If you're an Australian passport holder planning to visit the UK, the new UK ETA Australia requirement is something you need to be aware of. In this UK ETA guide, we'll walk you through the specifics of the new ETA, who needs it, how to apply, and what it means for your travel plans.
Do Australians need a visa for UK?
No, Australians do not need a visa for short visits to the UK. However, starting in 2024, Australian passport holders must apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling.
The UK ETA is an electronic travel authorization, similar to the Canada ETA or US ESTA.
UK ETA for Australians
Australians must apply for a UK ETA if they are traveling for:
Tourism (holidays, visiting family or friends)
Business trips (meetings, conferences)
Short-term study (up to 6 months)
Transit (if passing through UK border control)
Who needs a UK ETA? | Who does NOT need a UK ETA? |
Australians visiting family, sightseeing, or vacationing for up to 6 months. | Already have a UK visa. |
Attending meetings, conferences, or engaging in short-term permitted paid engagements. | Australians with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. |
Courses lasting up to 6 months. | Australians holding a British or Irish passport. |
Transit through a UK airport: If passing through UK border control. | Check with the airline if you don’t pass through UK border control. |
Entering the UK several times within the 2-year ETA validity. | Living in Ireland and traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man. |
For those seeking extended stays or specific permissions, other visa options include the UK Visit Visa for longer tourist or business visits, the UK E-Visa for digital processing, the UK Settlement Visa for residency, the UK Sponsorship License for employers hiring foreign workers, and the UK Student Visa for education. Additionally, individuals may apply for a Self-Sponsorship Skilled Worker Visa to work independently or a Spouse Visa to join a UK-based partner.
Using your UK ETA as an Australian traveller
Your UK ETA is electronically linked to your Australian passport—there is no need to print it.
At the UK border, you can either:
Use an ePassport gate (if eligible).
See a Border Force officer for entry clearance.
Having an ETA does not guarantee entry—UK border officers may still ask questions about your visit. Once you get it:
The UK ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
You can travel to the UK multiple times during this validity period without needing to reapply.
If you get a new passport, you will need to apply for a new ETA.
Apply for a UK ETA from Australia
For Australians applying for a UK ETA, Any Visa offers:
Accurate application support to prevent mistakes that could cause delays or rejections.
Legal guidance for travelers with past visa refusals or criminal records.
Fast-tracked solutions for urgent travel needs.
Personalized assistance for business travelers, professionals, and families to ensure a smooth entry into the UK.
How long does it take to get a UK ETA?
The ETA is usually approved within 3 working days, but in many cases, it can be approved even faster. Apply at least a few days before your flight to avoid any last-minute delays.
Who needs ETA for UK?
Do I need ETA for the UK? Check with out tool or use the list of nationalities eligible to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) when traveling to the UK. The UK ETA countries list includes countries and territories whose citizens can apply now, as well as those who will require an ETA for travel on or after April 2, 2025.
Andorra
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Bahamas (The)
Bahrain
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Bulgaria
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Federated States of Micronesia
Greece
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
Hungary
Iceland
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Kuwait
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao Special Administrative Region
Maldives
Malta
Marshall Islands
Mexico
Monaco
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Norway
Oman
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Qatar
Romania
San Marino
Seychelles
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
South Korea
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan (if you have a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)
Tonga
Tuvalu
Uruguay
Vatican City
