Elena Reyes
Elena Reyes
Senior Travel & Visa Analyst
Elena has helped over 50,000 travellers navigate visa applications across 70+ countries.
📋 Электронные визы и ETA

How to Apply for the UK ETA: Step-by-Step Guide 2026

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a mandatory pre-travel requirement for nationals of visa-free countries visiting England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It costs £10, typically takes 3 working days to approve, and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. This guide walks you through every step of the application.

Как мы проверяли эти шаги

Каждый шаг в этом руководстве был проверен путём подачи живой заявки на соответствующем государственном портале.

  1. 1

    Check if you need a UK ETA

    The UK ETA is required for nationals of countries that previously entered the UK without any prior permission — including US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, and EU citizens. UK citizens, Irish citizens, and those with a UK visa or British National (Overseas) passport are exempt. Check the official UK government website (gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta) to confirm your eligibility.

  2. 2

    Download the UK ETA app or use the online portal

    The UK ETA can be applied for via the UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) mobile app (available on iOS and Android) or through the official website. The app is the recommended method as it allows passport scanning and biometric selfie verification.

  3. 3

    Prepare your documents

    You will need: your valid passport, a digital photograph or ability to take a selfie (biometric), an email address, and a payment card. Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your planned stay — the ETA links to your specific passport, so you will need a new one if you renew your passport.

  4. 4

    Complete the application form

    Provide your personal details, travel document information, and answer the eligibility questions. These cover your criminal history, immigration violations, and health questions. Answer honestly — providing false information is a criminal offence under UK immigration law.

  5. 5

    Pay the £10 fee and submit

    The fee is £10 per person per application. This is non-refundable. Once paid and submitted, you should receive a decision by email within 3 working days. Many applicants receive approval within hours.

  6. 6

    Save your ETA confirmation

    The ETA is linked electronically to your passport — there is no sticker or letter to print. However, save the confirmation email in case of queries. When you travel, present the same passport you used for the application.

✈️ Лучшие направления
1
UK ETA Top Pick
The UK's new Electronic Travel Authorisation replaces the old entry stamp system for eligible nationalities. It allows multiple trips to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland over 2 years.
★★★★½
Плюсы
  • UK ETA application steps are covered in this guide with verified screenshots and process notes.
  • Generous 6-month stay per visit — longest of any comparable ETA.
  • 2-year, multiple-entry validity.
Минусы
  • UK ETA portal UI changes periodically — focus on the process described, not exact button labels.
  • Processing can take up to 3 working days — apply well in advance.
ОбработкаUp to 3 working days
Действует2 years
Тип визыElectronic
Гос. сбор$10
9.5 /10
Подать заявку на UK ETA
Полное руководство по направлению
2
USA ESTA Most Popular
The ESTA is the gateway to the USA for travellers from 42 Visa Waiver Program countries. Apply online, receive approval within minutes, and visit the US for up to 90 days at a time over 2 years.
★★★★½
Плюсы
  • USA ESTA application steps are covered in this guide with verified screenshots and process notes.
  • Fast approval — most applicants receive ESTA status within minutes.
  • 2-year, multiple-entry validity means one application covers many US trips.
Минусы
  • USA ESTA portal UI changes periodically — focus on the process described, not exact button labels.
  • Only available to citizens of VWP countries — others need a B1/B2 visa.
ОбработкаMinutes to 72 hours
Действует2 years
Тип визыESTA
Гос. сбор$21
9.6 /10
Подать заявку на USA ESTA
Полное руководство по направлению
3
Canada eTA Best Value
Canada's eTA is one of the best-value travel authorizations in the world: just CAD$7, valid for 5 years, and most approvals arrive within minutes. Essential for flying to Canada from eligible countries.
★★★★½
Плюсы
  • Canada eTA application steps are covered in this guide with verified screenshots and process notes.
  • Extremely low government fee — one of the cheapest travel authorizations available.
  • 5-year validity means infrequent travellers rarely need to renew.
Минусы
  • Canada eTA portal UI changes periodically — focus on the process described, not exact button labels.
  • Required for air travel but not for land or sea entry from the USA.
ОбработкаMinutes to 72 hours
Действует5 years or until passport expiry
Тип визыElectronic
Гос. сбор$7
9.5 /10
Подать заявку на Canada eTA
Полное руководство по направлению
4
Australia eVisa Top Pick
Australia's eVisitor visa is one of the world's fastest approvals: free to apply, linked electronically to your passport, and typically granted within hours for eligible passport holders.
★★★★½
Плюсы
  • Australia eVisa application steps are covered in this guide with verified screenshots and process notes.
  • Free government fee for eligible passport holders from 56+ countries.
  • Electronic approval linked to passport — no label or stamp needed.
Минусы
  • Australia eVisa portal UI changes periodically — focus on the process described, not exact button labels.
  • Only available to passport holders from specific eligible countries.
Обработка24 hours
Действует12 months
Тип визыeVisitor
Гос. сборБесплатно
9.8 /10
Подать заявку на Australia eVisa
Полное руководство по направлению

Часто задаваемые вопросы

How much does the UK ETA cost?+
The UK ETA costs £10 per person. This is a government fee and is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.
How long does the UK ETA take to process?+
Most UK ETA applications are decided within 3 working days. Many are approved within hours. The UK government advises applying at least 3 working days before travel, but applying further in advance is recommended.
Can I transit through the UK on an ETA?+
Yes. The UK ETA covers landside transit — passing through a UK airport and leaving again. If you are staying airside (not clearing UK border control), you may not need an ETA, but this depends on your nationality. Always check the UK's official transit visa checker tool.
Does the UK ETA replace the need for a visa?+
No. The ETA is only for nationalities that previously entered the UK visa-free. If your nationality required a UK visa before the ETA was introduced, you still need a visa. The ETA and visa are separate things for different nationalities.