The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. During this validity period, you can make multiple trips to the United Kingdom, with each stay lasting up to 6 months.
Understanding the UK ETA validity period helps you plan your travel and know when you need to renew your authorisation.
How Long Is a UK ETA Valid?
A UK ETA has a straightforward validity structure:
- Duration: 2 years from the date of approval
- Alternative: Until your passport expires (if sooner)
- Entry type: Multiple entries allowed
- Stay per visit: Up to 6 months
This means if your passport has 3 years remaining when you apply, your ETA will still expire in 2 years. Conversely, if your passport expires in 8 months, your ETA will also expire in 8 months.
UK ETA Validity vs Stay Duration
It is important to understand the difference between validity and stay duration:
- Validity (2 years): The period during which you can use the ETA to travel to the UK
- Stay duration (6 months): The maximum time you can remain in the UK per visit
You can enter and leave the UK as many times as you want during the 2-year validity period. Each time you enter, you can stay for up to 6 months.
Example Scenarios
| Scenario | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Passport expires in 3 years | ETA valid for 2 years |
| Passport expires in 1 year | ETA valid for 1 year |
| Passport expires in 6 months | ETA valid for 6 months |
| New passport obtained | Must apply for new ETA |
Checking Your UK ETA Validity
You can check your UK ETA status and expiry date online at any time:
1. Visit GOV.UK/check-eta
2. Enter your passport details
3. Enter your 16-digit ETA reference number
4. View your ETA status and expiry date
The online check service shows:
- Whether your ETA is currently valid
- The expiry date of your ETA
- Your 16-digit reference number
What Happens When Your UK ETA Expires
When your ETA expires, you can no longer use it to travel to the UK. You must apply for a new ETA before your next trip.
Your ETA can expire in two ways:
2-Year Expiry
After 2 years from the date of approval, your ETA automatically expires regardless of your passport status. You need to apply for a new ETA (£20) for future travel.
Passport Expiry
If your passport expires before the 2-year mark, your ETA expires at the same time. You must:
1. Renew your passport first
2. Apply for a new UK ETA using your new passport
3. Pay the £20 fee again
You cannot transfer an ETA from an old passport to a new one.
Multiple Entries with a UK ETA
One of the key benefits of the UK ETA is that it allows multiple entries during its validity period. This means:
- You can visit the UK as many times as you want
- Each visit can last up to 6 months
- There is no minimum time required between visits
- You do not need to apply for a new ETA for each trip
This makes the UK ETA particularly valuable for:
- Business travellers who visit the UK regularly
- People with family in the UK
- Tourists planning multiple UK holidays
- Transit passengers who frequently connect through UK airports
Important Rules About UK ETA Validity
Passport Must Match
You must travel to the UK using the same passport you used for your ETA application. If you applied with your current passport and then get a new one, your ETA is no longer valid.
No Refund on Expiry
If your ETA expires before you use it (or before the 2-year mark due to passport expiry), you do not get a refund. The £20 fee covers the application processing, not the usage.
Re-entry After 6 Months
While there is no official rule requiring you to leave the UK for a specific period between visits, border officers may question travellers who appear to be living in the UK through successive visits. Using the ETA for frequent long stays could result in questioning at the border.
Expiry During Your Stay
If your ETA expires while you are in the UK, this does not affect your current stay. Your permission to remain in the UK for up to 6 months was granted at the point of entry. However, you will need a new ETA for your next trip.
UK ETA Validity for Different Travellers
Tourists
The 2-year validity is ideal for tourists who may visit the UK multiple times. You can plan several trips over 2 years without needing to reapply.
Business Travellers
Regular business visitors benefit significantly from the 2-year validity. A single £20 payment covers all your UK business trips for 2 years.
Families
Each family member has their own ETA with its own validity period. Children’s ETAs may expire at different times than adults if their passports were issued at different dates.
Students
Short-term students (courses up to 6 months) can use the ETA for their study period. The 2-year validity allows for return visits after the course ends.
Renewing Your UK ETA
When your ETA expires, renewal is simply a new application:
1. Apply through the UK ETA app or GOV.UK
2. Provide your current passport details
3. Complete the application process
4. Pay the £20 fee
5. Wait for approval (usually minutes)
There is no automatic renewal. You must actively apply for a new ETA before each period of travel.
UK ETA Validity vs Other Travel Authorisations
| Authorisation | Validity | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|
| UK ETA | 2 years | 6 months per visit |
| US ESTA | 2 years | 90 days per visit |
| Canada eTA | 5 years | 6 months per visit |
| Australia ETA | 1 year | 3 months per visit |
| EU ETIAS (upcoming) | 3 years | 90 days per visit |
The UK ETA offers a competitive combination of validity period and stay duration compared to similar international schemes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my UK ETA validity?
No, you cannot extend an existing ETA. When it expires, you must apply for a new one.
What if my passport expires before my ETA?
Your ETA expires at the same time as your passport. You will need to renew your passport and then apply for a new ETA.
Can I use my UK ETA with a new passport?
No, the ETA is linked to the specific passport used during the application. If you get a new passport, you need a new ETA.
Does the 6-month stay reset if I leave and re-enter the UK?
Yes, each time you enter the UK you are granted a fresh stay of up to 6 months. However, border officers may question frequent long stays.
Can I check when my UK ETA expires?
Yes, visit GOV.UK/check-eta to see your ETA status and expiry date.
