Validity
UK ETA validity: 2 years or until your passport expires
· GOV.UK, Home Office
A UK ETA that has been granted is not valid for just one trip. Here you can read how long it is valid, how long you may stay per trip and when you need to apply again.
The basic rule: 2 years or until the passport expires
According to GOV.UK, an ETA is valid for 2 years or until the passport you used to apply expires – whichever comes first. The Immigration Rules put it the same way: 2 years from the date it is granted or until the passport used in the application expires. You can make as many trips as you like during this period.
Example: if your passport expires in 14 months, your ETA ends at the latest on that date too. A new passport therefore means a new ETA, because the authorisation is linked to the passport: it is only valid if you travel with the passport stated in the application.
Validity is not the permitted length of stay
| Term | Meaning | Guide value |
|---|---|---|
| Validity of the ETA | Period during which the ETA can be used for travel | 2 years or until the passport expires |
| Stay per trip | How long you may stay as a visitor on each entry | up to 6 months |
| Entry decision | Decision on arrival | case-by-case decision on arrival |
GOV.UK stresses that an ETA does not automatically entitle you to enter the country. It allows travel for tourism, visiting family and certain other purposes, but not work or study that would require a visa; you can check on gov.uk whether your purpose requires a visa (“Check if you need an ETA or visa”).
Checking and extending your ETA
With the “Check your ETA” service on gov.uk you can see whether you have an ETA and when it expires. The gov.uk information does not provide for an “extension”; once your ETA has expired, you apply again (and pay the fee again). An ETA can also be cancelled if the requirements are no longer met – for example after a criminal conviction or if it turns out that information given was false.
Read on: How to apply for a UK ETA and UK ETA cost.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the UK ETA valid?
- 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first (gov.uk).
- Can I keep using my old ETA with a new passport?
- No. The ETA is linked to the passport used to apply for it. With a new passport you apply again.
- How long may I stay per trip?
- As a visitor, up to 6 months per entry. Border Force decides on entry itself.
Sources and date
Checked on 4 October 2026. Rules and fees may change; the current publication on gov.uk is authoritative. This article is general information, not legal or immigration advice.
Next steps
Prepare your application, compare prices or keep reading – in every case the Home Office makes the decision.