UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

From 25^th February 2026, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement will be strictly enforced. ETA is a legal requirement, and carriers will not board eligible visitors without one. Everyone who wants to come to the UK must have an ETA or a valid eVisa. 

A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel – it is not a visa (or eVisa) and does not permit entry into the UK – it authorises a person to travel to the UK in advance. An ETA does not guarantee the holder entry to the UK.

A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel permission required for non-visa nationals visiting the UK. It is not a visa, but an advance screening measure which visitors to the UK require if they do not need a visa for short stays of up to six months, or they do not already have a UK immigration status/visa. 

You can use the ETA to visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-course study. Travel carriers must make a positive check on a passport that confirms ‘permission to travel’ (ETA). You will need an ETA if you are transiting through the UK (layover). 

The ETA permits multiple journeys and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner) however, permission to enter upon arrival in the UK is up to 6 months maximum only. Visitors must still ensure they meet the Standard Visitor visa requirements at the point of arrival in the UK and throughout their visit duration.

You must ensure they do not overstay your permission in the UK.

If you’re visiting for another reason, such as longer-term study (over 6 months) or work you should check if you need a visa instead. For longer term stays and other visits, you may need a different visa. 

You do not need an ETA if you already have a visa or permission to live, work or study in the UK (i.e. you have a Student Route visa or other permission). If you are unsure, please email VISA Advice with details so we can advise you further. 

An ETA is not a visa (it is a travel authorisation only) so applying for one will not cancel out any remaining time on a visa you might have. If you arrive in the UK with an ETA and time still left on your visa, there is a high risk that you will enter on your visa, not your ETA. You would be at risk of inadvertently overstaying your original visa. If you wish to come back to the UK while you still have time left on a visa, we advise you apply for Standard Visitor Visa instead. 

If you course requires an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate, you will need to apply in advance of travel, even if you come with an ETA.

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) have more information about the ETA at their website if you still have questions. 

Please see the section below for information on who is currently eligible for an ETA. 

The Electronic Travel Authorisation rules around who will needs to apply are changing, and so make sure you are looking at the relevant section for the time you plan to travel.

Certain nationalities travelling to the UK on or after 2nd April 2025 can apply for an ETA before they travel to the UK.

The list of who can apply for ETA is subject to frequent change so we advise checking the updated government website for details on your eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

You cannot use a passport issued by one of these countries listed above to apply for an ETA if you are not a national of that country. 

All other Nationalities should be checking their visa requirements via the Gov.uk website.

An ETA currently costs £16 per application (rising to £20 from 8th April 2026). Each person travelling needs their own ETA, including children and babies. Though we strive to keep this information updated, you can check the Gov.UK webpages to confirm current prices: Home Office immigration and nationality fees

The ETA fee is non-refundable.

Decisions for ETAs are usually returned within 3 working days, but this may be quicker. Occasionally, it may take longer than 3 working days. You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK. You can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision if you need to travel sooner.

To apply, you will need to:

• have the passport you will travel with (not a photocopy)
• have access to your emails
• provide contact and passport details
• provide a valid photograph which meets UKVI requirements 
• answer a set of questions about yourself/travellers
• have access to a payment method (a credit card or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay)

You must upload or take photos of the:

• passport
• face of the person applying

You do not need to enter your travel details.

The fastest way to apply is using the UK ETA mobile app (please follow the links at the Government website)

If you require help with the mobile app, you can find guide on using the UK ETA app here.

If you do not have access to the mobile app, you can apply online at this website.

If you currently have a valid UK visa but you have been informed that you cannot use it to study your chosen course, you may be advised to leave the UK and apply for either a Visitor Visa or an ETA. 

Your situation will determine what you need to apply for.

An ETA is digital pre-travel permission for non-visa nationals; it does not grant immigration permission. Someone with existing permission, who applies for an ETA, will retain their permission when they re-enter the UK.

If you wish to study while your current visa is valid (ie before it expires), you will need to leave the UK and apply for a Visitor Visa. As you cannot hold two visas at the same time, this will mean your current visa is cancelled. 

If you wish to study after your current visa expires, you can, if eligible, apply for an ETA and then travel to the UK. 

If you have any questions about this situation, please contact us VISA.Advice@swansea.ac.uk 

You should get an email confirming you have successfully been given an ETA. UKVI will link your ETA to the passport you applied with.  

Your ETA will last for 2 years or until your passport expires (which ever is sooner). You can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time using the ETA.

Each time you must travel using the same passport you used when you applied for your ETA - if you change your passport, you need to apply for a new ETA.

You still need to see a Border Force officer to enter the UK when you arrive and an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.

If your ETA application is refused, you will need to apply for a visa if you wish to seek permission come to the UK (please email VISA Advice if you require more information).

The EVW was replaced by the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and can no longer be applied for or used to come to the UK.