Non-visa nationals travelling to the UK without a visa (study for 6 months or less)

The new electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme applies to non-visa national visitors (for study of 6 months or less).

Who is classed as a 'non-visa national'?

There is a UKVI 'visa national' list of nationalities that require a visa application (entry clearance) before travel to the UK as a Visitor, or for any other purpose for less than six months. If listed, you would be classed as a visa national. 

You would be classed as a 'non-visa national' if your nationality or travel document/passport type is NOT listed on the UKVI Visa National list.

The list may be subject to changes - see the link below.

What is an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

The new electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme in the UK only applies to non-visa national visitors coming for 6 months or less and without a visa. This new ETA scheme is roughly equivalent to the ESTA system that operates in the US. According to UKVI, its aim is to streamline and enhance the security of the UK’s border system by enabling pre-screening of Visitors before their arrival.

An ETA acts as an advance pre-travel clearance who wish to seek entry as a Visitor to the UK. An ETA is 'permission to travel' and is not immigration permission or a visa. 

Once issued, the ETA lasts for 2 years. With an ETA, you may travel to the UK and request 'permission to enter' as a Standard Visitor upon arrival. If you successfully enter on this basis, the maximum duration allowed is up to 6 months from your date of entry. 

Following entry as a Standard Visitor, keep hold of your travel boarding pass(es) and itinerary documents for 'international check in' purposes. 

Who needs to apply for an ETA?

The ETA scheme was introduced in a phased manner to specific groups of nationals in 2024 and early 2025.

The ETA requirement and application process apply to all 'non-visa nationals' who do not have a visa and intend to come to the UK as a Standard Visitor.

How to apply and obtain an ETA:

You will need a working email address to apply via the ETA app (or the ETA website).

An ETA may be issued within 1-3 working days. Sometimes it may take longer. 

It costs £16 to apply for an ETA. 

An ETA is issued by email and linked to your passport. An ETA is given for a 2-year period or until passport expiry date (whichever is earlier). Multiple journeys are allowed during the ETA. 

If you get a new passport, you will need to obtain a new ETA using this document.

Please note: An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is not in itself permission to enter the UK. It is a pre-travel clearance for Standard Visitors. 

How to apply for an ETA

Requesting Standard Visitor permission

Further information

You do not need an ETA if:

Dual citizens:

  • If you are a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship, you do not need an ETA. Prove your permission to travel using a:
  • valid British passport
  • valid Irish passport
  • other valid passport containing a certificate of entitlement

Who do not need an ETA

ETA: Republic of Ireland legal resident - Required documentation

UKCISA - Third country non-visa nationals with legal residence in Republic of Ireland


Your passport will be checked at border control. You may be asked why you’re coming to the UK.

You can use automatic Passport eGates at some airports if your passport has a ‘chip’ in it and if you're aged 18 or over.

These gates use facial recognition technology to check your identity against the photo in your passport.

You may be able to use the UK/EEA immigration lanes and automated ePassport gates, if you’re from:

  • the European Union (EU)
  • Switzerland
  • Norway
  • Iceland
  • Liechtenstein
  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Japan
  • New Zealand
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • United States

UK border control - What to prepare for your entry

Important Consideration:

People arriving in the UK (including via Northern Ireland) need to enter in line with the UK’s immigration framework, including obtaining an ETA if this is a requirement.

If you require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel to the UK and you don't have this, you may be refused entry by Border Force. This would be classed as an entry refusal (refused permission to enter).  


If you have an ETA and successfully enter with Standard Visitor permission, you cannot:

  • stay in the UK for longer than 6 months from date of entry
  • start paid or unpaid work/employment in the UK, do business activity or work as a self-employed person
  • claim UK public funds (benefits)
  • live in the UK through frequent or successive visits

Visitor permitted activities and restrictions


An ETA may be refused where there is traced or self-declared adverse information about your suitability. 

An application for an ETA may be automatically refused if you have previously been refused entry clearance, permission to enter or permission to stay as a Standard Visitor, unless this previous visitor permission was not cancelled as a result of that refusal.

Your ETA refusal email will explain the reasons and what you can do next. 

There is no right to an administrative review or an appeal. 

If you have received an ETA refusal and wish to come to the UK, you may need to consider making a visa application (entry clearance) instead.

You can contact us for further visa advice


Please use the UKVI ETA dedicated webchat service, if you have a general question about electronic travel authorisation (ETA). 

A new window will open to start a chat with a digital assistant when you select ‘start now’. If the digital assistant cannot help, you can ask to chat to an ETA adviser during opening hours.

Alternatively, if you have a technical issue with using the ETA app, you can choose to apply via the ETA website on a web browser.

UKVI ETA Technical Support and Webchat

Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

Using the ETA app


Overseas Travel Risks

Important considerations

If you already entered the UK as a Standard Visitor for study of 6 months or less, you should be aware of the implications of travelling overseas during studies. This is at your own risk, and you should prepare for your re-entry date.

  • Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): If you wish to re-enter the UK after making a short trip overseas, you must get an ETA if you don't have one already. The ETA (pre-travel clearance) is linked to your passport for travel purposes. An ETA is a pre-travel clearance only and does not guarantee entry as a Standard Visitor.
  • Re-entry date: You still need to speak to a Border Force officer or use an automated eGate and meet the Standard Visitor requirements upon date of arrival.

ETA Video and factsheet

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