United Kingdom eVisa & Travel Information (2026)
| Key Facts — United Kingdom | |
|---|---|
| Schengen Zone | No (independent visa system post-Brexit) |
| ETA Required | Yes, for most visa-exempt nationals (from Jan 2025) |
| Visa-free stay | 6 months (visitor visa-exempt nationals) |
| ETA Fee | £10 per application |
| Standard Visitor Visa Fee | £115 (6 months) |
| Passport Validity | Must be valid for duration of stay |
Introduction
The United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) is a global destination for tourism, business and education. Major airports include London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), London Stansted (STN), Manchester (MAN) and Edinburgh (EDI). The UK left the EU in January 2020 (Brexit) and is not part of the Schengen Area — it has its own independent immigration system. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) handles all visa matters.
Since January 2025, most visa-exempt nationalities — including Americans, Australians, Canadians, Japanese, South Koreans, New Zealanders, Singaporeans and many others — require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding a flight to the UK. EU/EEA citizens and Irish citizens do not need an ETA. ETA costs £10 and is linked electronically to your passport (not a sticker).
Tourist & Short Stay (Visitor Visa / ETA)
Visa-exempt nationals need an ETA from January 2025. ETA holders can stay for up to 6 months per visit and make multiple trips without re-applying, for as long as the ETA remains valid (usually tied to passport). ETA does NOT allow work or long-term study.
Nationals not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa (6 months) from the UK consulate or via the UK Immigration: ID Check app. Required: passport, bank statements, accommodation proof, return ticket, and a cover letter. Fee: £115. Processing: typically 3 weeks.
Business Visitor
The UK Visitor Visa allows business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, training, and negotiating contracts. Paid employment, providing goods or services, or receiving payment from a UK source requires a different visa category (Skilled Worker, etc.).
Work & Long-Stay
- Skilled Worker Visa — for sponsored workers in eligible roles meeting salary thresholds (generally £38,700/year from April 2024; £30,960 for shortage occupations). Requires a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer.
- Global Talent Visa — for recognised leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, tech, arts and culture. Requires endorsement from a designated body.
- High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa — for graduates of top-50 world-ranked universities (in the last 5 years). Valid 2 years (3 for PhD), no job offer needed.
- Innovator Founder Visa — for entrepreneurs with an innovative, scalable business idea endorsed by an approved body. No minimum investment requirement since 2023.
- Graduate Visa — for international students who have completed a UK degree. Valid 2 years (3 for PhD). No sponsor required.
Student Visa
Non-UK students need a Student Visa (or Child Student Visa for under-18s). Required: CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from a licensed UK university or college, financial evidence (at least £1,334/month in London or £1,023 outside London for up to 9 months), English language proof (IELTS or equivalent), and a tuberculosis test result if from certain countries. Fee: £490 (from outside the UK).
Airport Transit
The UK has its own Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) rules, separate from Schengen. Nationals of certain countries need a DATV to transit through UK airports without passing UK Border Force control. Check the list at gov.uk/transit-visa.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Completed online UK visa application (gov.uk)
- Biometric data (fingerprints + photo) at a Visa Application Centre
- Bank statements (last 6 months)
- Accommodation proof
- Return or onward flight bookings
- Employer letter (for business visits) or enrollment letter (for study)
- Visa fee payment
- IHS surcharge payment (for long-stay visas — healthcare access)
Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) | £10 |
| Standard Visitor Visa (6 months) | £115 |
| Standard Visitor Visa (2 years multiple) | £400 |
| Standard Visitor Visa (5 years multiple) | £771 |
| Student Visa | £490 (from outside UK) |
| Skilled Worker Visa (up to 3 years) | £827 |
In addition to visa fees, most long-stay visa holders must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035/year (or £776/year for students and youth mobility).
How to Apply
- Check if you need an ETA or visa at gov.uk/check-uk-visa
- For ETA: apply at gov.uk/apply-electronic-travel-authorisation or via the UK ETA app
- For visa: complete the online application at gov.uk
- Pay visa fee and IHS surcharge (where applicable)
- Book a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre
- Attend appointment; submit documents and biometrics
- Receive decision; collect BRP card on arrival (long-stay) or check email for visa vignette
Official Links
Who Needs an ETA vs. a Visitor Visa?
EU/EEA citizens and Irish citizens can visit the UK visa-free without an ETA. Most other visa-exempt nationals (USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, etc.) need an ETA since January 2025. Nationals of countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. Full list at gov.uk/check-uk-visa.
Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.
This guide is maintained by our visa research team. Last updated: March 2026.
Important: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements at the official United Kingdom immigration authority before booking travel. This page is for informational purposes only.