UK ETA for Japanese Citizens
Japanese passport holders have needed a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) since the global rollout in early 2025. Japan holds one of the most powerful passports in the world — visa-free or on-arrival access to over 190 countries — but the UK ETA applies regardless. It costs £16, is approved in minutes for most applicants, and is valid for 2 years with multiple entries.
What the UK ETA is (and what it isn't)
The UK ETA is a pre-travel digital authorisation, not a visa. Think of it as a security pre-check linked to your passport — the UK confirms you're cleared to travel before you board. It covers tourism, business meetings, family visits, and short courses up to 6 months. Japanese travellers sometimes confuse it with a visa because it's required for the first time; it isn't — it's simpler and faster.
Who needs one
Every Japanese passport holder travelling to the UK needs their own ETA, including children and infants.
- Japanese citizens: yes, UK ETA required
- Japanese nationals with UK or Irish citizenship: travel on the UK/Irish passport — no ETA needed
- Dual Japanese/EU citizens: EU passport covers Schengen; UK ETA still needed for UK entry (or use UK/Irish passport if you have one)
- Japan-based residents with another nationality's passport: ETA requirement depends on their actual passport country
Cost, validity, and the application
The official fee is £16 per person, paid by card at the time of application. Most decisions arrive within minutes; apply at least 3 working days before travel to allow time for any additional review. The ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. You can enter the UK as many times as you like during that window, with stays of up to 6 months each.
What you need to apply
Prepare your valid Japanese biometric passport (IC旅券), the email address you want the approval sent to, a credit or debit card for the £16 fee, and a recent photo of yourself. The official UK ETA app (iOS / Android) captures the photo directly via your phone camera, which works well. Allow 10 minutes per person.
Where to apply
Apply directly through the UK Home Office at gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta or download the official "UK ETA" app. The government fee is always £16. If you see a higher price on a third-party website, that site is charging a service fee on top of the government fee — not wrong, but not necessary.
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
日本人はイギリスにビザが必要ですか？ (Do Japanese citizens need a visa for the UK?)
いいえ、通常のビザは必要ありません。ただし、2025年以降は渡航前にUK ETA（電子渡航認証）の申請が必要です。費用は£16で、オンラインで申請でき、2年間有効です。 (No, a standard visa is not required. However, since 2025, Japanese travellers need a UK ETA before travel. It costs £16, is applied for online, and is valid for 2 years.)
How long is the UK ETA valid for Japanese passport holders?
2 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires — whichever comes first. Multiple entries and stays of up to 6 months each are permitted.
Can a Japanese family apply together?
Each person needs their own application, but you can apply for all family members using the same device. If you have children, apply for each child separately with their own passport.
Does a Japanese citizen need both a UK ETA and ETIAS for a UK + Europe trip?
Yes. UK ETA covers the United Kingdom only. ETIAS (launching October 2026) covers the Schengen Area. If your trip includes both, you need both — applied for separately.