UK eTA application for travel to the United Kingdom
Need a UK eTA to enter the UK? Find out the requirements, online application process and processing time for this easy electronic authorization.
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The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA UK) is an electronic travel authorization introduced by the British government. From April 2, 2025, most travelers, including citizens of the European Union and the United States, will need to obtain an eTA before entering the UK. This new regulation aims to strengthen border security while simplifying formalities for eligible visitors.
UK eTA application
- What is it? The UK eTA is an electronic travel authorization that is mandatory for certain visa-exempt travelers. It is linked to the passport and allows for short stays.
- Who is it for? This authorization is for nationals of certain countries who are visa-exempt for the United Kingdom. Check your eligibility before applying.
- How? The application is made online via the official website or a third-party website. You must fill in a form with your personal and travel information, then submit the required documents.
- Price There is a charge for the UK eTA. The fee must be paid online when you apply.
- Timeframe Once the application has been submitted, the eTA is usually approved within a few days and sent by email.
The UK eTA is a digital travel authorization linked to the applicant's passport. It allows nationals of many countries to enter the UK without the need for a traditional visa. It will become mandatory for the majority of visitors from April 2, 2025.
The eTA does not replace a visa for those who need one. If you would normally need to obtain a visa to enter the UK, the eTA does not apply to you.
From April 2, 2025, the eTA UK will become mandatory for:
If you are a citizens of one of these countries and you are traveling to the United Kingdom on or after April 2, 2025, you will need to apply for an eTA before your departure.
Certain categories of travelers are exempt from this new requirement:
The UK eTA will be required from April 2, 2025 for travelers entering the UK for short stays without a visa. The main cases where this authorization is required are as follows:
To obtain an eTA UK, you must provide several mandatory documents. Make sure you have these items before submitting your online application:
Before applying for an eTA UK, you must meet the eligibility requirements defined by the British authorities. The eTA UK is intended for travelers from visa-exempt countries, but who will now have to obtain this authorization before their trip. You must have a valid biometric passport, which will be electronically linked to your eTA.
The UK eTA is granted only for short stays, generally up to a maximum of six months. It covers the following reasons:
The eTA does not allow:
If your stay does not meet these criteria, you will need to apply for a specific visa appropriate to your situation.
The UK government may refuse an eTA if the applicant poses a potential risk in terms of security or immigration. Reasons for refusal may include:
Providing accurate information is essential to avoid any refusal or delay in the processing of your application.
In this article, find out the precise steps to apply for your UK eTA online, how to fill in the form, how much the eTA costs and how long it takes to obtain.
Access the UK eTA form
Fill in your personal details
Enter passport details
Provide contact details
Provide travel details
Answer security and immigration questions
Once all the information has been verified, you can submit your form and proceed to the payment stage.
The UK eTA is a payable authorization, and the fee is set by the UK government.
Payment can only be made via secure electronic means:
Good to know:
- Payment is mandatory for your application to be processed.
- Once the payment has been validated, you will receive a confirmation number.
UK eTAs are generally processed very quickly, but it is advisable to apply in advance to avoid any delays.
Standard processing time
When should you apply?
How can I check the status of my eTA?
If your eTA is refused:
- You can reapply by verifying your information.
- In the event of repeated refusal, a traditional visa will be required to enter the United Kingdom.
Find out if your question has been answered in the list below
Yes, the UK eTA is mandatory for all travelers, regardless of age, including infants and minors. Unlike some travel authorizations that can be included in parents' passports, the UK eTA is individual and must be applied for each child traveling to the UK. Parents or legal guardians are responsible for applying for minors. The process is similar to that for adults: The child must have their own valid passport, an adult must complete the eTA form by providing the minor's details, the eTA will be electronically linked to the child's passport and must be valid at the time of travel. Even if a child is traveling with their parents or a responsible adult, they must have an approved eTA before boarding. Without this authorization, they will not be able to enter the UK, even if they are traveling with an adult who has a valid eTA.
The UK eTA is a multiple entry travel authorization, which means that once obtained, it can be used for multiple stays in the UK as long as it is valid. The UK eTA is valid for two years from the date of approval or until the expiry of the passport used when applying, if this occurs before the end of the two years. If your passport expires before the end of this period, you will need to reapply for an eTA with your new passport. During the period of validity of the eTA, you may enter and leave the UK several times, provided you comply with the following rules: Each stay must not exceed six consecutive months, you cannot use the eTA to work or settle in the UK, if your situation changes (for example, if you obtain a new passport or another type of visa), it is recommended that you check whether a new eTA application is necessary. The UK eTA therefore allows a great deal of flexibility for regular travelers, but it must always be valid at the time of entry into the UK.
No, it is not possible to modify an eTA UK once it has been approved. All the information provided in the application is final and the authorization is directly linked to the passport used. If you realize after approval that some information is incorrect (for example, a mistake in the passport number or name), your eTA will not be valid and you will have to: Make a new online application with the correct information and pay the £10 (approx. €12) fee again, as the UK authorities do not refund incorrect applications. Similarly, if you obtain a new passport after your eTA has been approved, it will no longer be valid, as it is electronically linked to the old passport. You will therefore have to reapply and pay the fees again. To avoid this inconvenience, it is crucial to carefully check all the information entered before submitting the UK eTA application. A simple error can prevent you from boarding and result in additional fees to repeat the procedure.