The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new immigration system for visitors from visa-exempt countries, including those in Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries. An ETA allows eligible travellers to visit the UK for short stays while strengthening border security and ensuring entry requirements are met before arrival.
You must obtain an ETA if you are from a country that does not normally require a visa to enter the UK and plan to:
- Visit the UK for up to six months for tourism, to see family or friends, on a business trip, or for short-term study
- Enter the UK for up to three months under the Creative Worker visa concession
- Travel to the UK for a permitted paid engagement, or
- Transit a UK airport if you will pass through border control
Getting a UK ETA involves the following simple steps:
- Gather the necessary information – your passport, payment method, and trip details
- Complete the online application form on the UK ETA ‘app’ – the process only takes around 10 minutes. If you can’t download the app, you can apply online on the Home Office website.
- Provide personal information, travel details, and passport information
- Pay the ETA fee online, and
- Wait for confirmation of your authorisation to travel – you will receive an email with your 16-digit ETA reference number within one day.
UK ETAs normally last for 2 years and can be used for multiple short visits during this time. Your ETA will be automatically linked to your passport, meaning that you will only need to show your passport at UK border control on entry.
What you cannot do with UK ETA
When visiting the UK with an ETA, you are not allowed to:
- Stay for more than six months.
- Do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or on a self-employed basis, except when performing a permitted paid engagement or working under the Creative Worker visa concession.
- Access public funds or benefits.
- Establish residence in the UK through frequent or successive visits, or
- Marry, register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership (you must apply for a Marriage Visitor visa instead).
Can I work in the UK with an ETA?
A UK ETA does not allow full-time employment for a UK company or self-employment. However, rather like a Visitor Visa, certain business-related activities and permitted paid engagements are allowed.
Permitted business-related activities include:
- Attend meetings, interviews, conferences, and seminars.
- Negotiate and sign contracts or explore business opportunities.
- Give or receive training within your company group, provided you are employed overseas.
- Visit trade fairs for promotional purposes.
- Install, service, or advise on equipment or software supplied by your overseas employer.
- Provide legal advice or representation in arbitration or court proceedings (if you are a qualified lawyer overseas).
Permitted paid engagements include:
- Visiting academic: you can examine or assess students, chair or take part in selection panels
- Qualified lawyers: you can provide legal representation in a specific case at a UK court or tribunal, take part in arbitration/mediation, and paid to visit the UK to prepare for the hearing
- Professional artist, entertainer or musician: you can take part in paid performances, lectures, judging panels or debate panels, and professional conferences
- Professional sportsperson: you can take part in sporting events
- Speakers at conferences: you can be paid to speak at a conference or seminar.
- Air pilot examiners: you can be paid to examine UK based air pilots
If your work falls outside these activities or you wish to take up employment for more 6 months, you must apply for a suitable visa, such as a Skilled Worker Visa or Global Business Mobility visa.
While it is commonly referred to as a ‘visa’, UK ETA is not technically a visa. It authorises travel to the UK but does not guarantee entry—Border Force officers make the final decision at the border and may request documents such as invitations, credentials, or proof of engagement. To confirm eligibility and avoid issues, consult a UK immigration solicitor before travelling.
Reference:
GOV.UK: UK VISA requirements
