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UK travel authorisation

UK ETA Guide for Travelers

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation is a pre-travel permission route for some visitors who do not need a UK visa. This guide explains what to check and where to confirm the official wording.

Bordivo is independent and is not a government website. Bordivo provides route preparation information, official source links and careful next-step guidance. It does not provide legal advice, submit applications, review documents or decide immigration outcomes.

Check your likely route Open GOV.UK ETA guidance

What the UK ETA is

A UK ETA is an electronic travel authorisation linked to a passport. It is relevant for some travelers who can visit or transit the United Kingdom without getting a visa first.

It is separate from a UK visa. It is also separate from Schengen ETIAS. A route can involve more than one travel authorisation if the itinerary crosses different border systems.

Who this may affect

  • Visa-exempt travelers visiting the United Kingdom for short trips.
  • Travelers transiting through the UK when the official UK guidance says an ETA route applies.
  • Teams arranging UK travel for clients, candidates, staff or guests.
  • Travelers who have used visa-free UK entry before and need to check whether the route changed.

What to check before travelling

  1. Check whether your passport country is listed in the official GOV.UK ETA guidance.
  2. Check your travel purpose, including whether you are visiting, transiting, studying briefly or attending meetings.
  3. Check whether you need a visa instead of an ETA for your route or purpose.
  4. Use the same passport for the ETA and for travel, because the authorisation is linked to that passport.
  5. Re-check the official guidance close to travel, especially if your trip is months away.

What to do next

Start with your specific passport, residence, destination, transit stop, travel date and purpose. Bordivo can help you identify the likely route and keep the official source link close to the result.

Bordivo provides route preparation information and official source links. Always confirm final requirements with the official government, embassy, consulate or immigration authority source before applying or travelling.

Check your UK route Compare with ETIAS