Australians · UK Entry Authorisation

Australians now need
a UK ETA to visit Britain

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is required for all Australian passport holders before boarding a flight to the United Kingdom. Fast, secure applications with expert review before every submission.

Scottish Highlands misty mountains and loch
✓  Expert Review
✓  Fast Processing
✓  Individuals & Families
✓  No Hidden Fees
✓  Fully Inclusive Pricing

What is the UK ETA?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a pre-travel permission introduced by the United Kingdom for visitors from eligible countries — including Australia — who previously could travel to Britain without any prior authorisation.

The UK ETA is not a visa. It is an automated electronic check linked to your Australian passport that must be obtained before you travel. Once approved, it is valid for multiple trips over two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

UK Border Force retains the right to refuse admission on arrival even with an approved ETA, but holding a valid authorisation is a strict requirement before boarding any flight or vessel bound for the United Kingdom.

London Westminster Bridge and Thames at dusk
2 yrs
Validity period
6 months
Maximum stay per visit
72 hrs
Typical processing time

Do Australians need a UK ETA?

Yes. Australian citizens travelling to the United Kingdom for tourism, business, or transit are now required to hold a valid UK ETA before departure. This is a relatively new requirement — Australians previously could visit Britain without any pre-travel authorisation.

A UK ETA is not required if you already hold a valid UK visa. Australians who have previously been refused entry to the UK should check their eligibility carefully before applying for an ETA.

Not sure if you qualify? Visit ETA Permits and click Your Journey Begins Here — you can confirm your eligibility instantly on the application page.

Good to know: The UK ETA covers England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland under a single authorisation. If your trip also takes you to the Republic of Ireland, note that Ireland has its own separate entry requirements.

How to apply

Our straightforward three-step process ensures your UK ETA application is accurate, complete, and submitted correctly.

1

Complete the form

Enter your personal details, Australian passport information, and travel plans on our secure online form. Takes around 10 minutes and covers the whole family in one session.

2

Expert review

Our team checks every application for accuracy before submission to the UK Home Office — minimising errors and the risk of refusal.

3

Receive your ETA

Your approved UK ETA is delivered by email and linked electronically to your Australian passport. No printing required — present your passport at check-in and at the UK border.

Discovering Britain
with your family?

From the streets of London to the lochs of Scotland and the coastlines of Wales, Britain has something for every traveller. Every member of your group — including children and infants — needs their own UK ETA linked to their own passport.

ETA Permits makes it simple to apply for the whole family in one session. Our team reviews all applications together before submission, and our fully inclusive pricing means no unexpected charges along the way.

Apply for your family
Cotswolds English countryside village

Frequently asked questions

When did the UK ETA requirement start for Australians?
The UK ETA was introduced in phases from 2024. Australian citizens are now required to hold a valid UK ETA before travelling to the United Kingdom, including for transit through UK airports.
How long can Australians stay in the UK on an ETA?
Each visit to the United Kingdom under a UK ETA is limited to six months. The ETA itself remains valid for two years or until your passport expires, allowing multiple trips within that period.
Do I need a UK ETA to transit through a British airport?
In most cases yes — even if you are transiting through a UK airport without leaving the international zone, a valid UK ETA is generally required. Check the full details at ETA Permits for your specific itinerary.
Can I work or study in the UK on an ETA?
No. The UK ETA is for tourism, visiting family and friends, short business trips, and transit only. If you intend to work or study in the UK you will require a separate visa.
Do Australian children need their own UK ETA?
Yes. Every traveller — including infants and children — requires their own individual UK ETA linked to their own passport. ETA Permits makes it easy to apply for all family members at once.
Do I need to print my UK ETA?
No. The UK ETA is linked electronically to your passport. You do not need to carry a printed copy — simply present your passport at check-in and at the UK border.

Ready to apply for your UK ETA?

Fast, simple and fully inclusive pricing. Expert review before every submission to the UK Home Office.

Begin your Journey…