London ETA: How to apply, requirements and who needs it

Planning a trip to London? Starting in 2024, many travelers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the United Kingdom. This new system simplifies border control for visitors who do not require a visa, including citizens from Europe, the Gulf, and other visa-exempt countries. The London ETA application is quick and fully online, taking only a few minutes to complete. In this guide, you’ll discover who needs an ETA for London, how to apply, how much it costs, and the main requirements to ensure a smooth entry into the UK.

💡 Everything you need to know before traveling to London

• 🛫 ETA required for London travel – Since 2024, the ETA for London is mandatory for visa-exempt visitors entering the UK.
• 💻 Online London ETA application – Apply entirely online through the official portal before your departure.
• 🕓 Processing time – Most London ETA applications are approved within 24–72 hours.
• 💷 How much is the ETA for London – The government fee is £10, valid for multiple visits.
• 📅 Validity period – The London ETA remains valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.
• 🪪 Requirements – A valid passport, email address and bank card are needed for the London ETA application.
• ✈️ Who needs it – Tourists, business travelers and transit passengers from visa-free countries.

🛫 Do you need an eTA to go to London?

The London eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic travel authorization introduced by the United Kingdom to strengthen entry controls while simplifying the process for visa-free travelers.

It is not a visa, but a required electronic travel authorization for London for certain nationalities, including European nationals, when the program is rolled out.

🧾 London eTA mandatory since 2024

Since 2024, the United Kingdom has been gradually rolling out the London eTA mandatory system.

This London electronic travel authorization is required before departure to board a flight to the country, in the same way as Canada or the United States with their ETA and ESTA systems.

📌 Key points:

• The eTA for London is required to enter the United Kingdom if you are a citizen of a country eligible for the program.
• It can only be applied for online via the official London eTA application form or through a service provider website.
• You cannot board without receiving confirmation of approval by email.

This authorization is electronically linked to your passport, so there is no need to print anything.

🌍 Who needs to apply for an eTA to go to London?

All travelers who are exempt from visa requirements will soon be required to apply for a London eTA before traveling.

This includes:

• ✅ Tourists on a short stay (less than 6 months)
• ✅ Business travelers or travelers in transit through the United Kingdom
• ✅ Students coming for a short program without a visa

👉 If you are wondering who needs to apply for an eTA to go to London, the answer depends on your nationality:

• Citizens of Gulf countries (Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates) are already affected.
• European travelers, including German citizens, are expected to join the system from 2025.

Applying for a London eTA is simple:

• Complete the London eTA form online.
• Pay the London eTA application fee (approximately £10, excluding any processing fees).
• Receive your authorization by email within 72 hours.

🛂 Difference between the London eTA and a UK visa

The London eTA is not a visa.

Here are the major differences:

🧭 Criterion London eTA UK visa

The London Electronic Travel Authorization is therefore the simplest solution for short tourist stays.

🪪 Can you go to London with an identity card?

Many European people still wonder, can you go to London with an identity card?

The answer is no, since October 1, 2021, as a direct consequence of Brexit.

With the United Kingdom having left the European Union, an ID card is no longer sufficient to travel to London.

A valid passport is now required, even for short stays.

❓ Can you enter the United Kingdom with an ID card?

Officially, can you enter the United Kingdom with an ID card?

➡️ No, with rare exceptions.

European citizens must present a valid passport upon arrival.

Only certain people who were already residing in the United Kingdom before Brexit can still use their ID card until 2025, under the EU Settlement Scheme.

📎 Limited exceptions:

• Permanent residents with “settled” status
• European civil servants on official business
• A few specific diplomatic cases

For all other travelers, the ID card is no longer valid for entry.

🧳 Passport required since Brexit

Since Brexit, the passport is required in London and is the only document recognized at British borders.

It must be valid for the entire duration of the stay, and ideally for several months after the return.

⚠️ No urgent or expired passports are accepted.

📋 Checklist before traveling to London:

• Check the expiration date of your passport
• Make sure the number matches the one used for the London eTA form
• Have a digital copy in case of loss

Travelers must present their passport at check-in, boarding, and at the UK border.

👨‍👩‍👧 Special cases: Minors, dual nationality, stopovers

Some situations can be confusing:

👧 Traveling with children

• Minors must also have their own individual passport, even if they are traveling with their parents.
• The children concerned will also need an eTA to travel to London once the program is extended to Europe.

🛫 Stopover travel

• If your flight has a stopover in London, you may need an eTA to travel to London, even if you do not leave the airport, depending on the airline.

🌍 Dual nationality

• If you have a British or Irish passport, you do not need an eTA for London.
• If you are using another passport, the authorization will be linked to that document only.

💻 How to apply for an eTA for London?

Obtaining an eTA to travel to London is a simple, quick, and 100% online process.

This London electronic travel authorization is designed to facilitate the entry of visa-free travelers into the United Kingdom.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply.

📝 London eTA form: Where and how to fill it out

The London eTA application can only be completed online using the official London eTA form.

There is no paper version: everything is done online from a computer or smartphone.

🔹 Major steps of the London eTA form:

• Go to the official UK government portal or a private platform with assistance.
• Carefully fill out the London eTA form with your personal details: name, date of birth, passport number, country of residence.
• Answer the security questions (previous trips, criminal record, etc.).
• If necessary, upload a recent digital photo ID.
• Confirm your London eTA application after secure payment (approximately £10 excluding any processing fees).

🔎 Steps to obtain an eTA to travel to London

Wondering how to obtain an eTA for London?

Here is a clear summary of the procedure:

• ✅ 1. Prepare your documents (valid passport, credit card, email address).
• ✅ 2. Complete the London eTA form online.
• ✅ 3. Pay the application fee directly on the official platform.
• ✅ 4. Receive confirmation by email within the processing time of 24 to 72 hours.
• ✅ 5. Check that the passport number you entered matches the one on your travel document.

Once approved, your eTA to London is automatically saved: no printing is necessary. Airlines check for authorization before boarding.

📄 Documents required for the London eTA application

To complete your London eTA application, you will need:

• 📘 A valid passport – required for all travelers, including children.
• 💳 A credit card – to pay the application fee.
• 📧 An email address – confirmation of your London electronic travel authorization will be sent directly to your inbox.
• 📱 A stable internet connection – the form must be completed in a single session.

⚠️ Please note: any error in the passport number or spelling of the name may invalidate your eTA and block access to the plane.

⏱️ How long does it take to obtain an eTA for London?

Many travelers wonder how long it takes to obtain an eTA for London after submitting their application.

The process is usually quick, but it is always advisable to plan ahead.

🕓 London eTA: Average processing time (72 hours)

The London eTA processing time varies depending on the time of year and the volume of applications.

On average:

• ⏰ Within 72 hours for most applications,
• ⚡ Sometimes within a few hours if everything is complete,
• 🐢 Up to 5 business days if additional checks are required.

💡 Tip: Don't fill out your London eTA application at the last minute; submit it at least 5 days before departure to avoid any stress.

📅 Validity and duration of an eTA for London

Once approved, your eTA to go to London remains valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

During this period:

• You can travel to the United Kingdom as many times as you wish without having to repeat the procedure.
• Each stay can last up to 6 months maximum.
• If you change your passport, you will need to reapply for a new London eTA.

💼 In summary: the London eTA validity offers great flexibility for short-term tourist or business trips.

🚫 What to do if your London eTA is rejected or pending?

In most cases, applications are approved without any problems.

However, it can happen that a London eTA application is rejected or put on hold.

🚫 If your London eTA is rejected:

• First, check the information you entered (name, passport number).
• If everything is correct, you will need to apply for a UK visa at the British consulate.

⏳ If your eTA is pending:

• Wait 24 to 48 hours; some applications require manual verification.
• Avoid submitting another London eTA application before the end of the processing time.

💡 SoTourism-Travel tip: keep your confirmation email and reference number to track the status of your application.