United Kingdom Visa for Australia Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to the UK as an Australian citizen? Good news: you don't need a visa. As of January 2026, Australians require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costing just £16. Processing takes minutes, and the ETA allows multiple entries for up to 6 months per visit over 2 years.

Visa Application process

Applying for a UK ETA is straightforward and entirely online:1

Download the UK ETA App or Visit the Website

The fastest way is through the UK ETA app (available on iOS and Android). You can also apply at gov.uk.1

Scan Your Passport

Use your phone to scan the photo page of your Australian passport. The app reads the chip if your passport has one.1

Take a Photo

Use the in-app camera to take a selfie for identity verification.1

Answer Security Questions

Provide basic information including travel history and answer standard security questions.1

Pay the Fee

Pay the £16 application fee using a debit or credit card.2

Receive Your ETA

Most applications are approved within minutes. Your ETA confirmation is sent to your email.2

Visa Application Steps

1. Download the UK ETA App or Visit the Website
2. Scan Your Passport
3. Take a Photo
4. Answer Security Questions
5. Pay the Fee
6. Receive Your ETA

Visa Fees breakdown

Item: Cost	UK ETA Application: £16	The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.1 There are no additional service charges, priority options, or visa application centre fees.

What you can do

Tourism: Sightseeing, visiting attractions, holiday travel | Visiting family and friends: Staying with relatives or friends | Business activities: Meetings, conferences, negotiations, training | Short-term study: Courses up to 6 months (no academic credit) | Transit: Passing through the UK to another destination

What you cannot do

Paid or unpaid work of any kind | Long-term study leading to qualifications | Living in the UK | Accessing public healthcare (except emergencies) | Getting married without additional permission

Required documents

Valid Australian Passport
Online ETA Application
Digital Photo
Valid Email Address

Valid Australian Passport

Your Australian passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK • Must be an Australian ordinary passport; • Biometric chip recommended but not required; • Must be valid for your entire planned stay] (Tip: Check your passport expiry before applyingThe ETA is linked to your passport, so get a new ETA if you renew your passport)

Online ETA Application

Complete the ETA application via the UK ETA app or online portal • Download the UK ETA app or apply online; • Provide passport details and personal information; • Upload a photo of yourself; • Answer security questions; • Pay the £16 fee by card] (Tip: Use the official UK ETA app for the fastest processingHave your passport ready to scanApply before booking travel)

Digital Photo

A recent digital photograph meeting UK requirements • Clear, colour photo; • Plain light background; • No glasses or head coverings (unless for religious reasons)] (Tip: Use the in-app camera feature for best resultsEnsure good lighting and neutral expression)

Valid Email Address

A working email address to receive your ETA confirmation • ETA approval sent via email; • Check spam folder if not received] (Tip: Use an email you check regularlySave the confirmation email for your records)

Comparison

Feature	UK ETA	Standard Visitor Visa
Cost	£16	£127+
Processing	Minutes	3+ weeks
Validity	2 years	Up to 10 years
Max stay per visit	6 months	6 months
Application	Online only	Online + biometrics
Documents needed	Passport only	Full documentation

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
40%	Criminal History
35%	Previous Immigration Violations
15%	Incomplete or Incorrect Information
10%	Security Concerns

40% - Criminal History

How to avoid: If you have a criminal record, consider applying for a Standard Visitor Visa where you can explain your circumstances.

35% - Previous Immigration Violations

How to avoid: Be honest in your application. Previous issues don't automatically mean refusal if circumstances have changed.

15% - Incomplete or Incorrect Information

How to avoid: Double-check all information matches your passport exactly before submitting.

10% - Security Concerns

How to avoid: If your application takes longer than expected, wait for the review to complete rather than reapplying.

Frequently asked questions

Do Australian citizens need a visa to visit the UK?

No, Australians do not need a visa for tourist visits up to 6 months. However, as of January 8, 2026, you must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling. The ETA costs £16 and allows multiple entries over 2 years.

How long does the UK ETA take to process?

Most ETA applications are approved within minutes. However, the UK government recommends applying at least 3 working days before travel in case your application requires additional review.

How long can Australians stay in the UK?

The ETA allows stays of up to 6 months per visit. You can make multiple visits during the 2-year validity period, but you cannot live in the UK through frequent visits.

Can I work in the UK with an ETA?

No, the ETA does not permit any paid or unpaid work. You can attend business meetings, conferences, and negotiations, but cannot take employment. For work purposes, you need a work visa.

What if my ETA is refused?

If refused, you will be informed of the reason. You may be able to reapply or apply for a Standard Visitor Visa instead. Refusals are rare for Australian citizens.

Do children need an ETA?

Yes, every traveller including children needs their own ETA linked to their own passport.

Can I extend my stay beyond 6 months?

Generally, you cannot extend a visit. You must leave before your permitted stay ends. For longer stays, you need to apply for an appropriate visa before travelling.

Is the ETA the same as a visa?

No, the ETA is a pre-travel screening requirement, not a visa. It confirms you can travel to the UK but does not guarantee entry. Border officers make the final decision on admission.

Apply for United Kingdom tourist visa online

Sources

UK Government - Electronic Travel Authorisation

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

UK Home Office - ETA Factsheet

https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-factsheet/

UK Government - Visa Requirements

https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa

At a glance