Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
A digital authorization required for some visa-exempt nationals to enter the UK. It serves as a pre-screening tool that grants permission for stays up to 6 months for tourism, business, or short-term study purposes. Once approved, ETA is electronically linked to the traveler's passport and is valid for 2 years and allows multiple entries.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
2 years
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
The validity of an ETA is two years or before the expiry of the passport, depending on what comes earlier.
6 months
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
Citizens of the countries participating in the visa-free entry program can enter the UK without a visa and stay in the country for up to 180 days. Although the number of entries under a visa-free arrangement is not limited, long stays and frequent travel to the UK may raise questions about the true purpose of the stay and why it is absent from the home country for such an extended period. Long-term and re-entry may result in inspections by the competent authorities of the United Kingdom.
Not applicable
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
Extension is only possible in exceptional cases where there are serious circumstances that make it impossible to leave the United Kingdom before the end of the permitted period of stay or visa.
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
The number of entries is unlimited, as long as the foreigner meets the criteria for such entry and complies with all the rules and laws that govern it.
3 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
The decision is usually taken within three working days, but it may be more quickly adopted.
£16 (~$22)
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
The ETA is 16 pounds.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Valid for the entire duration of the stay, or other travel document with all applications.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Proof of financial means
Financial documents showing that the applicant has sufficient funds available, showing the access to the funds, such as: bank statements which detail the origin of the funds held; building society books which detail the origin of the funds held; proof of earnings, such as a letter from the employer confirming employment details (start date of employment, salary, role, company contact details).
Letter of proof of employment
From the applicant's employer on company headed paper, detailing the role, salary and length of employment.
Letter of full-time student status
From the education provider, on headed paper, confirming the enrolment and leave of absence.
Business license or registration
Business registration documents or recent invoices that confirm ongoing self-employment.
Documents for minor children
Legal document showing the relationship between the applicant and at least 1 of their parents or guardians, for example a birth certificate or adoption papers. If the foreigner is not traveling with the parent or guardian, they need to provide written consent from both parents or legal guardians (or one parent if they have sole responsibility).
Letter of invitation
From inviting persons or organizations, or sending organizations, with a description of the purpose of the visit and/or details of the event, coverage of financial costs and contact information.
Medical certificates
Health certificates, vaccination certificates, etc. depending on the purpose of the visit, citizenship and country of submission of documents by the applicant.
Proof of sponsorship
If someone else (the sponsor) is providing for travel, maintenance or accommodation it's necessary to provide evidence showing: what support is being provided and whether it extends to any dependent family and how this support is being provided; the person supporting the applicant has enough funds to adequately support themselves and their dependents.
Proof of accommodation
Hotel reservation, rental agreement, invitation from relatives, friends or organizations or other accommodation options.
Return ticket
Showing that the applicant plans to leave the country within the permitted period, or other evidence of this, such as a travel itinerary, sufficient funds to purchase a return ticket, etc.
Proof of family ties
A marriage or divorce certificate, birth certificate, adoption or guardianship certificate, other documents that clearly demonstrate family ties or custody.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purpose of the visit and documents confirming it, in accordance with the visa-free entry conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Strong ties to the country of origin and compelling reasons to return there, ensuring compliance with the terms and duration of stay.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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support@terrana.orgEligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Tourist, businessman, visitor, family, passenger, visa exempt
Last updated 2026-02-16