Visa for travel to or stopover in Liverpool
Liverpool, famous for its maritime history, cultural monuments and musical heritage, attracts many international visitors every year. Whether you’re discovering the city of the Beatles, attending a sporting event or simply making a stopover at Liverpool airport, it’s essential to be familiar with the entry formalities. Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your stay, you’ll need either a UK visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
For stays of less than 6 months: It is not necessary to obtain a tourist visa for Liverpool. Nationals of visa-exempt European countries simply need to obtain a travel authorization by completing the online ETA form.
Do I need a visa to travel to Liverpool?
You do not need a visa if :
- You are an Irish citizen;
- You are a national of a visa-exempt country for a short stay (tourism, business, family visit or short studies of less than 6 months).
Since 2025, these travelers have been required to obtain ETA authorization before departure.
You need a visa if :
- You are a national of a country requiring a visa, such as India, China, Algeria, Nigeria, Pakistan… ;
- Do you want to work, study or settle in Liverpool?
- You are coming to join a family member in the UK for a long-term move.
ETA: simplified authorization to travel to Liverpool
The ETA is a compulsory travel authorisation for nationals of certain visa-exempt countries to the UK.
- ETA price: £16 (approx. €19)
- Validity: 2 years or until passport expires
- Maximum length of stay: 6 months
- Use: tourism, business, short studies or transit
Since April 2025, EU citizens have been required to obtain an ETA for Liverpool before boarding.
Do I need a visa to stop over in Liverpool?
Liverpool has an international airport (Liverpool John Lennon Airport), but some passengers also use nearby Manchester Airport.
Transit without crossing the British border:
- If you stay in an international transit zone and do not pass through border control, you may be exempt from visa requirements in certain cases.
- However, in most cases an ETA is required even for simple transit.
Transit with border crossing (change of airport or extended stopover) :
- A UK transit visa or ETA will be required, depending on your nationality and itinerary. Rules are strict, even for short transits. Always check your situation before departure.
Visa prices for Liverpool?
The price of a visa for Liverpool depends on the type of visa you need to travel to the UK. For longer stays, visa administration fees are higher. If the traveler is eligible to obtain an ETA for the UK, then the price will be lower: The cost of an ETA is £16.
| Document type | Rate |
|---|---|
| ETA | 16 £ |
| Tourist visa (6 months) | 115 £ |
| Transit visa | 64 £ |
| Student Visa | from £490 |
| Work or family visa | from £1,846 |
How do I apply for a Liverpool visa?
To obtain a visa for Liverpool, foreign nationals must follow an online visa application procedure. This process comprises several stages:
- Choose the type of visa according to the purpose of the trip;
- Gather the necessary supporting documents;
- Complete the visa application form online at gov.uk;
- Pay visa fees;
- Make an appointment with a British embassy;
- Submit documents to finalize visa application;
- Take part in a visa interview if your file requires it.
Summary
Since the reform of entry formalities, it’s essential to prepare your file well before traveling to Liverpool. TheETA is now compulsory for most visa-exempt nationals. If you do not qualify for an ETA, you will need a standard visa.
Before leaving for Liverpool, check your official status on the UK government website: gov.uk/check-uk-visa.
