SHORT-TERM STUDENT VISA
UK ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION (ETA): WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
From April 2025, visitors to the UK who do not need a visa must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they travel. This digital approval allows them to enter the UK without a visa.
APPLYING FOR AN ETA FOR A CHILD
The easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the UK government app, available on the App Store and Google Play.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta#apply-for-an-eta
WHY USE THE APP?
- Faster processing times.
- Easy photo and passport scanning.
- Step-by-step guidance throughout the application.
If you don’t have a compatible smartphone, you can apply on the UK government website, though the app is usually quicker.
WHICH PHONE SHOULD YOU USE FOR THE APPLICATION
It doesn’t matter if you use the parent’s or child’s phone—the ETA is linked to the child’s passport, not the device. However, the child must be present during the process, as their face needs to be scanned. If this is not possible, apply online instead.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
- The application process takes about 10 minutes.
- A decision is usually made within 3 working days, but it’s best to apply early to avoid delays.
HOW MUCH DOES AN ETA COST?
The ETA application fee is £10.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO APPLY?
To apply for a child’s ETA, you will need:
- The child’s passport (original, not a copy).
- A recent photo of the child.
- A credit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay for payment.
If the child doesn’t have a passport yet, apply for one as soon as possible.
HOW DO YOU SHOW THE ETA AT THE AIRPORT?
Once approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a reference number. The ETA is linked to the passport, so at the airport, the child only needs to show their passport—there’s no need for a separate document.
WHO NEEDS AN ETA?
Visitors from visa-free countries, including students attending summer schools, need an ETA.
WHO DOESN’T NEED ONE?
- Students from countries that require a visa to enter the UK.
- UK passport holders.
ETA VALIDITY AND MULTIPLE ENTRIES
- The ETA is valid for up to 2 years or until the passport expires.
- It allows multiple visits to the UK without reapplying.
WHEN CAN YOU APPLY?
Citizens from the following countries can apply starting March 5, 2025:
Andorra Austria Belgium Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czechia Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Monaco Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Romania San Marino Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Vatican City
Citizens from these countries can apply now:
Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Australia The Bahamas Bahrain Barbados Belize Botswana Brazil Brunei Canada Chile Costa Rica Grenada Guatemala Guyana Hong Kong (including British National Overseas) Israel Japan Kiribati Kuwait Macao (Special Administrative Region) Malaysia Maldives Marshall Islands Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Nauru New Zealand Nicaragua Oman Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Qatar Samoa Saudi Arabia Seychelles Singapore Solomon Islands South Korea St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Vincent and the Grenadines Taiwan (with the identification number included in the passport) Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tuvalu United Arab Emirates United States Uruguay
Citizens from countries not listed above cannot apply for an ETA at this time.
How to Check Visa Requirements To find out whether your child needs a visa to enter the UK, visit the UK government website https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
