UK ETA Eligibility
Find out who is eligible for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), who is exempt, and how to check your status before travelling.
Important: This is an independent information website and not affiliated with the UK government. You can always apply for an ETA on the official government website for the standard government fee.
What Is the UK ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation is a digital travel permission for short visits by travellers from visa-exempt countries. It is electronically linked to your passport and allows visits for:
Tourism
Family visits
Business trips
Short study
Transit
Having an ETA does not guarantee entry; UK border officers make the final decision.
ETA Rollout Timeline
2023 – ETA Announced & First Launch
March 2023
The UK government publicly announces the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visa-free travelers
October 25, 2023
ETA applications open for Qatari nationals for travel on or after November 15, 2023
November 15, 2023
Qatar becomes the first nationality required to hold a UK ETA for short visits and transit
2024 – Rollout Expands to GCC Countries
February 1, 2024
ETA applications open for Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Jordan* - For travel on or after February 22, 2024
February 22, 2024
Nationals of the above countries begin requiring a UK ETA for short visits.
Important Note About Jordan
Jordan was initially included in ETA rollout communications but was later removed from certain eligibility lists.
November 27, 2024
ETA applications open for many remaining non-European visa-free nationalities such as: Many countries in North & South America, Many countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Caribbean visa-free travellers, Other visa-exempt nationalities - For travel on or after January 8, 2025
January 8, 2025
Most travellers from these visa-free countries begin needing a UK ETA to visit or transit.
2025 – ETA for European Nationals
March 5, 2025
ETA applications open for most European visa-free nationals (EU and EEA citizens) - For travel on or after April 2, 2025
April 2, 2025
Many European travellers begin needing a UK ETA for short visits
What This Means for Travellers
- • Eligibility continues to expand until all visa-free nationalities use ETA
- • Travellers should always check current UK government guidance, as rollout phases may evolve
- • ETA is a travel authorisation, not a visa
- • This information is general guidance only and is not legal advice
Who Is Eligible to Apply for a UK ETA?
All eligible nationalities (A–Z)
Andorra
Eligible for ETA
Antigua and Barbuda
Eligible for ETA
Argentina
Eligible for ETA
Australia
Eligible for ETA
Austria
Eligible for ETA
Bahrain
Eligible for ETA
Barbados
Eligible for ETA
Belgium
Eligible for ETA
Belize
Eligible for ETA
Brazil
Eligible for ETA
Brunei
Eligible for ETA
Bulgaria
Eligible for ETA
Canada
Eligible for ETA
Chile
Eligible for ETA
Costa Rica
Eligible for ETA
Croatia
Eligible for ETA
Cyprus
Eligible for ETA
Czechia
Eligible for ETA
Denmark
Eligible for ETA
Estonia
Eligible for ETA
Federated States of Micronesia
Eligible for ETA
Finland
Eligible for ETA
France
Eligible for ETA
Germany
Eligible for ETA
Greece
Eligible for ETA
Grenada
Eligible for ETA
Guatemala
Eligible for ETA
Guyana
Eligible for ETA
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Eligible for ETA
Hungary
Eligible for ETA
Iceland
Eligible for ETA
Italy
Eligible for ETA
Japan
Eligible for ETA
Kiribati
Eligible for ETA
Kuwait
Eligible for ETA
Latvia
Eligible for ETA
Liechtenstein
Eligible for ETA
Lithuania
Eligible for ETA
Luxembourg
Eligible for ETA
Macao Special Administrative Region
Eligible for ETA
Malaysia
Eligible for ETA
Maldives
Eligible for ETA
Malta
Eligible for ETA
Marshall Islands
Eligible for ETA
Mauritius
Eligible for ETA
Mexico
Eligible for ETA
Monaco
Eligible for ETA
Netherlands
Eligible for ETA
New Zealand
Eligible for ETA
Norway
Eligible for ETA
Oman
Eligible for ETA
Palau
Eligible for ETA
Panama
Eligible for ETA
Papua New Guinea
Eligible for ETA
Paraguay
Eligible for ETA
Peru
Eligible for ETA
Poland
Eligible for ETA
Portugal
Eligible for ETA
Romania
Eligible for ETA
San Marino
Eligible for ETA
Samoa
Eligible for ETA
Saudi Arabia
Eligible for ETA
Seychelles
Eligible for ETA
Singapore
Eligible for ETA
Slovakia
Eligible for ETA
Slovenia
Eligible for ETA
Solomon Islands
Eligible for ETA
South Korea
Eligible for ETA
Spain
Eligible for ETA
St Kitts and Nevis
Eligible for ETA
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Eligible for ETA
Sweden
Eligible for ETA
Switzerland
Eligible for ETA
Taiwan*
Eligible for ETA
The Bahamas
Eligible for ETA
Tonga
Eligible for ETA
Tuvalu
Eligible for ETA
United Arab Emirates
Eligible for ETA
United States
Eligible for ETA
Uruguay
Eligible for ETA
Vatican City
Eligible for ETA
Notes for Compliance & Accuracy
- • Citizens of Ireland do not require an ETA, but are often listed for clarity
- • This list contains the commonly recognized non-visa nationals, who typically require an ETA
- • This list may change as the UK expands the ETA system, so applicants should always check GOV.UK
Who Does NOT Need a UK ETA?
Irish citizens
Citizens of Ireland do not require an ETA
UK passport holders
Anyone holding a UK passport is exempt
Valid UK visas or residence status
People with valid UK visas or residence status do not need an ETA
Visa-required travelers
Travellers who already require a visa to visit the UK
Transit Eligibility
You may need an ETA for:
- Airside transit
- Landside transit
- Changing airports
- Long layovers
Rules depend on nationality and route.
When an ETA May Be Refused
- •False or incomplete information
- •Certain criminal convictions
- •Previous immigration breaches
- •Security concerns
Only UK authorities decide eligibility.
How to Check If YOU Personally Need an ETA
- 1.Visit the official UK government ETA guidance
- 2.Answer nationality & travel purpose questions
- 3.See if you need an ETA, visa, or no entry permission
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ETA a visa?
No—it is a travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors.
Do children need an ETA?
Yes, every traveller requires their own ETA.
Can ETA holders work in the UK?
No. Only permitted visitor activities are allowed.
Can this website guarantee approval?
No. Only the UK government makes ETA decisions.
Disclaimer: This is general information only, not legal advice. This website is independent and not affiliated with the UK Government. You can always apply for an ETA directly on the official UK government website.