The UK ETA for England

Traveling to England is set to change for non-visa travelers by introducing the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

If you’re planning a trip to England, it’s essential to understand how to apply for an ETA for the United Kingdom (UK). England is one of the four constituent countries that form the UK. Non-visa travelers, or those who can visit England without a visa, must now have an ETA before their trip. 

This guide walks you through applying for an ETA, making preparing for your next adventure easier. It also explains how the new scheme affects traveling to England and covers all other things travelers must know. 

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England Travel Information

Capital City: London
Official Language: English
Currency: British Pound
Maximum Stay Duration: 6 months (180 days)
Calling Code:+44
Main Airports: London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (LGW), Manchester Airport (MAN), London Stansted Airport (STN), and Birmingham Airport (BHX)
Main Seaports: Dover, Southampton, London, Liverpool, and Portsmouth
Main International Railway or Train Station: St. Pancras International

Who Needs to Apply for an ETA for England?

If you can travel to England without a visa, you will need a UK ETA for your visits to the UK beginning in 2025.

Citizens from over 90 countries, including the United States (US), Canada, and Australia, who previously could travel visa-free to England will now need a UK ETA.

This includes non-European visa-exempt travelers who must have an ETA when traveling to Egnalnd beginning 8 January 2025.

European nationals, except Irish citizens, must also have an ETA starting 2 April 2025, with applications opening for them on 5 March 2025.

This pre-travel authorization allows visits to England and other UK constituent countries, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, for short stays of up to six months per visit.

While the ETA isn’t a visa, it’s a necessary entry requirement that helps the British government strengthen border security and manage migration more effectively.

If you're unsure whether you need to apply, you can check here or visit the official UK government website for the complete list of eligible countries.

Preparing to Apply for UK ETA for England 

Before you start the application, make sure you have everything ready. The process is entirely online, so you’ll need a stable internet connection and some essential documents.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to apply for an ETIAS:

• A valid passport from an eligible country

• A recent passport-quality photo

• A working email address for application updates

• A debit or credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay to pay the application fee

In addition to these basics, you should be prepared to provide personal information like your full name, date of birth, nationality, and employment details.

You must also truthfully answer security questions about your criminal background, previous immigration and travel history, and health status.

By gathering all these details ahead of time, you can avoid delays during the application process.

How to Apply for ENGLAND ETA Online

Once you have everything in order, you’re ready to apply. The UK ETA application process is straightforward and takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete.

You can do this via the UK government website or the UK ETA app. Ensure you use a legitimate site with the gov.uk URL or a trustworthy third-party provider.

STEP 1: Upload or take a photo of the passport you will use to travel to the UK.

All UK-bound travelers must have a valid passport for the entire duration of their visit. ETA applicants must have a passport issued by a country that has a visa waiver status with the UK and whose citizens can travel to the UK without a visa. 

Ensure the photo captures all the relevant information on your passport’s identity page. This includes the picture and the two lines of numbers and letters at the bottom. 

STEP 2: Upload a recent passport photo or take a picture using your device’s camera.

It must be similar to a passport photo: clear, high-quality, and in full-color portrait (vertical) format. Photos should be saved as a JPEG file or with the file extension .jpg.

Look at the camera with your head straight and your shoulders within the frame. Remove eyeglasses if they cause glare and any head covering unless it is for religious or medical reasons.

The exact photo specifications are required for children aged ten and over or if you are applying for a UK ETA for someone else. Children aged nine and below will not require a scan or photo of their faces.

STEP 3: Fill in the information needed and answer security eligibility questions.

This includes personal details such as full name, birth date, any other nationalities, if applicable, and employment information, 

It is crucial to provide accurate and truthful answers, especially for questions related to security eligibility, such as criminal record and past immigration history. 

STEP 4: Pay for the application.

To complete the application process, an application for an England ETA costs £10 each, which must be paid online. 

Available online payment options include credit or debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Please make sure your card details are correct before submitting payment.

STEP 5: Review and submit the application and await the ETA decision.

Before submitting, take a moment to review all the information. Any incorrect details could lead to delays or even rejection. 

Once you have successfully paid for and submitted your ETA application, a confirmation receipt will be sent to the email address you provided.

The Home Office will also send application updates, such as more documentation if needed, and either an ETA confirmation or refusal. 

What Happens After You Submit Your England ETA Application?

Upon submission of an ETA application, the system will check if you supplied all the required information. 

It will then automatically cross-verify the data you provided against several security databases in the UK and worldwide to determine if you are eligible for an ETA and travel to the country.

In most cases, the UK ETA application is approved within minutes or days. The typical processing time is three days/ 

Some applications may take longer to process as authorities may need more time to verify ETA eligibility, so check your email and keep your phone lines open.

If your application is put under review, you may be asked to submit extra documentation or, in rare cases, attend an interview at a consulate. 

The Home office advises travelers to apply for an England ETA well before their trip to avoid any last-minute stress.

Once granted, you’ll receive an email notification, and your UK ETA will be automatically electronically linked to your passport. There’s no need to print anything—just make sure to travel with the passport you used for the application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During the ETA England Application Process

While the England ETA application process is simple, a few common mistakes can lead to delays or even rejections. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Incorrect Passport Information: Always double-check your passport number and expiration date before submitting. Any typographical errors can affect your application.

• Incomplete Application: Please ensure that every section is fully completed. Read all the questions carefully and double-check your answers. Missing or incorrect information can delay approval or lead to refusal.

• Unpaid Fees: Check beforehand if your electronic payment method has enough funds and works properly. Ensure your payment goes through, as an unpaid fee will leave your application pending.

Once an application has been submitted, it cannot be amended or withdrawn. However, you can avoid these common errors by taking your time and reviewing your information carefully.

What to Do if Your ETA England Application is Rejected

If your England ETA application is rejected, don’t panic. The rejection notice will explain the reasons, ranging from incomplete information to security concerns.

You can submit a new application to correct any errors or address the issues that led to the rejection. It’s important to resolve any problems quickly, especially if your travel dates are approaching.

Those denied an England ETA can instead apply for an appropriate UK visa, such as a Standard Visitor, Transit, or Creative Worker Visa.

There is currently no administrative appeal for ETA refusals. Applicants have the right to request a review by a human decision-maker only if a decision is made through an automated process.

However, a human decision-maker will likely always make decisions to reject an England ETA application. This means they are not eligible for a review.

How Long Does England ETA Remain Valid?

Once approved, your England ETA is valid for two years or until a traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

During this period, you can visit England and the rest of the UK as many times as you want, as long as you only stay for up to six months per visit

If your passport expires, the ETA linked to it will also expire. You must reapply for a new ETA to be linked to your new passport.

Those whose passports have been lost or stolen must also reapply for a new ETA.

If your ETA expires while still in England, you must leave the country immediately. Your ETA is no longer valid, and you may be considered to have overstayed your permission. 

You cannot renew or extend an ETA validity or switch to a UK visa while already in the UK. You must reapply for a new ETA outside of the UK to be allowed back in England. 

Preparing for Your Trip to England

Applying for ETA may seem like one more thing to add to your travel to-do list, but it’s a simple and necessary step to ensure smooth entry into England.

By being prepared, gathering the required documents, and following the straightforward application process, you can avoid last-minute stress and focus on enjoying your trip.

Whether visiting Austria for leisure, business, short-term study, or just transiting through the UK, the ETA gives you peace of mind, knowing all your travel documentation is in order.

It’s also important to note that a valid UK ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK. 

Travelers with an ETA must still undergo identity checks at the UK Border. They can still be turned away if they fail one or do not fulfill other entry requirements.

Travelers are also advised to avoid any legal issues before their trip to the UK. Any run-ins with the law can affect your ETA. 

Even if you have already received a valid electronic travel permit (ETA), authorities can still revoke or cancel it if new information appears when your passport is scanned at the border.