UK ETA for Australians: Everything you need to know about the UK ETA Australia requirement, including who needs it, how to apply, and travel tips!.

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

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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)

Who needs a UK ETA?

Who does NOT need a UK ETA?

Australians visiting family, sightseeing, or vacationing for up to 6 months.

Already have a UK visa.

Attending meetings, conferences, or engaging in short-term permitted paid engagements.

Australians with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Courses lasting up to 6 months.

Australians holding a British or Irish passport.

Transit through a UK airport: If passing through UK border control.

Check with the airline if you don’t pass through UK border control.

Entering the UK several times within the 2-year ETA validity.

Living in Ireland and traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.

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.

Explore your options!

What is my Nationality?
Where am I going?

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.

UK ETA for Australians: Everything you need to know about the UK ETA Australia requirement, including who needs it, how to apply, and travel tips!.

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.

Start your journey now!

Global Law is an award-winning UK immigration consultancy with offices in London and Dubai, boasting over 17 years of expertise in immigration law.

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. Hungary

  33. Iceland

  34. Israel

  35. Italy

  36. Japan

  37. Kiribati

  38. Kuwait

  39. Latvia

  40. Liechtenstein

  41. Lithuania

  42. Luxembourg

  43. Macao Special Administrative Region

  44. Malaysia

  45. Maldives

  46. Malta

  47. Marshall Islands

  48. Mexico

  49. Monaco

  50. Netherlands

  51. New Zealand

  52. Nicaragua

  53. Norway

  54. Oman

  55. Palau

  56. Panama

  57. Papua New Guinea

  58. Paraguay

  59. Peru

  60. Poland

  61. Portugal

  62. Qatar

  63. Romania

  64. San Marino

  65. Seychelles

  66. Singapore

  67. Slovakia

  68. Slovenia

  69. Solomon Islands

  70. South Korea

  71. Spain

  72. St Kitts and Nevis

  73. St Lucia

  74. St Vincent and the Grenadines

  75. Sweden

  76. Switzerland

  77. 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)

  78. Tonga

  79. Tuvalu

  80. United Arab Emirates

  81. United States

  82. Uruguay

  83. Vatican City

Need more help?

  • Posted on: 10.03.2025
  • By: Eray Eliacik
  • uk
  • uk eta

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About the author

.

Eray Eliacik

Eray is a seasoned writer and passionate traveler who has explored over 20 countries. With firsthand experience navigating visas and international travel, and a proven track record with reputable platforms like Dataconomy and Softonic, Eray now makes it easier for travelers to achieve their travel goals.

Eray Eliacik

Eray Eliacik

Mar 10, 2025

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