UK entry formalities for international travellers
The UK has introduced anElectronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system for nationals of certain visa-exempt countries. This simplified procedure enables short-stay entry into the UK without the need for a traditional visa. The ETA is required in the following cases: Tourist stays, visits to relatives, business trips, short-term studies or stopovers in the UK.
To apply for ETA online , simply complete the online form.
Who is affected by the UK ETA?
The number of countries eligible for the UK’s ETA is gradually expanding.
The program was first deployed in the Middle East, with the following initial stages:
- Since 2023, the ETA has enabled Qatari nationals to avoid having to apply for a visa to England from Qatar.
- Since February 2024: Saudi nationals can obtain an ETA instead of a visa for the UK.
All European countries have been added to the UK ETA system. European nationals can now apply for ETA online before embarking for the UK.
What visas and authorizations are required to travel to the UK?
The UK offers several types of visa or authorization, depending on the traveler’s profile, reason for stay and length of stay. For a short stay, some nationals can avoid the classic visa procedure thanks to the ETA electronic authorization. Here’s a clear guide to the options available.
Do I need a visa to travel to the UK?
It all depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Here are the main scenarios:
- You are an Irish citizen: No visa or ETA authorization is required.
- You are a citizen of a country that used to be visa-exempt: This is the case for European, American and other partner country citizens. Since 2025, a UK ETA is required to enter the UK.
- If you come from a country that is already part of the ETA system (Qatar, Saudi Arabia, etc.): You must apply for an ETA online.
- If you are a national of a country requiring a visa: You must apply for a tourist visa online, then finalize your application at the British embassy.
What types of visa are available for the UK?
The type of visa depends on the purpose of the stay:
| Type of visa | Main application |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa | Leisure trips or visits to relatives |
| Business Visa | Meetings, conferences, professional missions |
| Student Visa | Long-term studies or specific training |
| Transit visa | Temporary passage through a British airport |
Transit in the UK: ETA or visa?
Even if you’re just stopping off at an airport, you’ll need a travel permit. Depending on your nationality, this may be a UK ETA or a transit visa. This requirement applies even if you do not pass through border control.
Can I travel with an ETA instead of a visa?
TheETA electronic authorization is sufficient if your stay meets these conditions:
✅ Tourist stay, family visit, short studies, business trip
✅ Maximum duration of 6 months
✅ Transit through the UK
✅ Paid artistic mission of less than 3 months (in certain specific cases)
The limits of ETA authorization
❌ ETA does not :
- Staying longer than 6 months
- Working for a British company
- Setting up a business or becoming self-employed
- Receive public assistance
- To marry or register a civil union
- Set up permanently
In all these cases, a British visa is required.
Which destinations are the most popular for visa applications?
London remains the country’s main gateway, but other cities also attract many visitors. Travelers apply for a London visa to land in England. Foreign tourists also visit England’s other main cities, applying for visas to Liverpool or Manchester.
England’s major university cities also welcome many tourists for academic stays, with Oxford requiring a visa, or further north in London with Cambridge.
In the north of the UK, travellers apply for a visa for Birmingham. Some travel even further north to Scotland, with a visa for Edinburgh or a visa for Glasgow.
Wales is also a popular destination for foreign travelers. Tourists require a visa for Cardiff.
