UK ETA Eligibility Checker 2026
Find out if you're eligible for UK Electronic Travel Authorization in 2026. Check your citizenship status and requirements in seconds.
Check Your Eligibility
Select your country of citizenship to instantly check if you qualify for UK ETA
Complete List of Eligible Countries
Citizens from the following 84 countries can apply for UK ETA instead of a traditional visa
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Valid Passport
You must hold a valid passport from one of the eligible countries listed above. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK.
Travel Purpose
UK ETA is valid for tourism, business visits, short-term study, visiting friends and family, medical treatment, and transit purposes. Stays are limited to 6 months.
No Immigration History Issues
You should not have any previous UK visa refusals, immigration violations, or criminal convictions that would make you inadmissible to the UK.
Financial Means
You must be able to demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK and afford your return journey.
Who is NOT Eligible for UK ETA?
Non-Eligible Country Citizens
If your country is not listed in the eligible countries above, you will need to apply for a UK visa instead of an ETA. Check the UK government website for visa requirements for your nationality.
UK/Irish Citizens & Residents
British and Irish citizens do not need UK ETA. If you have UK or Irish citizenship, you have automatic right of entry to the UK and do not require any travel authorization.
Long-Term Stay or Work
UK ETA is only for short-term visits (up to 6 months). If you plan to work, study long-term, or settle in the UK, you must apply for the appropriate visa category.
Previous Immigration Violations
If you have been deported from the UK, overstayed a previous visa, or committed immigration fraud, you may not be eligible for UK ETA and should consult with an immigration advisor.
Country-Specific Eligibility Information
Australia
Australian citizens are eligible for UK ETA. As an Australian passport holder, you can apply online and typically receive approval within 72 hours. The ETA allows multiple entries to the UK for up to 6 months per visit over a 2-year period.
Processing Time: Regular processing (3 business days) or Express (24-48 hours)
Cost: USD $75 (Regular) or USD $120 (Express)
United States
US citizens can apply for UK ETA for tourism, business, or family visits. The ETA is valid for 2 years and allows stays of up to 6 months per entry. Americans have traditionally enjoyed visa-free travel to the UK, and the ETA system streamlines this process further.
Canada
Canadian passport holders are eligible for UK ETA. The authorization covers tourism, business meetings, conferences, and visiting family. Each stay can be up to 6 months, and the ETA remains valid for 2 years from the date of approval.
New Zealand
New Zealand citizens are fully eligible for UK ETA. The application is straightforward and can be completed online in minutes. Most Kiwis receive approval within 72 hours and can then travel to the UK multiple times over 2 years.
GCC Countries
Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman) are eligible for UK ETA. This represents a significant facilitation in UK-GCC travel relations and makes business and tourism travel much easier.
Eligibility FAQs
Can I apply for UK ETA if I have dual citizenship?
Yes, if one of your citizenships is from an eligible country, you can apply using that passport. You must use the same passport for your UK ETA application and travel.
What if my country is not on the eligible list?
You will need to apply for a UK visa instead of an ETA. Visit the UK government's official visa website to determine which visa category suits your travel purpose.
Do children need UK ETA?
Yes, all travelers including infants and children require their own UK ETA. Each person must have a separate application linked to their own passport.
Can permanent residents of eligible countries apply?
UK ETA eligibility is based on citizenship, not residency. If you are a permanent resident but hold a passport from a non-eligible country, you will need to apply for a UK visa.
What if I was refused a UK visa before?
Previous UK visa refusals may affect your UK ETA application. You will need to provide details during the application process, and your eligibility will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Eligible? Start Your Application Now
If your country is eligible, you can complete your UK ETA application in minutes and receive approval within 72 hours.