Digital Nomad
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel permission required for certain eligible travellers before travelling to the UK. It is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport. An ETA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry to the UK.
What Is an ETA?
ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation. It applies to eligible travellers visiting the UK for permitted purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, certain business activities, and short-term study.
Whether an ETA is required depends on the traveller’s nationality, passport and travel circumstances.
Who Needs an ETA?
Eligible travellers who do not need a UK visa may need an ETA before travelling. People who already hold a UK visa or certain UK immigration permissions generally do not need one.
Indian passport holders generally need a UK visa rather than an ETA.
ETA Application Process
- Check if you need a UK ETA.
- Apply online through gov.uk or through the official UK ETA app.
- Provide your passport and personal details.
- Pay the required application fee.
- Wait for the decision by email.
- Travel using the passport linked to your ETA.
ETA Cost
The current UK ETA application fee is £20.
ETA Validity
An ETA is normally valid for 2 years or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first. A valid ETA can generally be used for multiple journeys during its validity.
ETA vs UK Visa
An ETA is a digital travel authorisation, while a UK visa is an immigration permission required for travellers who are subject to UK visa requirements. An ETA does not itself grant permission to enter or stay in the UK.