In 2024, the UK introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme as part of its updated border control measures. Travellers from eligible countries who previously entered the UK without a visa must now secure an ETA before arrival.

The UK ETA visa requirements apply to short-term visitors, including tourists, business travellers, and transit passengers. Though not a visa in the traditional sense, the ETA serves as a digital permission to travel. Without it, boarding your flight or entering the UK is not possible.

This blog by Axis Solicitors breaks down the entire process—from checking if you need an ETA to submitting your application and preparing for approval. Whether you’re planning a holiday, attending meetings, or just passing through, knowing the UK ETA visa requirements helps avoid unnecessary delays.

Who Needs a UK ETA?
As of the latest UK immigration reforms, the UK ETA visa requirements apply to nationals from certain countries that were previously visa-exempt. The ETA is a mandatory pre-screening system aimed at enhancing border security and controlling entry for short-term visitors.

Eligible Nationalities
The UK government is phasing in the ETA system by nationality. As of now, travellers from the following countries must apply for a UK ETA:

Qatar
Bahrain
Jordan
Kuwait
Oman
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Further expansions are planned, and by the end of 2024, most non-visa nationals, including citizens from the EU, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, will be required to hold an ETA.

Who Is Exempt?
The ETA does not apply to:

UK citizens and residents
Irish nationals under the Common Travel Area (CTA)
Individuals holding a UK visa
Travellers entering from Ireland into Northern Ireland without crossing UK immigration checkpoints
Transit passengers not entering the UK border
Purpose of Travel
The UK ETA visa requirements apply if your purpose of travel includes:

Tourism or leisure
Visiting family or friends
Short-term business visits
Transit through the UK
Attending events or conferences
However, you cannot work or settle in the UK under an ETA.

Duration of Stay
An ETA allows multiple entries for up to 6 months per visit (or 3 months for those arriving via the Common Travel Area), depending on your reason for travel.

Eligibility Criteria for a UK ETA
Meeting the UK ETA visa requirements begins with understanding whether you’re eligible. Although the ETA is simpler and faster than a full visa, you must still satisfy a clear set of conditions to apply.

1. Nationality
As noted, only travellers from designated countries are eligible to apply for a UK ETA. The list is expanding, so applicants must confirm their eligibility on the UK Home Office website before applying.

2. Purpose of Visit
You must intend to visit the UK for a permitted reason, such as:

Tourism – sightseeing, holidays, or family visits
Business – meetings, interviews, conferences (with no paid work)
Transit – passing through the UK en route to another country
Short Study – up to 30 days at an accredited institution
You must not intend to work, live, or stay longer than allowed.

3. Valid Travel Document
Applicants must have a biometric copyright valid for the entire duration of their stay. The copyright must be from a country included in the ETA scheme and must be machine-readable and scannable.

4. No Criminal History or Immigration Violations
Applicants must not:

Have a criminal record involving serious offences
Be subject to any deportation or removal orders
Have previously overstayed in the UK or other immigration violations
The ETA application includes security screening against UK and international databases. Any red flags may lead to refusal.

5. Sufficient Funds and Exit Plans
Although not always required to prove at the application stage, you may be questioned at the border. Be ready to demonstrate:

Adequate funds to support yourself
Proof of accommodation
A return or onward travel ticket
These checks align with overall UK ETA visa requirements, ensuring your visit meets UK public interest standards.

Documents Required for a UK ETA Application
To meet the UK ETA visa requirements, you’ll need to gather a concise but essential set of documents. Unlike traditional visas, the ETA is entirely digital, but accuracy and document integrity are critical for approval.

1. Valid Biometric copyright
Must be issued by an ETA-eligible country
Should have at least six months’ validity from the date of arrival
Must be machine-readable with an embedded chip
Information must match exactly what you enter in the application
You’ll be required to scan the photo page or upload a clear image when applying.

2. Recent copyright-Style Photograph (Optional)
While not currently mandatory for all applicants, some may be asked to upload a digital photo. This should follow UK visa photo specifications:

White background
Neutral expression
No accessories obscuring the face
It’s best to have one ready, just in case.

3. Contact Information
You’ll need to provide:

Email address (for communication and ETA delivery)
UK address if staying with friends, family, or in a hotel (if applicable)
Emergency contact may be requested
4. Travel Details
Expected arrival and departure dates
Port of entry
Purpose of visit (e.g., tourism, business, transit)
These details support your compliance with the UK ETA visa requirements and will be screened for patterns associated with immigration risk.

5. Payment Method
The ETA application requires an online payment, so ensure you have:

A debit or credit card with international payment capability
Funds to cover the ETA fee (around £10 at time of writing)
Payments are processed securely via the UK government’s portal, and no cash or offline options are accepted.