How to Apply for eTA/eVisa/Visa to United Kingdom
Planning to visit the United Kingdom? Understanding the entry requirements and application process is essential for a smooth journey. Depending on your nationality and purpose of visit, you may need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), an eVisa, or a Standard Visitor Visa before traveling to the UK.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the different types of UK entry permits, the application process, required documents, and everything you need to know to successfully obtain your travel authorization.
Understanding UK Entry Permits
The UK offers different types of entry permits depending on your nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. Here's what you need to know about each type:
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a digital travel permission for visa-exempt foreign nationals coming to the UK. Starting in 2024, citizens from many countries who previously didn't need any documentation will require an eTA.
Who needs an eTA?
- Citizens of European Union countries
- Nationals of countries like Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States
- Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states
- Travelers from select other visa-exempt countries
Key Features:
- Valid for multiple entries over a 2-year period
- 100% online application process
- Usually approved within 48-72 hours
- Linked electronically to your passport
- Suitable for tourism, business, short studies, or transit
An eVisa is a digital record of your immigration status if you have permission to live, work, or study in the UK. The UK government is transitioning from physical documents to digital immigration status.
Who needs an eVisa?
- EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who have settled or pre-settled status
- Non-EU citizens with biometric residence permits (BRPs) or biometric residence cards (BRCs)
- Individuals with right to work, study, or live in the UK
Key Features:
- Digital proof of your immigration status
- Accessible through an online account
- No physical card or document required
- Can be shared digitally with employers, landlords, etc.
- Secure and protected by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
Note: If you already have settled or pre-settled status, or a valid BRP, you may need to create an eVisa account to access your digital immigration status.
A Standard Visitor visa is required for nationals of countries that do not have visa-exempt status with the UK. This visa allows you to visit the UK for tourism, business, medical treatment, or to visit family and friends.
Who needs a Standard Visitor Visa?
- Citizens from countries that are not visa-exempt
- Anyone planning to stay for more than 6 months (long-term visit visa)
- Individuals visiting for specific purposes like medical treatment or academic conferences
Key Features:
- Valid for stays up to 6 months (or longer with appropriate visa)
- Requires online application and biometric appointment
- Processing time: typically 3-4 weeks (can be expedited for additional fees)
- May require supporting documents and interview
- Multiple-entry options available
Permitted Activities:
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Visiting family or friends
- Business meetings and conferences
- Short-term studies (up to 6 months)
- Medical treatment
- Participating in sports or creative events
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to successfully apply for your UK entry permit:
Step 1: Determine Your Requirement
Check which type of entry permit you need based on your nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. Use the official UK government website to verify your specific requirements.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Prepare all necessary documents including your passport, photographs, proof of accommodation, return tickets, financial evidence, and any supporting documents specific to your permit type.
Step 3: Complete Online Application
Fill out the online application form. Provide accurate information and ensure all details match your supporting documents exactly.
Step 4: Pay Application Fee
Pay the required fee using a credit or debit card. The fee varies depending on the type of permit and processing speed you choose. Keep the payment confirmation for your records.
Step 5: Attend Biometric Appointment (Visa Only)
If applying for a Standard Visitor Visa, book and attend a biometric appointment at a visa application center. Provide fingerprints, photograph, and submit your documents.
Step 6: Wait for Processing
Processing times vary by permit type. eTAs are typically approved within 72 hours, while Standard Visitor Visas take 3-4 weeks. Check your application status online regularly.
Step 7: Receive Your Permit
For eTAs and eVisas, you'll receive digital confirmation via email. For Standard Visitor Visas, collect your passport with the visa from the application center or by courier if selected.
Required Documents
Ensure you have the following documents ready before starting your application:
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Valid Passport
Must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Recommended to have at least 6 months validity remaining from your planned departure date.
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Digital Photograph
Recent passport-style photo meeting UK government specifications (color, plain background, specific dimensions).
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Proof of Accommodation
Hotel reservations, rental agreement, or invitation letter from UK resident showing where you'll stay during your visit.
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Travel Itinerary
Confirmed return or onward flight tickets demonstrating your intention to leave the UK after your visit.
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Proof of Financial Means
Bank statements (last 3-6 months), credit cards, traveler's checks, or sponsor letter showing you can support yourself financially.
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Employment Proof (if applicable)
Letter from employer confirming employment, salary, and approved leave for your trip dates.
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Additional Supporting Documents
Depending on your purpose of visit: business invitation letters, medical appointment letters, family relationship proof, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
The recommended timeline varies by permit type:
- eTA: Apply at least 1 week before travel (approved within 48-72 hours)
- Standard Visitor Visa: Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your intended departure date
- Peak Season: During summer and holiday periods, allow extra time (6-8 weeks recommended)
You can typically apply up to 3 months before your planned travel date. Earlier application provides a buffer for any unexpected delays or requests for additional information.
Extension possibilities depend on your entry permit type:
- eTA holders: Cannot extend. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the UK and apply for an appropriate visa.
- Standard Visitor Visa: Extensions are rarely granted and only in exceptional circumstances (e.g., medical emergencies). You cannot switch to a long-term visa while in the UK on a visitor visa.
If you know in advance that you'll need to stay longer, it's better to apply for a longer-term visitor visa initially rather than attempting to extend later.
If your application is refused:
- You'll receive a letter explaining the reasons for refusal
- Application fees are non-refundable
- You may have the right to appeal or request an administrative review (for visa applications)
- You can reapply, addressing the issues that led to the refusal
Common reasons for refusal include insufficient financial evidence, unclear travel purpose, incomplete documentation, or concerns about intention to return to your home country. If reapplying, ensure all previously identified issues are properly addressed.
While travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for UK entry permits, it is highly recommended for several reasons:
- Medical emergencies can be expensive, even with the UK's National Health Service
- Trip cancellation or interruption coverage protects your investment
- Lost luggage or travel delays compensation
- Some visa applications may be strengthened by showing comprehensive insurance coverage
Choose a policy that provides adequate coverage for medical expenses, repatriation, and travel disruptions. Ensure the policy is valid for your entire stay in the UK.
Work: No, you cannot work in the UK with a Standard Visitor Visa or eTA. This includes paid or unpaid employment. You can attend business meetings, conferences, or training, but not undertake productive work.
Study:
- Short courses (up to 6 months): Allowed with Standard Visitor Visa
- Longer courses: Require a Student visa
- With eTA: Very short recreational courses only (e.g., weekend workshop)
If you plan to work or study in the UK, you must apply for the appropriate work visa (Skilled Worker, Temporary Worker, etc.) or Student visa before arriving. Working illegally can result in deportation and future entry bans.
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