The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is a digital travel permit that allows visa-exempt foreign nationals, including German citizens, to enter the United Kingdom. It is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport and must be obtained before departure.
The UK government introduced the UK ETA system to improve border security and simplify entry processes for short-term visitors. The system was officially launched in October 2023, with phased implementation for different nationalities. The UK ETA for EU citizens became available to European countries, including Germany, on 5th March 2025, with it being required for visits to the UK from 2nd April 2025.
Before the ETA for the UK system launched, German citizens could travel visa-free to the UK for short stays, requiring only a valid passport. With an approved ETA, German citizens can enter the UK for a variety of purposes for short visits of up to 6 months, including:
There are many benefits to the UK ETA, including:
Many people believe that the ETA is a type of UK visa, but it is not. The ETA is a pre-travel authorization required for visa-exempt nationals, including German citizens, who wish to visit the UK for short stays of up to 6 months. Unlike a visa, the ETA is not a physical document or a visa stamp in the passport. Instead, it is a digital permission that allows eligible travelers to enter the UK for tourism, business meetings, short courses, transit, or permitted paid engagements.
The key differences between a UK ETA and a UK visa are:
| Feature | UK ETA | UK Visa |
| What is it? | Digital travel authorization for visa-exempt nationals
|
An official document to enter and stay in the UK for a specified purpose and period of time |
| Who needs it? | Eligible citizens (including Germans) traveling to the UK for less than 6 months for an approved purpose | Non-visa-exempt travelers or those staying longer than 6 months in the UK or traveling for other purposes (e.g., work) |
| Application process | Fully online, quick, and easy process | More detailed application that requires supporting documents and a visit to a Visa Application Center (VAC). |
| Processing time | Within 3 business days | Typically, 3-12 weeks, but it can be longer |
| Validity | 2 years, multiple entries (6 months per entry) | Depends on the type of visa |
| Permitted activities | Tourism, business meetings, short courses, transit | Additional permissions are dependent on the type of visa (e.g., work visas permit work activities) |
Travelers who do not qualify for an ETA will need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead. However, unlike the ETA, which has a simple online application, obtaining a visa is a more complex process that requires submitting a detailed application, providing supporting documents, and attending an in-person appointment.
German citizens who want to work, study long-term, or visit the UK for longer than 6 months will need to apply for a visa instead of an ETA. For travelers who need a visa rather than an ETA, the UK offers various visa types depending on the purpose of the visit and how long you need to stay in the UK. For example, German citizens can apply for a Work Visa, Study Visa, or Family Visa.
To qualify for a UK ETA, German citizens must meet the following requirements:
To ensure a successful application process, German citizens should follow the steps below:
To apply for a UK ETA from Germany, applicants must provide the following:
Applicants must have a valid passport issued by Germany. The passport must be valid for the entire duration of their stay in the UK.
Applicants will be required to upload a recent digital passport-style photo. The photo should reflect the applicant’s true appearance and must be recent (taken within the last six months). The photo must meet UK government standards, for example:
The applicant must have a valid payment method to pay for the ETA. This could be a credit or debit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. The payment must be successfully processed before the application can be submitted.
A valid email address is required to receive ETA confirmation and updates regarding the application status.
The ETA application process can be quick and easy if completed correctly. German citizens should follow the steps below to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).
Applicants must upload a clear copy of their passport and a personal photo. Uploads must be in the required format (e.g., JPEG, HEIC, PNG, or PDF) and meet size requirements (less than 5MB).
Once the application is completed, payment must be made. Applicants must ensure they enter payment details correctly and receive confirmation of their payment.
Review all details carefully before clicking ‘Submit’. After submission, a confirmation email will be sent with the application reference number.
Applicants will receive an email notification once the ETA has been approved. The ETA will then be linked electronically to the applicant’s passport.
German visitors to the UK are important contributors to the UK tourism industry. In 2023, the UK received 3 million visits from Germany. Below are some interesting statistics about visits from Germany to the UK.
The UK ETA is valid for two years from the date of approval or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, travelers do not need to reapply for a new ETA unless their passport details change. For example, if an ETA holder lost their passport and had to apply for a new one, they would also need to apply for a new ETA. German citizens with an approved ETA can stay in the UK for up to six months per visit and can enter the UK for as many visits as they like during the 2-year validity period.
While most German citizens traveling to the UK will require an ETA, there are some exceptions. The following German nationals do not need an ETA:
If a German citizen does not fall into one of these categories, they will need to apply for a UK ETA before traveling.
A UK Electronic Travel Authorization allows German citizens to visit the UK for short stays, typically up to six months per visit. Although an ETA grants travel clearance, it does not guarantee automatic entry, as final approval is at the discretion of UK Border Force officers.
German citizens must meet the following requirements when traveling to the UK with an ETA:
Airlines will verify that passengers have an approved ETA before they board a flight to the UK. German travelers must ensure their ETA is approved and linked to their passport before traveling, as failure to have an ETA may result in being denied boarding.
Upon landing in the UK, travelers must go through border control, where they will need to present the same passport they used in the ETA application. The ETA is electronically linked to their passport, so no physical document is needed. If using e-Gates (automated border control), the system will verify the ETA automatically. E-Gates are available for travelers aged 10 and over (as long as they are traveling with an adult). If directed to a border officer, they may check ETA approval manually.
Travelers may also be asked about the purpose and duration of their stay. UK Border Force officers may conduct additional screening or questioning based on a traveler’s history, security concerns, or random checks. Those with prior immigration violations or criminal records may be subject to further review.
When traveling to the UK from Germany, ETA holders must follow entry procedures at the UK border and comply with visitor regulations, including:
When entering the UK from Germany, German citizens should be prepared for standard entry checks, which could include questions relating to:
o Purpose of visit (e.g., tourism, business, or transit).
o Duration of stay.
o Accommodation details.
o Return or onward travel.
With a UK ETA, German citizens can visit the country for tourism, attend business meetings or conferences, engage in short-term study, or transit through the UK. With an ETA, visitors are NOT permitted to:
o Work in the UK (including unpaid work).
o Live in the UK for extended periods.
o Study long-term
o Claim public benefits.
Travelers must leave the UK before the ETA’s six-month limit per visit. Any overstay or rule violation may affect future ETA or visa applications.
The ETA does not have any special departure requirements. However, travelers must leave the UK within six months to comply with the ETA rules. The ETA allows multiple entries within its two-year validity period, meaning travelers can leave and re-enter the UK without reapplying, provided they comply with ETA conditions and do not overstay.
It is important to note that the UK ETA is only valid for entry into the UK. It does not permit travel to Ireland, the Schengen Area, or any other country. German travelers must check the visa or entry requirements for other destinations separately.
The UK ETA fee is £10. However, if you choose to go through a professional service provider, the cost will be higher, but they can assist in accurately completing the application and help lower the risk of it being rejected.
It can take up to three business days from the date of submission to receive the ETA, although many applications are processed more quickly. However, applicants should ensure they submit their application at least 3 business days before their intended visit to the UK to avoid any issues. It can also be beneficial to check the latest ETA for the UK news to get updates about any factors that may affect processing times.
There is an important difference between an ETA application being refused and rejected. A rejection occurs when an ETA application is not processed due to incomplete or incorrect information. For example, the photograph does not comply with the specifications, there are errors in the submitted passport information, or missing mandatory details.
If your ETA application is rejected, carefully read the notification to understand why your application was rejected and address the identified issues. Ensure all information is accurate and resubmit your application. There is no appeal process for rejections, however, once corrections are made, you can reapply immediately.
A refusal, on the other hand, indicates that your ETA application has been denied after processing. This could be due to your criminal record, previous immigration violations, or security concerns. This decision cannot be appealed. However, an ETA refusal does not automatically disqualify you from traveling to the UK, and applicants may be able to apply for a UK visa instead.
Do I need a visa to visit London?
For short-term visits to London (less than 6 months) for an approved purpose, German citizens do not need a visa but need to apply for an ETA. However, if you are planning to work in London or study or live in London for longer than 6 months, you will need to apply for a UK visa.
Do I need to print my ETA?
No, the ETA is electronically linked to your passport, so you do not need to print it. However, it is advisable to keep a copy of your confirmation email for reference.
Is the ETA the same as a visa?
The ETA is not a visa. The UK ETA is an electronic system for travel authorization that grants digital permission to visa-exempt travelers for short stays in the UK. A visa is a formal document allowing entry into the UK for a specific purpose and duration, often requiring a more extensive application process.
Do German citizens need a visa for the UK?
No, German citizens do not need a visa for short visits to the UK. They can stay for up to 6 months for tourism, business, study, or family visits using the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). However, for work, long-term study, or residency, they may need to apply for a visa instead.
How to apply for a UK visa from Germany?
If you have determined that you need a visa for the UK from Germany, the first step is to determine which type of visa you require (e.g., Tourist Visa, Work Visa, or Study Visa). Applicants must then fill out the relevant application form. They may also need to visit a Visa Application Center (e.g., in Berlin, Düsseldorf, or Munich) to submit biometrics and provide supporting documents.
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