What is the Online UK Visa?
Online UK Visa (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an authorized and valid digital travel permit introduced by the UK Visas and Immigration Home Office. The scheme was initiated to enhance UK border security protection and to provide a convenient travel experience for travellers.
The Online UK Visa offers travellers an easy way to get a UK travel permit, eliminating the traditional process of acquiring a UK visa by visiting the embassy or consulate. Completing the Online UK Visa form online only takes up to 5 (five) minutes. However, the crucial aspect is to check the traveller’s eligibility to apply for Online UK Visa. In terms of applying for a Online UK Visa, the eligibility depends on several factors, including the traveller’s citizenship, the travel purpose and circumstances.
Online UK Visa is a legal travel permit like other UK visas, but the application process is much easier and quicker than that of traditional UK visas. Travellers can use Online UK Visa for various permitted travel purposes. Online UK Visa gives travellers access to multiple-entry within its two-year validity period.
Who is exempt from applying for Online UK Visa or UK Visitor Visa to enter UK?
If any of these situations apply to you, an ETA is not necessary
-
you already have a visa
-
you are an Irish or British citizens
-
you possess a British Overseas Territories Citizen passport
-
you are already authorized to live, work, or study in the UK.
Dual citizens
If you hold dual citizenship, including either British or Irish citizenship, you do not need an ETA. You can prove your eligibility to travel by presenting your British passport, Irish passport, or another passport that includes a certificate of entitlement.
Online UK Visa Travel Requirements
Online UK Visa is a convenient entry permit for short stays or visits in the United Kingdom. As mentioned, to get a Online UK Visa, travellers should check their eligibility. Afterwards, their UK trip requirements, such as the reason for their travel and stay duration must align with the Online UK Visa travel requirements. The list below mentions permitted activities or travel circumstances in which travellers can use Online UK Visa.
-
Travelling to the UK for business, short-term study and leisure reasons
-
Visiting family or friends who are residing in the UK
-
Leaving to UK for Creative Worker Visa Concession (must have a valid temporary work in the UK)
-
Using UK airports for transit purposes
-
Planning to stay in the UK for paid events and engagements (only for authorized events taking place in the UK)
To obtain Online UK Visa, a traveller’s trip requirement must meet any of the above-mentioned Online UK Visa travel requirements. If not, travellers can choose to obtain other UK visa types by contacting the consulate or embassy to continue the travel.
Online UK Visa Stay Duration and Validity
Online UK Visa permitted stay duration in the UK is another crucial aspect to consider. Travellers intended stay duration in the UK should not exceed the Online UK Visa authorized days. Travellers are allowed to stay in the UK for six months (180 days) if they are using Online UK Visa to visit their family or friends or travelling to the UK for tourism, short-term study or business purposes. Travellers using the Online UK Visa for creative worker visa concession are permitted only for a maximum stay of three months (90 days) in the UK. An added advantage of obtaining a Online UK Visa is the multiple-entry facility. Travellers can stay in the UK for six months for each entry, but they must make sure that their stay in the UK should not exceed six months each time they enter the country.
The Online UK Visa is valid for 2 years from its date of approval or issuance. If the traveller’s passport expires before the Online UK Visa validity (which is two years), then the Online UK Visa also expires along with the traveller’s passport. The circumstances, such as the expiry of a passport or getting a new passport before the expiry of the Online UK Visa mandates travellers to obtain a new Online UK Visa.
Who Can Apply for Online UK Visa?
The Online UK Visa requirement was restricted initally to only GCC countries. Online UK Visa eligiblity has since been expanded and citizens of the below-mentioned countries are eligible to apply for Online UK Visa.
There can be changes to the list, so always prefer the latest information and check twice before starting the application process. Ineligible travellers can opt for other UK visa types or contact the embassy or consulate for additional information.
Process Involved in Applying for Online UK Visa
Travellers can apply for Online UK Visa at any time, and a significant advantage is that they can complete the Online UK Visa application process from home. The online process offers great convenience for travellers and the whole process can be completed within 20-30 minutes.
Analysing the Online UK Visa Requirements
Travellers are recommended to do the analysing process before stepping into the Online UK Visa application process.
Start by checking the requirements such as the validity, available entry option, permitted travel purposes, etc. It is mandatory that all the Online UK Visa requirements must align with the traveller’s UK trip. Understanding the requirements will benefit in making better decisions.
Know the Document Required for the Online UK Visa
Travellers only need minimal documents to apply for Online UK Visa. Have all the below-mentioned documents before starting the Online UK Visa application process.
-
Travellers/applicant's original and valid passport (photocopy or digital passport will not be accepted)
-
A digital photo
-
Email ID
-
Credit or debit card or any other acceptable payment options
Online UK Visa Application Form
Click on the Online UK Visa apply online button. Check the application form once before entering the details. Enter the correct details and while entering the passport number and related details, ensure they are accurate by checking them twice. The application form might have different sections for personal and travel-related information, be mindful of them and enter the right details.
Uploading Documents
After submitting the Online UK Visa application form travellers are required to upload a digital photo. The photo must meet specific requirements such as using white or light-coloured background, neutral facial expression, JPG or JPEG format, colour photo, etc. Ensure to upload a clear photo. Give it a final check, ensuring all the provided details and uploaded documents are error-free and accurate.
Receiving Online UK Visa Application Confirmation
Paying the fee is the last step for completing the Online UK Visa application process. Look into the fee structure and check the balance for successful payment. Use any of the payment modes mentioned on the website to pay the Online UK Visa fee. Travellers will receive a confirmation message regarding their Online UK Visa application form. After approval, the Online UK Visa will be sent to the travellers via their email ID.
Online UK Visa Application Processing Time
The Online UK Visa process is usually fast, it only takes 3 days approximately. Factors like misleading information, incorrect details on the application form, etc., can delay the process. Travellers can use their login credentials (email ID and password) or passport number and date of birth details or their application number to check their Online UK Visa application status online. Submit the Online UK Visa application at least 5-6 days before the travel date.
Online UK Visa Rejection
Individuals facing Online UK Visa rejection must apply for a valid UK visa to enter the United Kingdom. Before looking for an alternative option, review the rejection letter and identify the issue. Addressing the rejection issue is important. Reach out to the UK consulate or embassy for more accurate information and updated details regarding the alternative option.
Online UK Visa Group Application
Group travellers applying for Online UK Visa must submit their application separately. Everyone is mandated to submit their own application. The approval and application processing time for everyone might vary despite submitting the application at the same time. Be mindful about the application processing time and submit the application a week before the planned travel date. When travelling as a group, applying early gives enough time for all the applications to get approved.
Online UK Visa for Children
Infants and minors travelling with their legal guardians and parents must have a separate Online UK Visa to enter the United Kingdom. Regardless of their age, every eligible individual travelling to the UK should have their own Online UK Visa linked to the passport before their arrival in the UK. The Online UK Visa application process and fee are the same for every individual including infants and minors. Children’s parents or their legal guardians can apply for Online UK Visa for their kids.
Online UK Visa Restrictions
In terms of Online UK Visa restrictions travellers are not permitted to engage in the below activities. Failing to adhere to the Online UK Visa regulation might result in legal consequences.
-
The intended stay in the United Kingdom must not exceed six months (for each entry).
-
Residing or staying in the United Kingdom through multiple and frequent visits.
-
Restricted to claim funds and benefits.
-
Should not engage in self-employment (paid and unpaid) work in any of the UK firms.
-
Cannot get married.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend or renew my Online UK Visa?
As per the Online UK Visa requirements, travellers cannot extend or renew their Online UK Visa. It is suitable only for a short-term stay in the UK, which is 6 months within its validity of 2 years. Travellers planning to extend their stay in the UK should explore other UK visa options that provide extension or renewal options.
Is an airline ticket mandatory to apply for Online UK Visa?
Return or onward flight tickets are not a mandatory requirement for applying to Online UK Visa. Travellers who are applying for Online UK Visa after booking the tickets are advised to submit their Online UK Visa application 5-6 days prior to their travel date because the process usually takes up to three days.
Does getting a Online UK Visa guarantee my entry into the United Kingdom?
Having an approved Online UK Visa does not guarantee travellers entry. Travellers must still follow UK airport protocol, such as immigration checks and security or border control procedures. Obtaining a Online UK Visa only makes the travellers eligible to enter the United Kingdom.
Can I submit a Online UK Visa for my friends or family members?
Travellers can fill out and submit a Online UK Visa application for their friends and family members. The person applying for Online UK Visa must ensure that all the members must meet the eligibility requirements. Provide the respective applicant details such as their passport number and photo accurately.
Under what situations should I get a new Online UK Visa?
Travellers must get a new Online UK Visa if their passport expires before the Online UK Visa validity. Updating or changing the information on the passport, such as name, citizenship, etc., also mandates a new Online UK Visa.