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Complete Guide

UK ETA Requirements

Everything you need to prepare for your UK Electronic Travel Authorisation application. Make sure you have all required documents and information before you start.

What You'll Need to Apply

Gather these items before starting your UK ETA application

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned UK entry date

Recent Photo

Clear, color photo of your face taken within the last 6 months

Personal Information

Full name, date of birth, nationality, and contact details

Address Details

Current residential address and contact information

Payment Method

Valid credit or debit card for application fee payment

Travel Plans

Approximate dates and purpose of your UK visit

Passport Requirements

Your passport must meet these criteria

  • Must be a biometric passport (e-passport with a chip)
  • Valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date to the UK
  • Must be from an eligible country (check eligibility list)
  • Passport must be undamaged and machine-readable
  • Bio data page must be clearly visible for scanning/photographing
  • Any previous names or nationalities should be documented

Photo Specifications

Your photo must meet UK government standards

Photo Must Have:

  • Taken within the last 6 months
  • Clear, in focus, and good quality
  • In color (not black and white)
  • Plain light-colored background
  • Good lighting with no shadows
  • Neutral expression, mouth closed
  • Looking directly at the camera

Photo Must NOT Have:

  • Sunglasses or tinted glasses
  • Hat or head covering (unless religious)
  • Filters or photo editing
  • Red-eye or glare on glasses
  • Other people or objects in frame
  • Shadows on face or background

Personal Information Needed

Information you'll need to provide in the application

Basic Details:

  • Full legal name (as on passport)
  • Date of birth
  • Place of birth
  • Gender
  • Nationality and citizenship
  • National identity number (if applicable)

Contact & Address:

  • Current residential address
  • Email address (for correspondence)
  • Phone number with country code
  • Previous addresses (if recently moved)
  • Emergency contact information

Travel Information

Details about your planned UK visit

  • Purpose of visit (tourism, business, transit, visiting family/friends)
  • Approximate arrival date in the UK (you can provide a range)
  • Length of stay in the UK (must be 6 months or less per visit)
  • UK address where you'll be staying (hotel or residential)
  • Previous travel history to the UK (if any)
  • Details of any previous visa refusals or immigration issues

Eligibility Criteria

You must meet these requirements to apply for a UK ETA

Nationality

You must be a citizen of an eligible country. Australian citizens are eligible for UK ETA. Check the full list of eligible countries.

View Eligible Countries

Purpose of Visit

UK ETA is valid for tourism, business, short courses (up to 6 months), transit, and visiting family or friends. Not valid for work or long-term study.

Length of Stay

You can stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit. The ETA allows multiple entries within its 2-year validity period.

Clean Record

You must not have any serious criminal convictions or immigration violations. Previous visa refusals may affect your application.

Valid Passport

Your passport must have at least 6 months validity from your planned UK entry date and must be in good condition.

Important Notes

Please read these carefully before applying

•All information must match your passport exactly - any discrepancies can cause delays or rejection

•Double-check all information before submitting - you cannot edit your application after submission

•Keep digital copies of all documents you upload in case you need to resubmit

•The UK ETA is different from a visa - it's for visa-exempt nationals only

•Apply at least 3 days before your travel date to allow for processing time

•Your ETA is electronically linked to your passport - you don't need to print anything

•You must apply for each traveler separately, including children

Ready to Apply?

Make sure you have all the required documents and information, then start your application

Start Your Application