UK ETA Australia: Do Australians need a visa for UK?

If you're an Australian passport holder planning to visit the UK, the new UK ETA Australia requirement is something you need to be aware of. In this UK ETA guide, we'll walk you through the specifics of the new ETA, who needs it, how to apply, and what it means for your travel plans.

Do Australians need a visa for UK?

No, Australians do not need a visa for short visits to the UK. However, starting in 2024, Australian passport holders must apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling.

The UK ETA is an electronic travel authorization, similar to the Canada ETA or US ESTA.

UK ETA for Australians

Australians must apply for a UK ETA if they are traveling for:

• Tourism (holidays, visiting family or friends)

• Business trips (meetings, conferences)

• Short-term study (up to 6 months)

• Transit (if passing through UK border control)

For those seeking extended stays or specific permissions, other visa options include the UK Visit Visa for longer tourist or business visits, the UK E-Visa for digital processing, the UK Settlement Visa for residency, the UK Sponsorship License for employers hiring foreign workers, and the UK Student Visa for education. Additionally, individuals may apply for a Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa to work independently or a Spouse Visa to join a UK-based partner.

Using your UK ETA as an Australian traveller

Your UK ETA is electronically linked to your Australian passport—there is no need to print it.

At the UK border, you can either:

• Use an ePassport gate (if eligible).

• See a Border Force officer for entry clearance.

Having an ETA does not guarantee entry—UK border officers may still ask questions about your visit. Once you get it:

• The UK ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

• You can travel to the UK multiple times during this validity period without needing to reapply.

• If you get a new passport, you will need to apply for a new ETA.

Apply for a UK ETA from Australia

For Australians applying for a UK ETA, Global Law offers:

• Accurate application support to prevent mistakes that could cause delays or rejections.

• Legal guidance for travelers with past visa refusals or criminal records.

• Fast-tracked solutions for urgent travel needs.

• Personalized assistance for business travelers, professionals, and families to ensure a smooth entry into the UK.

How long does it take to get a UK ETA?

The ETA is usually approved within 3 working days, but in many cases, it can be approved even faster. Apply at least a few days before your flight to avoid any last-minute delays.

Who needs ETA for UK?

Do I need ETA for the UK? Check with out tool or use the list of nationalities eligible to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) when traveling to the UK. The UK ETA countries list includes countries and territories whose citizens can apply now, as well as those who will require an ETA for travel on or after April 2, 2025.

1. Andorra

2. Antigua and Barbuda

3. Argentina

4. Australia

5. Austria

6. Bahamas (The)

7. Bahrain

8. Barbados

9. Belarus

10. Belgium

11. Belize

12. Botswana

13. Brazil

14. Brunei

15. Bulgaria

16. Canada

17. Chile

18. Costa Rica

19. Croatia

20. Cyprus

21. Czechia

22. Denmark

23. Estonia

24. Finland

25. France

26. Federated States of Micronesia

27. Germany

28. Greece

29. Grenada

30. Guatemala

31. Guyana

32. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas)

33. Hungary

34. Iceland

35. Israel

36. Italy

37. Japan

38. Kiribati

39. Kuwait

40. Latvia

41. Liechtenstein

42. Lithuania

43. Luxembourg

44. Macao Special Administrative Region

45. Malaysia

46. Maldives

47. Malta

48. Marshall Islands

49. Mexico

50. Monaco

51. Netherlands

52. New Zealand

53. Nicaragua

54. Norway

55. Oman

56. Palau

57. Panama

58. Papua New Guinea

59. Paraguay

60. Peru

61. Poland

62. Portugal

63. Qatar

64. Romania

65. San Marino

66. Seychelles

67. Singapore

68. Slovakia

69. Slovenia

70. Solomon Islands

71. South Korea

72. Spain

73. St Kitts and Nevis

74. St Lucia

75. St Vincent and the Grenadines

76. Sweden

77. Switzerland

78. Taiwan (if you have a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)

79. Tonga

80. Trinidad and Tobago

81. Tuvalu

82. United Arab Emirates

83. United States

84. Uruguay

85. Vatican City