel the fastest and most convenient option.
Travelling by train from Germany to the UK
For those preferring rail travel, the Eurostar connects Germany and the UK via Paris or Brussels:
Take a Deutsche Bahn ICE train from Berlin, Frankfurt, or Cologne to Paris or Brussels.
Transfer to the Eurostar, which travels through the Channel Tunnel to London St Pancras.
The total journey from Germany to London takes approximately 5–8 hours.
Taking a ferry to the UK from Germany
While there are no direct ferries from Germany to the UK, you can take a ferry from Hook of Holland (Netherlands) to Harwich (UK), or drive or take a train from Germany to Calais (France) and board a ferry to Dover (UK).
Regardless of the entry point, German travellers must present their passport at UK border control, where immigration officers will verify the ETA status electronically.
Why German citizens choose Etauk.com
- Simple online application– User-friendly form with guided instructions
- Expert review– Application checked for errors before submission
- Fast processing– Expedited handling for urgent travel plans
- 24/7 support– Multilingual customer service available
FAQs for Germans visiting the UK
What do German travellers need to visit the UK? Toggle faqs
German citizens must have either a UK ETA or a valid visa that covers their travel purpose and length of stay. It’s also important to check any additional entry requirements, such as health policies.
Do German citizens need a visa for the UK? Toggle faqs
No, German passport holders do not need a visa for short visits but they must obtain an ETA before travelling.
If you plan to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months, or to work or long-term study, you must get a visa instead of an ETA.
Can Germans get an ETA UK on arrival? Toggle faqs
No, it’s not possible to get an ETA on arrival. You must apply in advance using the online application platform.
How long is the ETA processing time from Germany? Toggle faqs
Most applications are processed within 24 hours, though we recommend applying at least 3 days in advance.
How long is a UK ETA valid for? Toggle faqs
The ETA visa waiver is valid for 2 years. You can use the same document to enter and re-enter the UK multiple times, providing each visit does not exceed 6 months.
Can Germans extend their UK ETA? Toggle faqs
It’s not possible to extend an ETA as it’s already valid for 2 years. Once your ETA expires you can simply apply for a new one.
Can I use my German ID card instead of a passport? Toggle faqs
No, the ETA is linked to a passport, and German citizens must use a biometric passport for travel to the UK.
What happens if my ETA application is denied? Toggle faqs
If an application is refused, travellers may need to apply for a UK visa or provide additional information before reapplying.
Can I work in the UK with an ETA? Toggle faqs
No, the ETA is only for tourism, business trips, short-term study, or family visits. Germans wishing to work in the UK need to apply for the appropriate visa.
What should I do if my passport expires after getting an ETA? Toggle faqs
If your passport expires, you must apply for a new ETA with your updated passport details.
How much does the ETA UK for Germans cost? Toggle faqs
The ETA visa waiver starts from 99 USD. When you apply with Etauk.com you benefit from a number of additional services, including our simplified application platform, expert guidance, and 24/7 customer support.
You can find more detailed information about our fees and what they include here.