ETA British Electronic Travel Authorization
A UK Electronic Travel Authorization allows eligible foreign nationals to travel to the UK without obtaining a visa. This authorization for a short-term stay is called an ETA for Electronic Travel Authorization.
What is an ETA in the UK?
The ETA for the UK is an electronic travel authorization for citizens of certain visa-exempt countries to enter the UK. It is necessary for short stays for tourism, business or transit through the country. ETA simplifies the process of entering the UK, replacing traditional visa procedures with a fast, secure online system.
Who can apply for an ETA for the UK?
Citizens of UK visa-exempt countries are eligible to apply for an ETA. This list of countries is regularly updated by the British government. It is important to check whether your country is on the list of countries authorized to apply for an ETA before planning your trip.
All travelers must obtain one ETA per person, including infants and children.
How do I apply for an ETA?
To apply for an ETA, travelers must complete an online form. Personal information, passport details and other relevant information are required. Once the form has been completed and submitted, payment of the ETA fee is required to finalize the application.
When should I apply for a British ETA?
You must apply for an ETA before leaving for the UK. It is advisable to apply for an ETA at least 3 days before departure for the UK. The English administration gives itself 3 days to respond to an ETA request for the UK.
Most of the time, the applicant receives a response within a few hours. However, some cases may take longer than this, and the response may take up to 3 days.
However, it is possible to travel while the answer has not yet been obtained if the ETA request has been made before departure.
How much does an ETA cost in the UK?
The cost of an ETA for travel in the UK is a minimum of £10. This amount represents the fees to be paid to the English administration on the official ETA website to validate the online application. This price is the same for all ages.
This price is well below that of a UK visa.
How long does it take to obtain an ETA?
ETA processing times may vary. Authorizations are granted quickly, often within a few hours of submission. However, it is advisable to apply for your ETA several days before your trip to avoid any inconvenience.
What to do if your ETA is refused?
If your ETA is refused, you may have made a mistake when filling in the form that caused the refusal. In this case, you will need to submit a new, corrected ETA application.
If you are not eligible for an ETA, you must apply for a UK visa. The formalities for obtaining an English visa are longer than for obtaining an ETA online. You will also need to finalize your visa application by attending a visa interview at the British Embassy.
How do I get the ETA app for iPhone?
The UK government has developed an ETA iPhone app to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization directly on your smartphone. The application is available from the Apple App Store in all countries covered by the UK Visa Waiver Program.
