If you’re planning a work-related trip to the United Kingdom, then it’s crucial to understand what the UK ETA is. Essentially, it’s a new requirement for business travelers that will dictate what activities you can and can’t perform.
Correspondingly, this guide covers important information to ensure you stay compliant and so you can plan a hassle-free trip.
What Is the UK ETA?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new entry requirement for visitors from non-visa nationals. Specifically, it applies to travelers who previously did not need a visa to enter the UK.
Previously, authorities introduced it to enhance border security and streamline entry. Now, the ETA has become mandatory for many non-European visitors traveling for short stays.
If you’re from a country that’s on the ETA-eligible list, then you’ll need approval before traveling to the UK. Note that this covers even short business trips.
ETA for Business Travelers
Business travelers from non-European countries must obtain an ETA before entering the UK.
To qualify, you must:
- Hold a valid passport from an ETA-eligible country.
- Apply online with personal details, travel plans, and supporting information.
- Pay the required fee.
Overall, the process is straightforward, but it’s important to apply in advance to avoid delays.
Eligible Countries for a UK ETA
Which countries are eligible for the travel authorization? In particular, business travelers from the following countries can apply for an ETA:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British National overseas)
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Macao Special Administrative Region
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Federated States of 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
- Toga
- Tuvalu
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
Meanwhile, applications have opened for European travelers visiting the UK on or after April 2, 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
This also covers eligible dual citizenships.
Activities for Business Travelers
The UK ETA permits a range of business activities. Here’s an overview of what you can do:
- Attend interviews, meetings, seminars, and conferences.
- Negotiate and sign deals or business contracts.
- Participate in trade fairs, seminars, or fact-finding missions.
- Deliver short business presentations.
- Receive work-related training if you are employed outside of the UK. To clarify, the training must not be available in your home country.
- Deliver non-profit, non-commercial one-off or short series of talks. Essentially, you can only receive payment if you’re speaking at a permitted paid engagement. In particular, this applies to artists, entertainers, musicians, athletes, qualified lawyers, lecturers, academics, or air pilot examiners. Moreover, the engagement must be relevant to your expertise, skills, and full-time occupation in your home country.
- Perform site visits or inspections.
- Supervise the delivery of goods and services by a UK company on behalf of your overseas company or organization.
- Train or share knowledge with company colleagues based in the UK for internal projects.
- Install, dismantle, repair, service, or advise on computer software and hardware, or equipment.
Overall, these activities fall under the umbrella of business visitor activities. To clarify, they don’t count as work or direct employment in the UK.
What Business Travelers Can’t Do
While the ETA offers flexibility, it doesn’t cover all business activities. Generally, here’s what you cannot do:
- Take up paid or unpaid work with a UK company.
- Sell goods or services directly to the UK public.
- Provide services that generate income from the UK labor market.
- Work on long-term projects or contracts that require hands-on participation.
If your trip involves these activities, then you’ll need a different type of visa.
UK ETA vs. Other UK Business Visas
The UK ETA differs from other business visas. Here’s how:
- Standard Visitor Visa: For longer or more complex business trips, including training and internal projects.
- Temporary Worker Visa: For short-term paid work in specific sectors.
- Business Mobility Visa: For intra-company transfers and other specialized needs.
In summary, the ETA is ideal for straightforward business visits, but not for in-depth or long-term work.
Applying for an ETA
Overall, the ETA application is simple and entirely online. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Visit the EVS platform. It simplifies the ETA application process so you can avoid going through complex visa processes.
At EVS, your personal and travel information remains safe and secure with its strict data protection regulations. Moreover, it provides you with expert guidance and seamless support to ensure a stress-free application journey.
Step 2: Upload a passport photo. It must have a plain, light-colored background without any shadows or objects behind you.
Step 3: Upload a scan or photo of your passport information page. Ensure the full passport photo page is inside the frame, including the two lines of numbers and letters at the bottom. Additionally, the passport of the minor must be valid for at least six months upon entering and exiting the UK.
Step 4: Provide your personal information:
- Contact details
- Home address
- Employment information
- Citizenship information
- Criminal history, if any
Overall, make sure that the information you provide matches what is on your passport.
Step 5: Review and confirm the information on your application. In particular, you can pay using suitable electronic payment methods such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, credit card, or debit card.
Step 6: Pay the application fee.
Step 7: Receive your UK ETA. You will receive an email with the decision. Next, the ETA will be linked to your passport digitally.
Once approved, the ETA is valid for multiple visits over a two-year period, or until your passport expires. Because mistakes can delay approval, make sure to triple-check all entries before you submit.
Ready to get started with your application? Then click the button below to obtain your ETA.
Conclusion
The UK ETA opens doors for business travelers from non-European countries. Specifically, it allows you to attend meetings, sign deals, and network without complicated paperwork.
However, it’s essential to know the limits. For instance, you cannot undertake paid work or provide services to the UK market under the ETA.
As such, plan ahead, apply in time, and bring the right documents. If your business plans exceed the ETA’s scope, then apply for the correct visa.
With the right preparation, you’ll have a productive and compliant business trip.
For fast, reliable, and professional UK ETA processing, apply via the EVS platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a UK ETA for multiple business trips?
Yes, as long as your ETA remains valid. However, frequent visits may attract extra questioning at the border.
How long can business travelers stay in the UK?
In particular, a UK ETA allows short visits of up to six months. However, repeated entries might raise concerns with border officials.
Specifically, travelers cannot extend their ETA stay or switch to another visa while in the UK. Furthermore, overstaying can lead to future travel restrictions.
How long are typical business trips?
Typically, business trips last around three days.
Do I need a UK ETA if I already have a valid UK visa?
No. If you hold a valid UK visa, you don’t need an ETA.
Can I extend my stay in the UK with an ETA?
No. The ETA is for short visits only and cannot be extended.
How long does it take to get a UK ETA?
Most applications are processed quickly, but apply at least a week before travel to be safe.
Can I bring family members on my ETA?
Family members must apply for their own ETAs if they’re from an ETA-eligible country.
Photo by Dmytro Pavlov on Unsplash
