Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
What is an ETA?
ETA is an electronic travel authorisation which is applied before you travel to the UK. The purpose of an ETA is to give you permission to enter the UK.
ETA itself is not a visa. If you travel to the UK using an ETA, you will still need to seek a visitor visa on-arrival to the UK.
ETA will replace the single-use Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW). ETA is multi-use, allowing multiple trips during its two-year validity.
Who needs an ETA?
Who needs an ETA?Not everyone will need to apply for an ETA.
ETA is only required for anyone who is allowed to travel to the UK as a visitor without having to apply for a Visitor Visa before travelling. If you hold a passport for a country which is NOT on this list; or you are already eligible under the Electronic Visa Waiver Scheme (EVW), then you will need ETA in due course.
Nationals from countries on this list will continue to apply for Standard Visitor Visa in advance of travelling to the UK and will not need to apply for an ETA.
When should I apply for ETA?
When should I apply for ETA?ETA will be introduced in phases. During the first phase, ETA is only required for travellers who hold passports from certain countries.
If you already have a current valid visa (for example Student Route visa, PBS Dependant visa, long term multi-entry Standard Visitor visa), you may not require ETA. If you hold a longterm multi-entry Standard Visitor visa, you can continue to use this to enter the UK until that visa expires.
ETA must be applied and granted prior to travelling to the UK; you cannot apply at the border. Airlines may check that you have a valid ETA before allowing you to travel to the UK.
First Phase of ETA
You need an ETA now if you’re travelling to the UK and you’re a national of:
- Qatar
From 22 February 2024, you’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK and you’re a national of:
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
More countries will be added to the scheme later with nationals from EU and EEA countries likely to join this scheme by the end of 2024.
How to apply for ETA?
How to apply for ETA?You will need a valid passport as part of your application.
The fee for an ETA application is £10
Some applications may be granted within an hour based on confirmed screening. Other applications should usually be resolved within three working days but may take longer if further checks are needed. We advise applying well in advance of intended travel.
You can apply for ETA anytime before your travel, as long as the ETA is valid for the date you intend to enter the UK.
Once ETA is granted, the permission is linked to the passport you used for the ETA application.
If you are refused an ETA, you have not been refused permission to enter the UK and can still make a Standard Visitor Visa application for the UK.
Travelling to the UK
Travelling to the UKYour ETA is granted via email and is linked to the passport you used to apply.
ETA is granted for two years from the date of grant or until the expiry of your passport used in the ETA application, whichever is sooner. You can make multiple trips to the UK during the validity of your ETA.
If you change your passport after receiving an ETA, you will need to make a new ETA application using the details of the new passport.
Upon entry to the UK, you will be granted a Standard Visitor Visa on-arrival. Please see our webpage on Standard Visitor Visa for details on the purpose and conditions of this visa.
You can remain in the UK up to a maximum of 180 days upon each entry. You will not be allowed to work during your stay.
If you are studying with us (even on a short programme), we are required to hold proof of your permission to be in the UK, known as your Right to Study. Soon after arrival, you should e-mail your proof of entry (either your most recent flight ticket or border entry stamp) to compliance@newcastle.ac.uk