It’s now easier for eligible travelers to visit the UK, thanks to the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). However, you must understand its validity. In this guide, we cover essential information on how long you may stay. Additionally, we also discuss how often you can visit the UK with the travel authorization.
What is the UK ETA?
The UK ETA is a digital permit for travelers from visa-exempt countries. Specifically, its design allows the UK to streamline border checks and enhance security.
Unlike a traditional visa, the ETA is faster and easier to obtain. Travelers just need to apply online, answer security questions, and pay a fee.
It’s mandatory for short-term visits, including tourism, family visits, and short business trips. However, it doesn’t allow work or long-term study.
Correspondingly, non-visa nationals must have an approved ETA before traveling to the UK. This ensures a smoother entry process.
UK ETA Validity Period
The UK ETA is typically valid for two years from the date of issue. During its validity period, travelers can use the ETA for multiple trips to the UK. In particular, this multiple-entry feature is perfect for business travelers, frequent tourists, or those visiting family.
However, the ETA itself is not permission to stay indefinitely. To clarify, each visit is subject to a maximum stay period. We’ll cover this in greater detail in a separate section.
As such, it’s crucial to check the expiry date on your ETA before planning your trip. If your ETA expires, then you must apply for a new one.
How Long Can You Stay on Each Visit?
While the ETA is valid for two years, each visit allows you to stay for up to six months.
Notably, this aligns with the UK’s general visitor rules. It’s ideal for holidays, family visits, or short business trips.
During your stay, you can:
- Tour the UK.
- Attend short business meetings or conferences.
- Visit family or friends.
- Take short courses (less than six months).
- Participate in a permitted paid engagement.
- Transit through the UK if you are passing through border control.
However, you cannot work in the UK, live there permanently, or enroll in long-term studies.
Moreover, border officers will check your plans, as staying beyond six months can lead to penalties.
Permitted Visits with an ETA
The ETA allows multiple entries during its two-year validity period. This means you can visit the UK as often as you like, as long as each stay is under six months.
However, border officials will assess whether your visits are genuinely for short stays. Correspondingly, frequent and/or back-to-back visits may raise questions about whether you’re trying to live in the UK long-term. Specifically, officials may ask for proof of your ties to your home country, such as work commitments or property ownership.
As such, always respect the spirit of the ETA. It’s designed for genuine short visits, not continuous residence.
What If You Violate the Permit?
Notably, overstaying your ETA’s terms can have serious consequences. In particular, you could face fines, deportation, or bans on future entry.
Remember, the ETA is a permit to travel, but the final entry is always up to the UK border officers. Specifically, they can refuse entry if they believe you’re violating the ETA’s rules.
If you need to stay longer or for different purposes (like work or study), then apply for the appropriate visa.
How to Apply for an ETA
Overall, the ETA application is simple and entirely online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit the EVS platform. It simplifies the ETA application process so you can avoid going through complex visa processes.
At EVS, your personal and travel information remains safe and secure with its strict data protection regulations. Moreover, it provides you with expert guidance and seamless support to ensure a stress-free application journey.
Step 2: Upload a passport photo. It must have a plain, light-colored background without any shadows or objects behind you.
Step 3: Upload a scan or photo of your passport information page. Ensure the full passport photo page is inside the frame, including the two lines of numbers and letters at the bottom. Additionally, the passport of the minor must be valid for at least six months upon entering and exiting the UK.
Step 4: Provide your personal information:
- Contact details
- Home address
- Employment information
- Citizenship information
- Criminal history, if any
Overall, make sure that the information you provide matches what is on your passport.
Step 5: Review and confirm the information on your application. In particular, you can pay using suitable electronic payment methods such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit card, or debit card.
Step 6: Pay the application fee.
Step 7: Receive your UK ETA. You will receive an email with the decision. Next, the ETA will be linked to your passport digitally.
Once approved, the ETA is valid for multiple visits over a two-year period, or until your passport expires. Because mistakes can delay approval, make sure to triple-check all entries before you submit.
Ready to get started with your application? Then click the button below to obtain your ETA.
Summary and Key Takeaways
Overall, the UK ETA is valid for two years and allows multiple short-term visits. In particular, each visit can last up to six months, so it’s perfect for tourism or business. Hence, frequent travelers should ensure they’re not overstaying or appearing to live in the UK.
Furthermore, border officers can refuse entry if they suspect misuse. As such, stay informed, plan your trips responsibly, and enjoy smooth travel to the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my stay beyond six months with an ETA?
No. Specifically, the ETA allows a maximum stay of six months per visit. Hence, you cannot extend your stay with the ETA.
Can I work in the UK with an ETA?
In particular, you can work in the ETA only under the Creative Worker visa concession provision. In addition, it also covers permitted paid engagements.
What if my passport expires before my ETA?
If your passport expires, then you must apply for a new ETA with your new passport. Remember that the ETA is tied to your passport.
How early should I apply for an ETA?
Overall, apply at least a few days before your trip to avoid delays. Because processing usually takes a short time, allow extra time.
Can I apply for all my kids at once?
Specifically, you can apply for them one after the other. Also, remember that there’s no single “family form.”
Who can apply for an ETA?
In particular, travelers from the following countries can apply for an ETA:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British National overseas)
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Macao Special Administrative Region
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Oman
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Qatar
- Samoa
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- St. Lucia
- St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Taiwan
- Toga
- Tuvalu
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
Meanwhile, applications have opened for European travelers visiting the UK on or after April 2, 2025:
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Vatican City
This also covers eligible dual citizenships.
What if my flight is delayed and I have to leave the airport?
To clarify, you’ll need an ETA to enter the UK, even due to delays or rebooking.
Photo by Sabrina Mazzeo on Unsplash
