United Kingdom visa

The UK visa policy sets entry requirements based on a traveler’s nationality, the purpose of the trip and the desired length of stay. Some nationalities can visit the UK for short stays without applying for a visa, but may need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). The ETA is an online travel permission for eligible visitors and is linked to the passport used in the application. It is generally used for tourism, visiting family and friends, and for certain business activities.

Travelers who are not eligible for an ETA, or whose nationality requires a visa, usually need a Standard Visitor visa. It typically allows stays of up to six months for tourism, family visits, short business activities and limited study. It does not allow paid work and is not intended for long-term residence.

Visa-exempt

• British nationals, citizens and subjects
• Irish citizens

ETA

• Multiple entries: yes
• Maximum visit: 6 months
• Processing time: 72 hours
• Requirements: passport
• Eligible countries: European Union citizens, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Uruguay, Vatican City

Learn more about the UK ETA

Visitor visa

• Multiple entries: yes
• Maximum visit: 6 months
• Eligible countries: all countries not eligible for an ETA