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Your complete guide to understanding and applying for the UK ETA & US ESTA system

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the UK ETA / US ESTA?

For the UK ETA: The UK ETA is an electronic travel authorization (ETA) that allows you to travel to or through the United Kingdom. You can compare the UK ETA to similar international schemes like the United States ESTA.

For the US ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization ESTA is the United States’ digital travel permit for nationals of Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries. It lets eligible travelers board transport to the U.S. and enter for tourism, business, short recreational study, or transit for up to 90 days without a visa. Like the UK ETA, the ESTA pre‑screens travelers online and is fully electronic — no label is placed in the passport.

For the UK ETA: This electronic document allows you to visit England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland for tourism, business, short‑term studies, transit (even if you are not passing through UK border control), and visiting friends and family. The ETA does not replace the UK Visitor Visa. The ETA also allows you to come to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession (extra requirements apply).

For the US ESTA: With an ESTA you may travel anywhere in the United States — including the mainland, Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories — for tourism, business, visiting relatives or friends, attending conferences or business meetings, consulting with partners, or taking short recreational courses that award no academic credit. It also covers transit, even if you do not clear U.S. border control. The ESTA is not a substitute for a B‑1/B‑2 visa, but it streamlines short visits of up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program.

For the UK ETA: You can’t use the UK electronic travel authorization to live and/or work in the country (unless otherwise specified), or study for longer than 6 months. It’s important to note that travelers with dual nationality or multiple passports must enter the UK with the same document used during the registration process for the ETA.

For the US ESTA: An ESTA does not allow you to take up paid employment for a U.S. employer, enroll in a degree‑granting program, or reside in the country long‑term. Travelers must depart within 90 days per visit, and those with more than one passport must present the same passport that holds the approved ESTA at check‑in and on arrival.

For the UK ETA: The UK ETA is being implemented for different international visitors over time. Currently, all non‑visa nationals, including those from the European Union, must have an ETA. We will update this page regularly to reflect current eligibility.

For the US ESTA: All travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries — such as the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Australia, and 40 others — need an approved ESTA before boarding a plane or ship bound for the United States. The Department of Homeland Security may expand or amend the VWP list over time, so always confirm eligibility before travel.

For the UK ETA: Those who require a visa for the United Kingdom, British and Irish citizens, or those with permission to study, work, or live in the UK, don’t need the UK ETA to enter the country.

For the US ESTA: U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), and travelers who already hold a valid U.S. visa that matches their trip purpose do not need an ESTA. Likewise, crew members traveling on C‑1/D visas and visitors entering by land using Form I‑94W are exempt from the ESTArequirement.

For the UK ETA: Every family member will need their own ETA, even children and babies. Parents or legal guardians can apply on their behalf. Simply apply as a family by clicking ‘add another person’ during the online process on our platform. Keep in mind that you may need to show parental consent and other documentation for minors traveling alone or with someone other than their legal guardians upon arrival in the United Kingdom.

For the US ESTA: Each minor — including newborns — must have an individual ESTA linked to their own electronic passport. A parent or guardian may complete and submit the application for the child. When a minor travels unaccompanied or with only one parent/guardian, U.S. border officers may request a notarised letter of consent or other proof of custodial permission, so carry the appropriate documents.

For the UK ETA: Once you’ve got your ETA, you’re all set for multiple trips within 2 years. This also covers trips across the Ireland–Northern Ireland border, helping maintain the integrity of the Common Travel Area. Each stay can last up to 186 days per entry.

For the US ESTA: An ESTA is valid for 2 years from approval — or until the passport expires, whichever comes first — and may be used for multiple trips. Each visit under the VWP must not exceed 90 days, and you must maintain a suitable gap between stays to avoid being deemed a de facto resident.

For the UK ETA: You only need the following few documents to apply with us:

  • Copy of your valid passport. Make sure it’s valid for 6 months from the date of arrival in the United Kingdom.
  • Passport photo: Taken recently.

The ETA will be electronically linked to your passport. However, we recommend keeping an electronic and printed copy of the ETA confirmation on hand just in case. We will contact you if we need any more information about your application.

For the US ESTA: To submit an ESTA request you will need:

  • A biometric passport (e‑Passport) from a Visa Waiver Program country that will remain valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay.*
  • Your current home address, employer (if applicable), and a U.S. contact or accommodation address (if already arranged).

The ESTA approval is stored electronically against your passport number. We nevertheless suggest saving a digital copy or printing the confirmation email for peace of mind. If U.S. Customs and Border Protection require further details, we will reach out to you promptly.

*Citizens of countries with a six‑month validity agreement may be exempt from the extra validity requirement.

For the UK ETA:
The government fee for the United Kingdom ETA is £16 (approximately USD $22).

When applying through us, a service fee is also charged in addition to the government fee. Our standard service fee is $89 for regular processing. If you need your application expedited, we offer a priority rush service for $118, which we strive to process within 3 hours (see Terms and Conditions for more details on when this applies).

You can choose from three processing options:

  • Standard: For travelers with more time before departure.

  • Priority Rush: A faster alternative for those needing quicker approval.

Start your application to see the total cost, including both government and service fees.

For the US ESTA:
The U.S. government charges a flat $21 fee per ESTA application — $4 for processing and $17 for authorization.

In addition to the government fee, our service fee is $89 for standard processing or $118 for priority rush service, which we aim to process within 3 hours (see Terms and Conditions for when this applies).

Choose from the following application speeds:

  • Standard: Best if your trip is still several days away.

  • Priority Rush: Faster processing for tight timelines.

Note: The government fee remains fixed; our service fee varies based on processing speed. Begin your application to view the full total before checkout.

For the UK ETA: We’ve been simplifying visa processes for more than 10 years. We’re here to make the UK ETA application hassle‑free and boost your chances of acceptance.

  • Fast & easy: Apply for your UK ETA faster than the government process, with fewer steps, no face scanning, and no security codes required.
  • Skip the line: You can apply for your UK ETA in minutes without lengthy government forms.
  • Save your session: Start, pause, and resume your application without losing any progress.
  • Language flexibility: Apply in your preferred language so you can complete your application easily.
  • Passport upload made easy: No NFC phone required — our passport scanning is simple, reliable, and works with any mobile phone or laptop with a camera.
  • Apply for everyone at once: Easily add multiple travelers in one process, no need to completely start all over for each person individually.

For the US ESTA: Drawing on a decade of experience, we make the ESTA process quick, clear, and user‑friendly, helping maximise your approval odds.

  • Fast & easy: Our streamlined form takes the sting out of the official website — no confusing log‑ins, no hidden security questions.
  • Skip the line: Submit a complete ESTA request in minutes and leave the error‑checking to us.
  • Save your session: Pause at any step and return later without losing data.
  • Apply in your language: The interface and support materials are available in multiple languages.
  • Effortless passport capture: Upload a photo of your passport using any smartphone or webcam — no special chips or readers required.
  • Group applications made easy: Add relatives, friends, or colleagues in one flow instead of restarting for each traveler.

Where can I learn more about the UK ETA and US ESTA?

In case you have any questions about the UK ETA or US ESTA or any other travel document, you can reach out to our customer support team at info@travelauthorize.com

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