What is the difference between an ETA and a visa?

An ETA is a quick, low-cost digital travel authorisation for short visits (up to 6 months). A visa is a more detailed permission that can allow you to work, study, or stay long-term in the UK. ETAs are for visa-exempt nationalities; visas are for everyone else or for longer stays.

Can I work in the UK with an ETA?

No. An ETA only allows you to visit the UK as a tourist, for business meetings, or for other permitted visitor activities. You cannot work, study a long course, or access public funds. To work, you need a work visa.

Is an ETA easier to get than a visa?

Yes, significantly. An ETA application takes minutes, costs £10, and requires minimal documentation. A visa application requires supporting documents, may need a biometrics appointment, costs more, and takes weeks to process.

UK ETA vs Visa: What Is the Difference? 2026

An ETA is a quick, cheap digital authorisation for short visits. A visa is a more comprehensive permission for work, study, or long-term stay. This guide compares the two side by side.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Here is how the ETA and visa compare on the key factors:

Cost: ETA is £10. Visitor visa starts at £115. Work and study visas cost more. See the complete fee guide.
Processing time: ETA takes minutes (up to 3 days). Visas take weeks.
Validity: ETA is valid for 2 years with multiple entries. Visa validity varies by type.
Documents needed: ETA requires only your passport. Visas require supporting documents.
Biometrics: ETA does not require biometrics. Most visas require a biometrics appointment.
Work rights: ETA gives no work rights. Work visas allow you to work.
Study: ETA allows short courses only (up to 30 days). Student visas allow long-term study.

When You Need an ETA

You need an ETA if you are:

Visiting the UK as a tourist
Attending business meetings (but not working)
Transiting through the UK
Visiting family or friends
Taking a short course (up to 30 days)
Receiving private medical treatment

Check if you need an ETA or see the countries list.

When You Need a Visa

You need a visa if you want to:

Work. See the Skilled Worker visa, Global Talent visa, or Graduate route.
Study. For courses longer than 30 days, see the student visa guide.
Join family. See the spouse visa guide.
Live in the UK long-term. See the Ancestry visa or other routes.
Your nationality requires a visa. Some nationalities cannot get an ETA and must apply for a visitor visa even for short visits.

Can I Switch from an ETA to a Visa?

In most cases, you cannot switch from visitor status (ETA) to a work or study visa from inside the UK. You would need to leave the UK and apply for the appropriate visa from your home country. There are some exceptions — see our switching visa categories guide.

This is an important difference from some other countries where you can change your immigration status while inside the country.

What Happens If I Overstay My ETA Visit?

If you stay longer than permitted (usually 6 months), you will be overstaying. This has serious consequences including potential removal, a ban from future entry, and a negative impact on any future UK visa applications.

ETA for Business Visitors

An ETA allows certain business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, and negotiations. However, you cannot:

Be employed by a UK company
Provide services to UK clients for payment
Set up a business

If you need to work in the UK, you need a work visa. See our employer visa overview.

Next Steps

Determine whether you need an ETA or a visa based on your purpose of visit. For official guidance, see GOV.UK visa checker and the ETA guidance page.

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