Traveling To The Uk: What You Need To Know

The United Kingdom is a popular destination for travellers, and there are several ways to get there. The most common way to travel to the UK is by air. Many international airlines offer flights to the UK, and you can book your trip through a travel agent or online. You can also travel to the UK by train or bus from Europe, or by ferry if you want to bring your car. If you're an adventurous soul, you could even consider hiking or biking your way to the UK! Regardless of your preferred mode of transportation, the UK has something to offer everyone, from its rich history and culture to its stunning natural landscapes.

How to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA)

To apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to the UK, you must be a national of the United Arab Emirates and travel using a national passport. You cannot use other types of passports or travel documents. The ETA gives you permission to travel to the UK and costs £10 to apply.

To apply, you will need:

• The passport you will travel with (not a photocopy or digital passport)
• Access to your emails
• A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay

You will also need to upload or take photos of your face. You do not need to enter your travel details.

The fastest way to apply is by using the UK ETA app, which you can download on the App Store or Google Play. If you cannot use the app, you can apply online.

You will usually get a decision within 3 working days, but it may take longer. Each person must apply separately. You must apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK, but you can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision. Your ETA will last for 2 years and is linked to the passport you applied with. If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new ETA.

Please note that an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.

The cost of an ETA

The UK has launched an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which is a digital permission to travel to the UK. An ETA costs £10 and is valid for two years or until the holder's passport expires, whichever is sooner. The ETA scheme is for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays in the UK or who do not have a UK immigration status before travelling. The scheme is currently open for nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, who need an ETA to travel to the UK. Other nationalities cannot and do not need to apply yet.

The application process is simple and fast, with applicants usually receiving a decision within three working days. The easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the 'UK ETA app'. Individuals can also search for 'Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation to come to the UK' on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone. To apply for an ETA, individuals need to provide contact and passport details, provide a valid photo, and answer a set of questions. It is important to note that individuals must travel using the same passport they used when applying for an ETA.

The ETA scheme will be introduced worldwide for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, including European nationals. The timing for when remaining eligible nationalities will need an ETA will be confirmed in due course. This will include nationals from Hong Kong, Macao, the Federated States of Micronesia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Taiwan, who will be able to apply for an ETA from 27 November 2024 and travel to the UK with an ETA from 8 January 2025.

It is important to note that an ETA is not a guarantee of entry into the UK, and individuals may still need to meet other requirements, such as having a valid passport and visa (if applicable). Additionally, an ETA does not allow individuals to stay in the UK for longer than six months or work in the UK.

How long it takes to get an ETA

To enter the UK, you may need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). An ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK. It costs £10, permits multiple journeys, and is valid for two years or until the holder's passport expires (whichever is sooner).

The fastest way to apply for an ETA is using the UK ETA app. You can also apply online. To apply, you will need:

• The passport you will travel with (not a photocopy or digital passport)
• Access to your emails
• A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay
• A photo of the person applying

You will usually get a decision within 3 working days, but you may get a quicker decision. Occasionally, it may take longer than 3 working days.

How long an ETA lasts

To travel to the UK, you must meet certain requirements. An ETA, or Electronic Travel Authorisation, is a digital permission to travel to the UK. An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys for up to two years or until the holder's passport expires, whichever is sooner.

You can apply for an ETA if you are a national of the following countries:

• Qatar
• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman
• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia
• Jordan
• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British National Overseas)
• Macao Special Administrative Region
• Federated States of Micronesia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Taiwan

If you are a national of one of these countries, you must travel using a national passport. You cannot use other types of passports or travel documents.

If you are a British or Irish citizen, you do not need an ETA. If you are a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship, you do not need an ETA. You can prove your permission to travel using your British, Irish, or other passports.

Who needs an ETA

To enter the UK, you may need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). An ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK. It costs £10, permits multiple journeys, and is valid for two years or until the holder's passport expires, whichever is sooner. Here is who needs an ETA:

• Nationals of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
• People who do not have permission to live, work, or study in the UK.
• People who are not British or Irish citizens.
• People who are not travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport.
• People who do not live in Ireland and are not travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.

If you are a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship, you do not need an ETA. You can prove your permission to travel using your British or Irish passport or another passport containing a certificate of entitlement.

The ETA scheme will be introduced worldwide for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, including European nationals.

Frequently asked questions