UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is an online pre-travel permission that certain travelers must obtain before visiting the United Kingdom.
It is required for citizens of eligible countries who do not need a visa for short stays and allows them to travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family or friends, business, short-term study, or transit for up to 6 months.
UK ETA is not a visa; it is a digital travel authorisation linked electronically to the traveler’s passport.
Once approved, a UK ETA is generally valid for 2 years, or until the passport expires—whichever comes first.
During its validity period, it can be used for multiple journeys to the UK.
Please note that UK ETA approval does not guarantee entry into the United Kingdom.
The final decision is made by a UK Border Force officer at the border.