Visa & Entry Requirements for the UK

Entry rules for the UK depend entirely on your nationality, and the system has been changing as the new Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme rolls out. Here is a general overview to help you understand the landscape before you book.

Do You Need a Visa or an ETA?

Broadly speaking, international visitors to the UK fall into three groups: British and Irish citizens, who face no border formalities of this kind; non-visa nationals (citizens of many countries including the US, Canada, Australia, the EU and others), who generally need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; and visa nationals, whose citizens are required to apply for a Standard Visitor visa in advance regardless of trip length. Which group you fall into depends solely on your passport's country of issue.

The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) Explained

The ETA is a digital travel permission linked electronically to your passport, applied for online or via the UK ETA app before you travel. It is not a visa — it does not guarantee entry, but it confirms you're pre-cleared to travel to the UK, and border officers still make the final decision on arrival. Processing is normally quick, but applying with a comfortable buffer before your flight is sensible in case of delays or additional checks.

The Standard Visitor Visa

If your nationality requires a full visa rather than an ETA, you'll need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa ahead of your trip. This typically involves an online application, supporting documents (such as proof of funds, accommodation and return travel), and in many cases a visit to a visa application centre for biometrics. Processing times vary by country and season, so visa nationals should apply well ahead of their intended travel dates.

Passport Validity Rules

As a general practice for international travel, it's wise to ensure your passport has a reasonable amount of validity remaining beyond your planned departure date from the UK, and to check that it meets any specific validity requirements that apply to travellers from your country. Passport rules can differ depending on your nationality, so this is one of the first things to confirm once you've picked your travel dates.

How Long Can Tourists Typically Stay?

Visitors travelling for tourism under either the ETA or a Standard Visitor visa are generally permitted to stay in the UK for short-term visits, commonly up to a matter of months rather than a full year, and are not permitted to work or access public funds during that time. Exact permitted stay lengths and conditions depend on your visa/ETA category, so check the specifics that apply to your nationality and travel purpose before finalising your trip.

What You'll Typically Be Asked For

Whether you're applying for an ETA or a Standard Visitor visa, border processes for tourists generally look at similar things: a valid passport, evidence of the purpose of your visit, and reassurance that you intend to leave the UK again at the end of your stay. Having your accommodation details, a rough itinerary, and proof of onward or return travel to hand — even if not always formally requested — makes arrival smoother. Travelling as a family or group doesn't usually change the basic requirements, but each traveller, including children, typically needs their own passport and their own ETA or visa where applicable.

Plan Ahead, Not at the Last Minute

Because ETA and visa requirements are tied to nationality and can be updated by the UK government, the most reliable approach is to check your specific requirements as soon as you start planning your trip — ideally before you book non-refundable flights or accommodation. This gives you time to gather documents, book a visa appointment if one is required, or simply confirm that an ETA is all you need.