UK ETA for Australian Citizens
Australians need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for any visit to the United Kingdom — tourism, family, business, or short courses. It costs £16 per person, is valid for 2 years, and allows multiple entries with stays of up to 6 months each.
When did this start for Australians?
The UK ETA scheme rolled out to Australian passport holders in early 2025 as part of the global rollout to visa-exempt nationals. Before this, Australians could enter the UK with just their passport.
The application process
Apply through the official UK ETA app (iOS / Android) or at gov.uk. You'll need your passport, a card to pay the £16 fee, and a recent photo (the app can use your phone camera). Most applications are approved within minutes.
Working Holiday Visa vs ETA
If you're planning a Working Holiday in the UK (UK Youth Mobility Scheme), the ETA isn't enough — you need a Youth Mobility visa. The ETA is for short visits only and doesn't authorise paid work.
For families travelling from Australia
Every family member needs their own ETA — including babies. If you're a family of four, that's £64 in fees total. Apply for each person separately or bundle the applications when our service launches in 2026.
Find out what your family needs
Four quick questions. Personalised per family member. Tells you exactly what to apply for and when — UK ETA, ETIAS, EES, or nothing.
Take the quizCommon questions
Do Australians still need a visa for the UK?
No — Australians don't need a visa for short visits (under 6 months) to the UK, but they do need a UK ETA, which is a different (and simpler) document.
Is the UK ETA the same as ETIAS for Europe?
No. The UK ETA is for the United Kingdom only. ETIAS is a separate authorisation for the Schengen Area in mainland Europe and launches in October 2026.