UK ETA FAQ — 2025 Edition

Q1) What is the UK ETA? A digital pre‑travel authorisation for eligible visitors to come to the UK for short stays.

Q2) Who needs it? Many visa‑exempt nationals, including most Europeans (except Irish citizens), plus eligible travellers from outside Europe. That list of nationalities can change — our team checks current eligibility before your application is submitted.

Q3) How much does it cost? There is a fixed government fee for each traveller.

Q4) How long is it valid? Up to 2 years or until your passport expires—whichever happens first.

Q5) Does an ETA guarantee entry? No. Border officers can still refuse entry if visitor rules aren’t met.

Q6) How long do decisions take? Often minutes, but allow up to 3 working days. You’ll get the decision by email with a 16‑digit reference.

Q7) Can I use one ETA for multiple trips? Yes—multiple entries during the validity period. Each visit is typically up to 6 months (subject to UK visitor rules).

Q8) What can I do with an ETA? Tourism, visiting family/friends, short‑term study, business visits, transit, permitted paid engagements, and the Creative Worker concession (up to 3 months).

Q9) What can’t I do on an ETA? Work in the UK outside the limited concessions, access public funds, stay longer than 6 months, live in the UK through frequent successive visits, or marry/register a civil partnership.

Q10) When should I apply? As early as possible; at minimum, apply several days before travel in case of manual checks.

Q11) Can I travel if my passport changed? No. Your ETA is linked to the passport used for the application. If you get a new passport, you need a new ETA.

Q12) Are children included? Yes. Every traveller—including babies and children—needs their own ETA.

Q13) What if my nationality was removed from eligibility? Policies can change. If your nationality is no longer eligible, you’ll likely need a visa instead; current eligibility is checked on every application we prepare.

Q14) Where do I apply? The whole process is digital and happens before you travel: there is no counter to visit and no paper form, and the authorisation stays linked to the passport used in the request. TTVisa is an independent private agency: we prepare the request with you, review the details before it is submitted and follow the decision, which arrives by email. The UK government reviews and issues the ETA — our service fee is charged on top of the government fee.

Q15) Is TTVisa a government website? No—we’re an independent service that offers guided assistance. You can always apply yourself directly on GOV.UK without paying extra service fees.