WESolutions
If you are planning a trip to the UK, you may have come across two terms that are increasingly common in the immigration process: Electronic Travel Authorisation and eVisa.
Both are part of the UK’s move towards a digital immigration system, but they serve very different purposes. Understanding the difference can help you work out what you need before travelling and avoid problems at the airport.
So, what is a UK ETA? What is an eVisa UK? And when do you need to apply for one?
Here is what you need to know.
What Is a UK ETA?
An Electronic Travel Authorisation, commonly called an ETA, is a digital permission to travel to the UK. It is generally required by eligible visitors who do not need a visa for a short visit.
An ETA is not a visa and does not automatically permit you to enter the UK. Instead, it allows you to travel to the UK and seek entry permission upon arrival.
An ETA can be used for visits of up to six months for purposes such as tourism, visiting family and friends, business activities and short-term study. The scheme also covers some other permitted purposes.
The UK now requires eligible non-visa nationals to have the relevant digital permission before travelling. Since 25 February 2026, carriers have been required to check that eligible visitors have an ETA, visa or another valid form of permission before they travel.
Who Needs an ETA to Visit the UK?
Whether you need an ETA depends mainly on your nationality, the reason for your visit and the immigration permission you already hold.
Most eligible visitors who previously could travel to the UK without applying for a visa in advance will now need an ETA.
You do not normally need an ETA if you:
- Are a British or Irish citizen
- Already hold a UK visa
- Have permission to live, work or study in the UK
- Have settled or pre-settled status
- Have another exemption from UK immigration control
There are also specific exemptions for certain people travelling from Ireland and for some types of transit. It is therefore worth checking your individual circumstances rather than assuming that you need an ETA.
How Do I Apply for an ETA UK?
If you are eligible, the ETA application UK process is completed online or through the official UK ETA app.
To apply for an ETA UK, you will generally need:
- The passport you intend to travel with
- An email address
- A payment method
- A photograph of your face
- Your passport details
- Answers to the questions included in the application
The current cost is £20. The application fee is non-refundable. GOV.UK advises applicants to use the official government website or app rather than third-party websites that may charge additional fees.
Most applicants receive a decision by email within a day, although you should allow up to three working days. You must wait for confirmation that your ETA has been granted before travelling.
Your ETA is linked to the passport you used when applying. It normally remains valid for two years, or until that passport expires, whichever comes first. If you receive a new passport, you will need to apply for a new ETA.
What Is an eVisa UK?
So, what is an eVisa?
An eVisa UK is a digital record of your identity and immigration status in the United Kingdom. It records information such as the type of permission you have and the conditions attached to it, including whether you are permitted to work or study.
This is different from an ETA.
An ETA is mainly used by eligible visitors who do not need a visa before travelling. An eVisa records immigration permission that has already been granted.
The UK has been moving away from physical immigration documents as part of its transition to a digital immigration system. Since 1 July 2026, the UK has stopped issuing visa vignettes for successful applications, meaning successful applicants now receive digital evidence of their immigration status in relevant cases.
This means that if you are applying for a UK visa, you are increasingly likely to encounter the eVisa United Kingdom system as part of your immigration journey.
How Does an eVisa Work?
Your eVisa is accessed through a UK Visas and Immigration account.
Once you have access, you can view your immigration status and use it to demonstrate your rights in the UK. For example, you may need to prove your status when starting a new job, renting a property or accessing certain services.
You can generate a share code for organisations such as employers and landlords. The share code allows them to check the relevant information about your immigration status without you having to provide a physical immigration document.
It is important to keep your UKVI account information up to date. If you receive a new passport, change your name or update other relevant personal details, you should update your account. Incorrect information can cause problems when your status is checked or when you travel.
ETA vs eVisa: What Is the Difference?
The easiest way to understand the difference is to think about what each one does.
ETA
- Used by eligible visitors who do not need a visa
- Permits travel to the UK
- Usually covers visits of up to six months
- Costs £20
- Does not guarantee entry
- Is linked to your passport
eVisa
- Records your UK immigration status digitally
- Applies after you have been granted relevant immigration permission
- Shows the conditions attached to your status
- Can be used to prove rights such as the right to work or study
- Is accessed through your UKVI account
An ETA is therefore not an eVisa, and an eVisa is not an ETA. GOV.UK specifically confirms that the two are separate forms of digital immigration documentation.
Do I Need an ETA or a UK Visa?
This is one of the most important questions to answer before you travel.
An ETA is generally intended for eligible visitors who can come to the UK without applying for a visa in advance. If your nationality requires a visa for your intended visit, an ETA cannot replace that visa.
For example, if you intend to move to the UK for work or study and your circumstances require a work or Student visa, you need to apply for the appropriate visa. An ETA is not a substitute for immigration permission to live, work or study in the UK.
If you already have permission to live, work or study in the UK, you generally do not need an ETA for your return to the UK. Your immigration status will instead be recorded digitally through your eVisa where applicable.
What Should I Check Before Travelling?
Digital immigration has made some parts of travelling easier, but it also means your passport and immigration records must match.
Before travelling, check that:
- Your passport is valid
- Your ETA is linked to your current passport, if you need one
- Your UKVI account contains your current passport details, if you have an eVisa
- Your immigration permission is still valid
- You have the correct permission for your visit
If you have an eVisa, your carrier may check your immigration status electronically before allowing you to travel. GOV.UK recommends ensuring your current passport or travel document is added to your UKVI account.
Need Help Understanding UK Immigration Requirements?
The UK’s move towards digital immigration has changed how people prove their right to travel to and stay in the country. While an ETA application to the UK may be relatively straightforward for an eligible visitor, choosing the correct immigration route can be more complicated if you intend to work, study, join family, or stay in the UK for longer.
If you are unsure whether you need an ETA, a visa or another form of immigration permission, it is important to check the rules that apply to your nationality and circumstances before making travel arrangements.
WESolutions can help you understand your UK immigration options and guide you through the relevant application process. Getting the right advice at the beginning can help you avoid choosing the wrong route or discovering an issue only after you have made your travel plans.
