The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and a UK visa are two different ways to gain permission to travel to the United Kingdom. While they both allow you to enter the UK, they differ significantly in cost, processing time, eligibility, and what you are permitted to do during your stay.
Understanding the difference between a UK ETA and a UK visa helps you determine which one you need and avoid unnecessary applications.
UK ETA vs UK Visa: Key Differences
| Feature | UK ETA | UK Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £20 | £100–£1,059+ |
| Processing time | Minutes to 3 days | 3 weeks to months |
| Validity | 2 years | 6 months to 10 years |
| Max stay per visit | 6 months | Depends on visa type |
| Work allowed | No | Some visas allow work |
| Application method | Online/app only | Online + biometrics at visa centre |
| Interview required | No | Sometimes |
| Who needs it | Visa-exempt nationals | Visa-required nationals |
What Is a UK ETA?
The UK ETA is a digital travel authorisation for citizens of countries that do not need a visa for short UK visits. It is:
- A pre-travel clearance, not a visa
- Quick and easy to obtain
- Linked electronically to your passport
- Valid for multiple entries over 2 years
- Limited to tourism, family visits, business, and short study
The ETA is comparable to the US ESTA or the Canadian eTA — it is a light-touch security check that screens travellers before they arrive.
What Is a UK Visa?
A UK visa is a formal immigration document that grants permission to enter, stay, or work in the United Kingdom. Visas are:
- Required for nationals of countries that are not ETA-eligible
- Available in many categories (tourist, work, study, family, etc.)
- Processed through UK visa application centres
- Subject to detailed scrutiny of your circumstances
- More expensive and time-consuming to obtain
When You Need a UK ETA Instead of a Visa
You need a UK ETA (not a visa) if:
- Your nationality is eligible for the ETA
- You are visiting for tourism, family, business meetings, or short study
- Your stay is 6 months or less
- You do not plan to work in the UK
- You do not have any immigration issues
Most travellers from the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and EU countries need an ETA, not a visa.
When You Need a UK Visa Instead of an ETA
You need a UK visa if:
- Your nationality is not eligible for the ETA
- You plan to work in the UK
- You want to study for more than 6 months
- You plan to settle or live in the UK long-term
- You want to get married in the UK
- Your ETA application was refused
- You have a criminal record that prevents ETA approval
Types of UK Visas
If you need a visa instead of an ETA, here are the main categories:
Standard Visitor Visa
- Cost: £127 (6 months)
- For tourism, family visits, business, and short study
- Valid for 6 months (or longer-term options up to 10 years)
- Cannot be used for work
Work Visas
- Skilled Worker Visa: For sponsored employment
- Global Talent Visa: For leaders in science, arts, and technology
- Youth Mobility Scheme: For young people from certain countries
- Costs vary: £200–£1,000+
Study Visas
- Student Visa: For courses longer than 6 months
- Short-term Study Visa: For English language courses up to 11 months
- Cost: £363–£490
Family Visas
- Spouse/partner visas
- Parent visas
- Child visas
- Cost: £1,846+
Transit Visas
- For travellers passing through the UK
- Cost: £64 (Direct Airside Transit) or £35 (Visitor in Transit)
UK ETA vs US ESTA
The UK ETA is often compared to the US ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation):
| Feature | UK ETA | US ESTA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £20 | $21 |
| Validity | 2 years | 2 years |
| Max stay | 6 months | 90 days |
| Processing | Minutes to 3 days | Up to 72 hours |
| Required for | Visa-exempt visitors to UK | Visa Waiver Program visitors to US |
| Work allowed | No | No |
Both systems serve the same purpose: pre-screening travellers from visa-exempt countries before they arrive.
UK ETA vs EU ETIAS
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is the EU’s equivalent:
| Feature | UK ETA | EU ETIAS |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £20 | €7 |
| Validity | 2 years | 3 years |
| Max stay | 6 months | 90 days in 180-day period |
| Coverage | UK only | Schengen Area (27 countries) |
| Status | Active | Not yet launched |
UK ETA vs Canada eTA
| Feature | UK ETA | Canada eTA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £20 | CAD $7 |
| Validity | 2 years | 5 years |
| Max stay | 6 months | 6 months |
| Processing | Minutes to 3 days | Minutes to days |
UK ETA vs Australia ETA
| Feature | UK ETA | Australia ETA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £20 | AUD $20 |
| Validity | 2 years | 1 year |
| Max stay | 6 months | 3 months |
| Processing | Minutes to 3 days | Minutes to days |
Can You Have Both an ETA and a Visa?
Generally, you only need one or the other:
- If you are eligible for the ETA, you do not need a visa for short visits
- If you need a visa, you do not also need an ETA
- If your ETA is refused, you should apply for a visa
- Having a valid visa supersedes the need for an ETA
Switching from ETA to Visa
If your circumstances change and you need to do more than the ETA allows:
1. Leave the UK before your 6-month stay ends
2. Apply for the appropriate visa category
3. Attend a visa application centre for biometrics
4. Wait for the visa decision
5. Return to the UK with your new visa
You cannot switch from an ETA to a visa while remaining in the UK.
Which Should You Apply For?
Choose the UK ETA if:
- Your nationality is ETA-eligible
- You are visiting for tourism, family, or business
- Your stay is under 6 months
- You do not plan to work
- You want a quick, simple application
Choose a UK visa if:
- Your nationality is not ETA-eligible
- You need to work in the UK
- You are studying long-term
- You plan to settle in the UK
- Your ETA was refused
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a UK visa or ETA?
If your nationality is eligible for the ETA and you are visiting for tourism, family, or short business trips, the ETA is the simpler and cheaper option. Only apply for a visa if you need to work, study long-term, or if your nationality requires one.
Do you need both ETA and visa for the UK?
No, you need one or the other. If you have a valid UK visa, you do not also need an ETA.
Is an ETA easier to get than a visa?
Yes, significantly. The ETA takes minutes to apply for and costs £20. A visa requires detailed documentation, biometrics at a visa centre, costs £100+, and takes weeks to process.
Can I work in the UK with an ETA?
No, the ETA does not permit any form of employment. You need a work visa to work in the UK.
What if my ETA is refused — can I apply for a visa?
Yes, if your ETA is refused, you can apply for a UK visa through the standard visa process. The visa application allows you to provide more detailed information about your circumstances.
