It’s important to understand the UK ETA requirements as the United Kingdom adopts a more modern approach to managing travel. This new system makes it easier and safer for people to visit the UK for short stays, replacing older methods.

In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the UK ETA requirements and the possible reasons your application might be denied, worried about making mistakes? We’re here to help you submit an error-free UK ETA application now!

What is the new ETA rule for the UK?

The new UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) rule requires travelers from certain countries who do not currently need a visa for short stays to obtain digital permission before traveling to the UK.

Effective from 2024, this initiative applies to eligible non-European nationals and will extend to European nationals starting in 2025. Check out the UK ETA 2025 deadlines!

Credit: Home Office

The ETA allows multiple trips to the UK within a two-year period or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. It is not a visa but authorizes travel for purposes like tourism, short-term study, or business.

The system aims to enhance border security by screening travelers in advance, aligning with similar systems, like the US ESTA or Schengen ETIAS.

What are the UK ETA requirements?

To submit a valid UK ETA application, the following conditions must be met:

• Email address: A valid email address is required for correspondence from the UK Home Office.

• Fee payment: The prescribed UK visa fee must be paid during the ETA application process.

• Passport details: Applicants must provide a national passport that verifies their identity and nationality. The nationality must align with those listed in the UK ETA countries.

• Facial image: A compliant digital photo of the applicant must be submitted in accordance with UK passport photo rules.

• Purpose of travel: The applicant must intend to:

  • Visit the UK as a Visitor (excluding Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitors) for up to six months, or

  • Work as a Creative Worker under Appendix Temporary Work – Creative Worker, limited to the specified conditions.

An ETA application will be denied if the applicant fails any of the following criteria:

• Exclusion or deportation orders: The applicant is subject to an exclusion order, deportation order, or a directive from the Secretary of State to be excluded from the UK.

• Criminal record:

  • Convictions leading to custodial sentences of 12 months or more.

  • Any conviction within the past 12 months, regardless of the sentence length.

• Non-conducive to public good: The applicant's presence is deemed harmful to public good due to conduct, character, associations, or other reasons.

• Previous breach of immigration laws: Includes overstaying, illegal entry, or using deception in prior immigration applications, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

• False representations or omitted facts: Applications with false documents, misleading information, or non-disclosure of relevant facts will be rejected.

• Unpaid litigation costs: Failure to pay litigation costs awarded to the Home Office.

• Previous ETA cancellation or visitor refusal: Applicants whose prior ETA or visitor entry clearance was denied or canceled without subsequent approvals.

UK ETA questions you will need to answer

As part of the application process for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), applicants are required to answer a set of questions:

• Personal information: Applicants are asked to confirm their full name, date of birth, and contact information, including email and phone number.

• Passport details: Information about the applicant’s passport is collected, including:

  • Passport number

  • Issuing country

  • Expiry date

• Travel intentions: Applicants must outline the purpose of their visit, such as:

  • Tourism

  • Visiting family or friends

  • Short-term business engagements

  • Creative work (if eligible)

• Criminal history: Applicants are asked about any past criminal convictions, specifically:

  • Custodial sentences of 12 months or more

  • Convictions within the past 12 months, regardless of sentence length

• Immigration history: Questions regarding previous immigration activities, including:

  • Overstaying visas or permissions in the UK

  • Illegal entry into the UK

  • Use of deception in past immigration applications

  • This information is critical for determining whether an applicant has breached immigration laws.

• Public good and conduct: Applicants are required to disclose any associations, behaviors, or conduct that might not be conducive to the public good, such as:

  • Links to criminal organizations

  • Involvement in activities considered harmful to the UK’s interests

• Litigation costs: To determine compliance with previous obligations, questions about unpaid litigation costs owed to the Home Office are included.

• Previous ETA or visa applications: Applicants may be asked about:

  • Prior ETA cancellations

  • Refusals of entry clearance or visitor permission

The UK ETA questions help check your identity and make sure you’re not a security risk. They ask about any past crimes, immigration issues, or behavior that could be a problem. This helps ensure that you won’t cause harm to the UK or break any rules during your visit.

False representations, omissions, or misleading information can lead to:

• Refusal of the ETA application.

• Future ineligibility for UK travel permissions.

• Legal consequences for intentional misrepresentation.

How long does UK ETA take?

Once the form is completed, travelers should receive a decision within three working days. However, if additional checks are required, it may take longer. If approved, travelers will receive an email confirmation, and the ETA will be electronically linked to the passport used in the application.

If you’re looking to fast-track your UK visa, check out the related Global Law UK visa guide.

UK ETA exceptions

• Nationals who are lawful residents of the Republic of Ireland and are traveling to the UK from within the Common Travel Area do not need an ETA.

• British Overseas Territory Citizens are also exempt from requiring an ETA.