ETA United Kingdom

Travelling in the UK has never been easier! Visamundi offers you a fast and efficient solution for obtaining your Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), enabling you to make the most of your stay in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

What is ETA for the UK?

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is an electronic travel authorisation new requirement set up by the British government to secure borders and facilitate travel for visa-exempt travellers. This system, similar to the American ESTA or the European ETIAS, enables travelers to apply for travel authorization online before departure. The ETA is electronically linked to your passport and checked by the authorities on arrival.

• Objective: Enhance border security while improving the traveler experience.
• Similarity with other systems : ESTA (United States), ETIAS (European Union).

Who needs an ETA for the UK?

The obligation to obtain an ETA depends on your nationality and situation:

• Travelers from 54 non-European countries: Citizens of these countries already need an ETA to travel to the UK.
• European travelers : From April 2, 2025With the introduction of the ETA, all European citizens will need an ETA to travel to the UK. Applications can be made from March 5, 2025.

List of countries whose nationals must obtain an ETA (from January 8, 2025) : Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macau, Marshall Islands, Malaysia, Maldives, Solomon Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uruguay, USA.

List of European countries whose citizens will need to obtain an ETA (from April 2, 2025) : Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City.

Who is exempt from ETA?

Certain categories of people are exempt from the requirement to obtain an ETA:

• British and Irish citizens : British and Irish citizens don't need ETA.
• UK residents : People with the right to live, work or study in the UK (including permanent resident or pre-establishment status under the EU Settlement Scheme) are exempt.
• British visa holder : If you already have a valid UK visa, you do not need an ETA.
• Airside transit passengers: Passengers in transit through a British airport (such as London Heathrow or Manchester) who do not pass through border control do not need an ETA. If you follow the purple "Flight Connections" signs at Heathrow, you don't need to go through UK immigration, so you don't need an ETA.
• Travelers living in Ireland : People resident in Ireland and traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man are exempt.
• School trips : French school groups with children under 18 are exempt from ETA. Authorization for the use of national identity cards for French schoolchildren (aged 18 and under) taking part in organized trips has been granted.

What can you do with an ETA?

The ETA allows you to travel to the UK for the following reasons:

• Tourism : Visiting tourist sites, discovering British culture, etc...
• Family and friendly visits : Visit relatives living in the UK.
• Business : Participate in meetings, conferences or other professional activities.
• Short-term studies : Take short courses or training programs.
• Transit : Pass through a British airport and pass through border control.
• Medical treatment : Receive medical care.

What can't you do with an ETA?

The ETA does not authorize you to :

• Working : You may not engage in paid or unpaid employment in the UK.
• Collecting public funds: You are not entitled to any benefits or social assistance.
• Staying over 6 months : Each stay may not exceed 6 months.
• Living in the UK: You cannot establish residence in the UK by frequent or successive visits.
• Getting married or registering a civil partnership: You must apply for a specific marriage visa.

Validity, length of stay and number of entries

• Validity : The ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until the expiry date of your passport if earlier.
• Length of stay : Each stay in the UK with an ETA may not exceed 6 months.
• Number of entries : ETA allows you to several trips in the United Kingdom during its period of validity.

How to apply for a UK ETA with Visamundi?

Visamundi simplifies the ETA application process to give you a stress-free experience. Our online platform guides you every step of the way, avoiding errors and delays.

1. Check your eligibility: Make sure your nationality is among the eligible countries and that you meet the visa exemption criteria.
2. Prepare the necessary documents: Gather all the required documents before starting your application.
3. Fill in the online application form: Please provide accurate and complete information on the application form.
4. Pay the processing fee: Pay the processing fee using a valid credit or debit card.
5. Submit your request : Please check all the information provided carefully before submitting your request.

Required documents

To submit your ETA application with Visamundi, you will need the following documents:

• Valid passport:
  • Valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival in the UK.
  • In good condition, no damage.
  • With at least one blank page.
  • Autoplay zone intact.
  • High-definition color copy of the passport information page.
• Recent passport photo:
  • Taken within the last 6 months.
  • Clear, plain background.
  • Face fully visible.
  • No sunglasses or headgear (except for religious or medical reasons).
  • JPEG format, minimum 600×400 pixels.
• Personal information:
  • Personal address
  • Personal telephone number
  • Valid e-mail address

Additional Information Required

In addition to the documents, you will need to provide the following information:

• Do you have any other nationalities? If so, which ones?
• Do you have a job? If so, which one?
• Have you ever had a criminal conviction? If so, which one?
• Have you ever been involved in or suspected of any of the following?
  • War crimes, genocide or crimes against humanity.
  • Terrorism, including support for or membership of terrorist groups.
  • Support extremist groups.
  • Express extremist opinions.

ETA tariff

The price of the ETA is 10 GBP (12 €). This rate does not include the Visamundi service fee, which must be added to this amount.

Processing times

Visamundi is committed to processing your ETA request as quickly as possible. The ETA is generally issued online under 24 heures. However, we recommend that you submit your application at least 72 hours before you travel to avoid any unexpected surprises. Most people receive a decision quickly, but occasionally it can take more than 3 working days.

Why choose Visamundi?

• Expertise: Visamundi specializes in travel formalities, with in-depth knowledge of visa and ETA requirements.
• Simplicity: Our online platform is intuitive and easy to use, guiding you through every step of the application process.
• Speed : We process your request as quickly as possible, so you can plan your trip with complete peace of mind.
• Safety : We protect your personal and financial information with advanced security protocols.
• Customer support : Our team of advisors is at your disposal to answer all your questions and assist you with your request.

Travel insurance

For peace of mind when traveling, Visamundi offers you a complete range of travel insurance with our insurance partner. Our insurance policies cover :

• Medical and hospitalization expenses abroad
• Repatriation
• Extended hotel stay
• COVID-19 cover