How to Apply for eVisa to United Kingdom

Overview

UK eVisa & ETA — What You Need to Know

The United Kingdom has introduced a digital Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for nationals of countries that previously did not need a visa. For citizens of many other countries, a full eVisa or standard visa remains required.

Whether you need an ETA, an eVisa or a full visa depends entirely on your nationality. Our guide below covers all categories. Always verify requirements with the official UK government website before travelling.

Important: Requirements can change with little notice. Always check the latest official UK government guidance at least 8 weeks before travel.

UK eVisa application form with passport and computer

Application Process

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Check Your Eligibility

Use the official UK government eligibility checker to confirm what type of pre-travel authorisation you require based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit (tourism, business, study, family). Most EU/EEA nationals require an ETA; many other nationalities require a full visa.

Gather Your Documents

Before beginning your application, collect all required documents: a valid machine-readable biometric passport, a digital passport-size photograph (ICAO standard), proof of accommodation bookings, bank statements (last 3 months), travel itinerary, and proof of employment or study status if applicable.

Complete the Online Application

Visit the official UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) portal. Create an account, select the correct visa/ETA category and complete the online application form. Ensure all personal details exactly match those in your passport. Double-check dates, spelling of names and passport numbers before submission.

Pay the Application Fee

Pay the required government fee securely online by credit or debit card. The ETA fee is currently £20 per person. Standard Visitor Visa fees start from £115. Fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.

Provide Biometric Data (if required)

If you are applying for a full visa (not ETA), you will need to book an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre to provide biometric data (fingerprints and digital photograph). This step is not required for ETA applications.

Receive Your Decision

ETA approvals are usually emailed within minutes or up to 3 business days. Standard visa applications typically take 3 weeks for tourism, though expedited processing is available. Your ETA or visa will be linked electronically to your passport.

Comparison

ETA vs Standard Visa

Feature	UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)	UK Standard Visitor Visa
Who it's for	Nationals of visa-free countries (incl. EU/EEA from 2025)	Nationals of visa-required countries
Application	100% online via UKVI app or website	Online form + in-person biometric appointment
Fee	£20 per person	From £115 (tourist); varies by type
Processing Time	Usually minutes to 3 business days	Typically 3 weeks; priority options available
Validity	2 years or until passport expires	Typically 6 months (single/multiple entry)
Biometrics	Not required	Required at Visa Application Centre
Max Stay per Visit	Up to 6 months	Up to 6 months

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The UK ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of issue, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. Within that validity period, you can make multiple trips to the UK, each for up to 6 months.

Tourist and visitor visas cannot normally be extended from within the UK. You must leave before your permission expires. In exceptional circumstances (medical emergency, etc.) you may apply for an extension from within the UK, but this is at the Home Office's discretion.

If refused, you will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You may reapply immediately but should address the reasons for refusal in your new application. For full visas, you have the right to an administrative review in most cases.

No. A UK visa or ETA covers entry to and travel throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Republic of Ireland is a separate country and requires separate entry authorisation.

If you are transiting through a UK airport without passing through UK immigration (airside transit only), you may not need a visa. However, if you need to collect your baggage, change airports or pass through immigration, a transit visa may be required, depending on your nationality.

Ready to Visit Great Britain?

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