Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

The world is changing and the rules of travel to the United Kingdom are changing from 2025. But at GoPlay we have you covered.

An ETA is a digital permit to travel to the UK that's required for people without a visa. It’s worth noting that an ETA does not replace a visa, and entry requirements to the UK remain the same. An ETA is valid for two years and allows multiple trips.

As a GoPlay client you are likely to need an ETA for tourism, but visitors will need an ETA for all the following reasons: 

  • Tourism 

  • Visiting family and friends 

  • Business 

  • Study 

  • Creative Worker visa concession 

  • Transit through the UK 

  • British and Irish passport holders do not need an ETA. 

Who can apply?

You can apply now if you’re a national of:

  • Bahrain

  • Kuwait

  • Oman

  • Qatar

  • Saudi Arabia

  • United Arab Emirates

Who does not need an ETA?

If you’re a national of another country, you do not currently need an ETA. Check if your nationality can apply later.

You also do not need an ETA if you have any of these:

  • a visa

  • permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme)

  • a British or Irish passport

  • a British overseas territories citizen passport

You do not need an ETA if you live in Ireland and you’re travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.

Nationalities from the USA & Canada can apply from 27 November, 2024

Apply for an ETA

With an ETA you can

  • Come to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study

  • Come to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession

  • Come to the UK for a permitted paid engagement

  • Transit through the UK – including if you’re not going through UK border control

Before you start

You will need:

  • the passport you will travel with - not a photocopy or digital passport

  • access to an email account

  • a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay

You’ll need to upload or take photos of the:

  • passport

  • face of the person applying

You do not need to enter your travel details.

How Much is an ETA?

  • It costs £10 to apply. Everyone travelling needs to get an ETA, including babies and children. You can apply for other people.

  • You cannot get a refund after you apply.

How long does the application process take?

  • You’ll usually get a decision within 3 working days, but it is often quicker.

  • You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK. You can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision.

Group applications

  • Each person must apply separately

  • It is not possible to apply for ETAs as a group

  • You may get a decision at a different time from someone else in your group - even if you applied at the same time.

How long does an ETA last?

  • An ETA is valid for two years or until the passport it's linked to expires, whichever comes first. You can use the ETA to visit the UK multiple times during its validity period, but you must use the same passport to travel.

After you apply

  • You will get an email confirming you’ve got an ETA. It will be linked to the passport you applied with.

  • You can travel to the UK as many times as you want during the two-year period, but if you get a new passport, you’ll need to get a new ETA.

  • You still need to see a Border Force officer to enter the UK & an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.