Help

Find more info about how to answer each question below:

Select your nationality from the dropdown list. This information is used to determine the visa requirements and applicable fees.

Select the type of visa you're applying for. The various types include different durations and entry types. Make sure to choose the one that matches your travel plans.

Please select the date you will be arriving at your destination. This date will help us determine the validity period of your visa.

Enter your first name and middle name exactly as they appear in your passport, using letters A-Z.

Enter your last name exactly as it appears in your passport, using letters A-Z. If you don't have a last name, enter "N/A."

Select your date of birth from the dropdown menus. Make sure this matches the date of birth listed in your passport.

Enter your email address. We'll use this to send you updates about your application. You won't be enrolled in any promotional messages unless you click the checkbox below.

Select the nationality as it appears on your passport. This must match the nationality on the passport you're using for this application.

Check this box if you want to skip entering your passport information at this moment. You'll need to provide this information later to complete your application.

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A Calm, Human-Reviewed Walkthrough

Your UK Travel Authorization, Prepared with Care

Move at your own pace. A kind reviewer checks every detail by hand before it ever leaves our desk.

Secure & private Human reviewed Pause & return any time

We are a private third-party service providing assistance with UK ETA applications. We are not affiliated with the UK Government or GOV.UK.

Tell us a little about your trip

We will start with two simple questions. There is no payment to begin — take your time.

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How many travelers will be on this application (including yourself)?

United Kingdom ETA


Valid for

2 years after issued

Number of entries

Multiple entry

Max stay

186 days per entry

Government fees

Secure Application

Your information is handled securely. All data is encrypted during transmission.

A gentle reminder: The UK ETA is for short visits. If you are travelling for study or work, please write to us first and we will gently point you the right way.

Why Choose Our Service?

Fast, reliable, and fully supported application experience.

Simple Application Process
Complete your application through a guided and easy-to-follow form.
Application Review by Our Team
Your details are checked for completeness before submission.
Customer Support
Get assistance and updates from our support team when needed.
Expert Handling
Your application is reviewed and submitted by experienced professionals.
Need Help?
Quick guidance for each step of your application.
What's your nationality?
Choose your nationality from the list. This helps us determine visa requirements and fees.
Applying for
Select the visa type based on your travel purpose, duration, and number of entries.
Arrival date
Pick your expected arrival date. This helps calculate your visa validity period.

Why an ETA matters

Why travellers need an ETA UK before they fly

The United Kingdom is moving towards a digital-first border. For many short-stay visitors, an approved ETA UK is now the piece of pre-travel permission that airlines and border staff look for before you board and again when you arrive.

An ETA is not a visa. It is an electronic travel authorization that confirms you are eligible to travel to the UK for a short visit — tourism, seeing family, brief business meetings, or transiting through a UK airport. Without a valid ETA or another form of permission, travellers who would normally need one can be denied boarding at the departure airport.

Preparing an ETA application ahead of time is the calmest way to protect your trip. It removes the last-minute scramble at check-in and gives you a clear record of your authorization tied to your passport number. Whether you are visiting the UK for the first time or returning to see loved ones, a well-prepared application is the foundation of a smooth journey.

Required before boarding

Airlines check for an approved ETA UK before you fly.

Protects your trip

Prepared in advance so there are no surprises at the gate.

Faster than a visa

Designed for short visits — no in-person appointment needed.

Linked to your passport

No sticker or stamp. Everything is digital and portable.

Plain-language guide

Understanding the UK ETA

Everything you need to know about the UK ETA — written the way we would explain it to a friend or family member preparing to travel.

What it is

A digital pre-travel permission for eligible short-stay visitors. It is not a visa, it is not a stamp, and it does not replace your passport — it works alongside it.

Who it is for

Travellers from eligible countries planning to visit the UK for tourism, family, short business trips, or transit. Longer stays or work still require a UK visa.

How long it lasts

An approved ETA is generally valid for multiple short trips over an extended period, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first.

The ETA sits behind the scenes on the UK border system. When you land, the officer sees that a valid authorization is attached to your passport — no paperwork to unfold, no envelope to search for. That simplicity is exactly why so many travellers now choose to apply ETA in advance.

ETA vs UK visa

How the ETA compares to a traditional UK visa

Both routes give permission to travel, but they suit very different journeys. This side-by-side view will help you decide which one is right for you.

Consideration UK ETA Traditional UK Visa
Purpose Short visits: tourism, family, brief business, transit Longer stays, study, work, joining family
Format Fully digital, linked to your passport Vignette in the passport or a digital status
Typical preparation Online questionnaire and photograph Detailed application, supporting documents, sometimes an appointment
Length of stay Short stays only Varies by route — often months or years
Work permitted No paid work Depends on the specific visa category
Best for Straightforward short visits from eligible countries Complex trips or long-term plans

If your trip is a short holiday, a family reunion, a conference, or a layover, the ETA UK route is almost always the right fit. If you are moving to the UK to study, take a job, or join a partner, a full UK visa is necessary — and we will honestly point you in that direction rather than take an ETA application we know is not appropriate.

Who should apply for an ETA

  • Tourists planning a short trip to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
  • Travellers visiting family or friends for a short stay.
  • Business visitors attending meetings, training, or conferences.
  • Cruise passengers with UK port stops.
  • Travellers transiting through UK airports.
  • Guests attending weddings, ceremonies, or short cultural events.

Who may need a different UK visa

  • Travellers planning to study a course longer than the visitor rules allow.
  • Anyone taking paid employment in the UK.
  • People joining a partner, spouse, or family member long-term.
  • Travellers who have previously been refused entry to the UK.
  • Applicants who already hold another qualifying UK immigration status.
  • Those needing settlement, ancestry, or specialist visa routes.

Not sure which group you fall into? Write to us and a real person will gently talk it through with you.

Prepare with time to spare

The quiet benefits of applying for your ETA early

There is no prize for leaving things until the last minute. Applying a few weeks before your trip gives you room to breathe — and room for us to help if anything looks unusual.

Time for follow-ups

If the UK authorities have a question, you will have time to respond calmly.

Peace of mind

Approval in hand well before you pack means no last-minute worry.

Better travel deals

Book flights and stays with confidence once your ETA UK is in place.

Room to correct

Small mistakes can be spotted and fixed long before your travel date.

The full journey

Step-by-step ETA application process

Here is exactly how an ETA UK application moves through our desk — from the first field you fill in to the day you fly.

  1. 1

    Start the questionnaire

    Open the form at the top of this page and share a few simple details about your trip. Nothing is submitted yet, and no payment is taken.

  2. 2

    Add your personal and passport details

    Enter your name, date of birth, passport number, expiry, contact email, and phone. Copy each line straight from your passport so nothing gets lost in translation.

  3. 3

    Choose your review pace

    Standard, priority, or same-day helping hand — each pace includes the same careful human review. Pick the one that matches your travel timeline.

  4. 4

    Look over your answers

    The review screen shows every answer in one place. Take a moment to read it kindly, and correct anything that needs a small change before confirming.

  5. 5

    Our team reviews by hand

    A real person reads your answers, checks spellings against the passport details you shared, and reaches out gently if anything looks unclear.

  6. 6

    Submission to the UK authorities

    Once everything is ready, your ETA application is submitted through the official channel. You receive a reference so you can follow along.

  7. 7

    Decision and travel

    When the UK authorities decide your ETA, we let you know straight away. If approved, you are ready to fly — your ETA is linked to your passport automatically.

Prepare your details

Documents and information usually required for your ETA application

Every ETA application is a little different, but most travellers need the same short list of details. Gather these before you start and the questionnaire will feel effortless.

  • A valid passport

    The same passport you will travel on. Check the expiry date carefully.

  • Personal details

    Full name, date of birth, and nationality exactly as they appear on your passport.

  • Contact information

    An email address and phone number where a real person can reach you if needed.

  • Travel intentions

    Approximate arrival date and the purpose of your trip — tourism, family, business, or transit.

  • A recent photograph

    A clear, front-facing photograph that meets the standard requirements.

  • Background information

    Honest answers to standard questions about your travel and immigration history.

A calm start

Preparing before you apply for your UK ETA

Ten quiet minutes of preparation makes the whole application feel gentle. This is how travellers describe the difference.

Before preparation

Rushing through the questionnaire

  • Passport not to hand, so details are typed from memory.
  • Photograph taken quickly, without the right lighting.
  • Travel dates uncertain, so guesses are entered.
  • Contact email that is rarely checked, so updates are missed.

After a few minutes of prep

Applying with quiet confidence

  • Passport open on the desk, details copied letter by letter.
  • A calm, well-lit photograph taken against a plain wall.
  • An approximate travel date noted from your itinerary.
  • Email checked daily, so you never miss a friendly update.

Learn from experience

Common ETA application mistakes — and how to avoid them

Most application problems come from tiny slips rather than big misunderstandings. Reading through this list before you apply saves everyone time.

Name spelled differently to the passport

Even a missing middle name can cause issues. Always copy exactly, character by character.

Passport expiring too soon

Check that your passport is valid well beyond your planned dates of travel.

Photograph that does not meet the specification

Avoid shadows, sunglasses, hats, or cropped edges. A plain background works best.

Rushing background questions

Read every question twice. Honest, thoughtful answers keep the process smooth.

Using a temporary or shared email

Choose an email you check daily so you do not miss a request for clarification.

Leaving it to the last day

Give yourself enough time in case the authorities ask for further information.

Eligibility overview

A quick way to check whether the ETA UK route fits you

This short overview helps you decide if you are on the right path. It is not legal advice — if anything is unclear, please reach out and we will help gently.

Your nationality

You hold a passport from a country included in the UK ETA scheme.

Your purpose of travel

Tourism, family visits, short business, brief study within the visitor rules, or transit.

Your length of stay

A short visit within the limits set by the UK visitor rules.

Your passport validity

A machine-readable passport that will remain valid for your entire trip.

Your travel history

No serious issues that would ordinarily require a full UK visa application.

Your intent

You plan to leave the UK at the end of your visit and follow the visitor rules.

Honest processing expectations

Timelines are set by the UK authorities — not by us. What we do promise is a careful review on our side and a clear reference so you always know where things stand.

Many ETA UK applications are decided within a few working days. During busy travel seasons, or if the authorities have additional questions, decisions can take a little longer. That is why we ask travellers to apply ETA as early as they reasonably can — ideally several weeks before departure.

While your ETA application is under review, please avoid making changes to your passport details. If something must change — for example, a passport renewal — get in touch straight away and we will help you understand the next steps.

You can always check your progress on our Where things stand page using the reference we send you.

Before you press send

Information accuracy checklist

Run through this short checklist before confirming your ETA application. It is exactly what our reviewers look at on their side.

  • Full name matches the passport, including middle names.
  • Date of birth is entered in the correct order.
  • Passport number is copied character by character.
  • Passport expiry date is well beyond your planned trip.
  • Nationality is spelled correctly.
  • Contact email is one you check regularly.
  • Phone number includes the correct country code.
  • Travel dates are realistic and consistent with any bookings.
  • Background answers are honest and considered.
  • Photograph is clear, recent, and meets the requirements.

Beyond the application

Travel planning tips for a smooth UK trip

Once your ETA UK is prepared, a little planning goes a long way. These are the small touches our travellers thank us for later.

Confirm arrival plans

Have your accommodation address and onward travel written down for border staff.

Save your reference

Keep our confirmation email and your passport photo page saved to your phone.

Check airline rules

Every airline has its own baggage and check-in rules. Read them a few days before you fly.

Prepare small change

Have a little local currency or a working card for transport when you land.

Travel insurance

The ETA does not include medical cover. A short-stay travel insurance policy is a wise companion.

Tell someone

Share your itinerary with a family member so they know when to expect you.

Why travellers trust us

A calm, considered assistance service

We are not the UK government and we do not approve travel authorizations. What we do is help you prepare a clear, accurate ETA application with a real person looking over your shoulder.

Secure online submission

Your details travel over an encrypted connection and are stored with care.

Professional human review

Every ETA application is read by a person before it leaves our desk.

Mobile-friendly experience

Fill out your questionnaire from any device, in short comfortable sittings.

Dedicated customer assistance

One friendly team to answer your questions from start to finish.

User privacy first

We only use your information to help with your ETA — nothing else.

Simple step-by-step guidance

Plain language, one question at a time. No jargon, no shortcuts.

Clear instructions

Helpful notes beside every field so you always know what to enter.

Transparent process

All fees are shown up front. You confirm nothing until you are ready.

Assistance, not authority

Why many travellers choose professional application assistance

Applying directly is always an option. Many people prefer having a patient guide beside them — someone who has seen thousands of ETA questionnaires and knows the small details that make a difference.

Preparing an ETA UK application on your own can feel simple until the moment you meet an unfamiliar question. Should the middle name be included? Which arrival date should be entered if the itinerary is not finalized? What happens if the passport was renewed recently? A helpful voice at those moments changes the whole experience.

Our team offers a plain-language walkthrough, a human review of every answer, and a single friendly point of contact if anything comes up. If your situation truly needs a full UK visa instead, we will say so honestly — even if it means we are not the right service for that trip.

What our assistance includes

  • A guided questionnaire written in plain, kind language.
  • Manual review of every answer against your passport details.
  • Friendly follow-up if we spot anything unclear.
  • One single team to talk to, from first question to final decision.
  • A clear reference so you can check progress at any time.
  • Honest signposting if your journey needs a different UK visa route.

People also ask

Frequently asked questions about the UK ETA

Real questions from travellers preparing an ETA UK application. If yours is not answered here, please write to us — we love a good question.

What is the UK ETA and how is it different from a UK visa?
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is a digital pre-travel permission for eligible short-stay visitors. A traditional UK visa is a broader authorization used for longer or more specific stays such as study, work, or family reunion. An ETA UK is quicker to prepare and is linked electronically to your passport — there is no sticker or vignette placed inside the passport.
Do I need an ETA to travel to the United Kingdom?
You may need an ETA UK if you are a visitor from an eligible country planning a short stay for tourism, family visits, brief business meetings, or transit. If you already hold a valid UK visa, settlement status, or another qualifying permission, an ETA is generally not required. When in doubt, our team will kindly help you understand which route fits your situation.
How long does the ETA application review usually take?
Processing timelines are set by the UK authorities and can vary. Many ETA applications are decided within a few working days, though it can take longer during busy travel periods. We always encourage travellers to apply ETA well before their planned departure so there is time for any follow-up questions.
How long is a UK ETA valid?
An approved UK ETA is typically valid for multiple short visits over an extended period, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. Each individual stay is subject to the length permitted at the UK border.
Can I extend my stay in the UK using an ETA?
No. An ETA is designed for short visits only. If your plans change and you need to stay longer or shift into a different activity such as study or work, you will usually need to apply for the appropriate UK visa from outside the UK.
Can I work in the UK with an ETA?
An ETA UK does not permit paid employment in the UK. Short business activities such as meetings or conferences are usually allowed within the visitor rules. If your trip involves paid work, you will need a suitable UK work visa.
What information do I need to complete my ETA application?
You will need your passport details, a recent photograph that meets the specifications, your travel intentions, contact information, and answers to standard background questions. Our step-by-step questionnaire walks you through each field in plain language.
Does the ETA get stuck inside my passport?
No. The ETA is a digital record linked to your passport number. There is no sticker, stamp, or vignette. If you renew your passport, you will need to apply ETA again against the new document.
What happens if my ETA application is refused?
If your application is refused, the UK authorities will provide guidance on next steps. In many cases travellers are directed to apply for a standard UK visa instead. We will gently explain your options and, where appropriate, point you towards the correct route.
Can children and infants get their own ETA?
Yes. Every traveller, regardless of age, needs their own ETA UK. Parents or guardians can complete the application on behalf of a minor using the child's own passport details.
Do I need an ETA if I am only transiting through the UK?
In many airside transit situations you may still require an ETA UK, depending on the airport and your onward route. It is safer to prepare an ETA application in advance rather than risk being turned away at the gate.
Can I travel to the UK immediately after my ETA is approved?
Yes, once you have received confirmation that your ETA UK is approved, you can travel on or after your intended arrival date, within the validity of the authorization and your passport.
What if I make a mistake on my ETA application?
Small errors can often be corrected before submission — this is exactly why we review every questionnaire by hand. If a mistake is discovered after submission, please contact us as soon as possible and we will guide you through the appropriate steps.
Is my personal information kept private?
Yes. We treat every piece of information you share with care and use it only to assist with your ETA application. Our privacy notice explains how your data is stored, who can access it, and how long it is kept.
Are you the UK government or an official UK visa website?
No. We are an independent assistance service. We are not part of the UK government and we do not issue or approve travel authorizations. Our role is to guide and support travellers in preparing an accurate application.
Why should I use an assistance service instead of applying directly?
Applying directly is always an option. Many travellers choose an assistance service because they prefer plain-language guidance, a careful human review, and one point of contact if any question arises. It is a matter of comfort and confidence, not necessity.
Do you guarantee my ETA UK will be approved?
No genuine service can guarantee an approval — only the UK authorities decide. What we do promise is a patient, human review of the details you share so that your application is as clear and accurate as possible.
Can I apply for an ETA on my phone?
Yes. Our questionnaire is fully mobile-friendly. You can start on your phone, pause, and continue later on a tablet or computer.
What if my travel plans change after I apply?
Small changes to travel dates usually do not affect a valid ETA UK. If your circumstances change more significantly — for example a new passport or a different type of trip — please get in touch and we will help you understand what to do next.
How much does the UK ETA cost?
The UK government charges a set fee for the ETA itself. Our assistance service adds a transparent, clearly shown fee for the human review and support. All costs are displayed on the summary panel before you confirm — there are no hidden charges.

Ready when you are

Prepare your UK ETA application with a calm, human review

Return to the questionnaire at the top of this page whenever you are ready. There is no rush, no payment to start, and a real person waiting to read every answer with care.