2025-04-08
ETA, or Electronic Travel Authorisation for the UK, is now in operation, and since I have a trip scheduled in the coming days, I’ve already applied for my ETA, as well as for my family.
In short, European citizens who wish to travel to the UK for tourism, business, or study (up to six months) must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling.
Take note: the official link for the ETA: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta. This is important because there are some unofficial websites that charge high fees.
I’ve already gone through the process, which was relatively simple, and I’ve prepared this guide to help you fill out the ETA for the UK online.
Shall we get started?
What is the ETA and why is it necessary to travel to the UK?
The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a mandatory document for European citizens visiting the UK for tourism, business, or study up to six months.
In practice, this means that if you are traveling to the UK and meet the above conditions, you need to apply for an ETA in advance.
Step by step: How to fill out the ETA online
The ETA can be filled out online on the official website or through the UK app.
The first time I tried to fill out the ETA on the website, I received a message indicating a wait time of over an hour.
I waited, and when the page loaded, it displayed a message suggesting I fill out the ETA in the app.
So, the second time, I downloaded the official ETA app on my phone and gave it a try.
Indeed, it was faster. I needed to provide an email to receive information about the process and the respective authorisation, as well as a phone contact.
Then, just follow the app instructions, which include taking a photo of your passport, and if you have a biometric passport, you need to scan the chip by placing your phone next to the passport, take a photo with your phone, fill in personal details like your address, and answer a few simple questions.
Then, make the payment, and the ETA application for the UK is done. You will automatically receive a message by email informing you that the application is OK, and in my case, I received the approval of the ETA for the UK just a few minutes later.
Requirements to apply for the ETA: What you need to know
The official UK ETA website mentions that you will need a valid passport, a passport-style photo, internet access, and a bank card to pay the fee.
In practice, I didn’t need a passport-style photo, as the phone automatically took the required photo.
ETA costs: How much will you pay for the authorisation?
The cost of the ETA is £10 at the time of application. However, it is expected that the fee will increase to £16.
The payment appeared in Euros on the app, and I wanted to test the payment with both my credit card and the Revolut card to check if there would be any additional fees.
Thus, the payment with Revolut worked as expected, since this card allows payments in foreign currencies.
Also, the payment for the UK ETA with the credit card was made without any additional fees.
When to apply for the ETA: Early application is key to avoid delays
The official recommendation is to apply for the ETA at least 72 hours in advance of your trip.
How long is the ETA valid?
The ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can travel to the UK multiple times without needing a new ETA.
What happens if the ETA is denied?
If the ETA is denied, you will need to apply for a traditional visa. The denial could be due to errors in the application or security concerns.
Other travel options to the UK without the ETA
If you don’t need the ETA, such as for travelers who are not European citizens and are staying for less than six months, you may not need any authorization. However, it’s important to verify.
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