United Kingdom visa for Australia citizens
Australian tourists heading to the United Kingdom are required to hold an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before departure. The online application costs 20 GBP and replaces the need for an embassy visit on short visits. An approved ETA permits stays of up to 180 days for tourism and brief business trips. Turnaround is not fixed, so it is wise to apply early and consult the gov.uk processing-times guidance. Because the ETA is tied to a specific passport, a new passport means a new ETA.
| Visa required | No (source) |
|---|---|
| e-Visa available | No (source) |
| Maximum stay | 180 days (source) |
| Processing time | Varies — verify on the official source |
| Visa fee | 20 GBP (source) |
Official resources
Requirements
- A valid Australian passport, to which the ETA is electronically attached.
- A digital photo and, in most cases, a selfie taken through the official app.
- An email address for the approval message.
- A card to pay the 20 GBP fee.
- Truthful responses to the application's eligibility questions.
- No biometric appointment is needed for the ETA.
- Adequate time before you fly, as approval can take longer in some cases — see the gov.uk processing-times guidance.
- Awareness that an ETA covers stays of up to 180 days.
Documents checklist
- A valid Australian passport, to which the ETA is electronically attached.
- A digital photograph in the format the official app requires.
- A selfie captured via the app, needed for most applicants.
- An email address for the approval message.
- A debit or credit card for the 20 GBP fee.
- Your intended travel dates and UK address.
- Honest answers to the eligibility questions.
- Confirmation of onward or return travel for the carrier.
- Awareness that an ETA covers stays of up to 180 days.
Application steps
- Download the official UK ETA app or use the gov.uk service directly.
- Scan your Australian passport so the ETA attaches to it.
- Take the photograph and selfie within the app.
- Respond honestly to the character and travel questions.
- Pay the 20 GBP fee by card.
- Submit early and consult the timelines on gov.uk.
- Receive the approved ETA by email, linked to your passport.
- Travel on that passport, with the ETA covering stays of up to 180 days.
Processing time
Varies — verify on the official source
Visa cost
Fee (from our data): 20 GBP (source) . Fees are subject to change; check the official source before applying.
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation for Australian citizens costs 20 GBP, paid online when you apply. This covers the ETA alone; since everything is completed digitally, there is no biometric appointment or service-centre fee to add.
Pay by card through the official app or gov.uk. Steer clear of reseller sites that inflate the total with a commission.
Fees and processing times are subject to change, so verify the current details on the official gov.uk guidance before submitting.
Common mistakes to avoid
Australian holidaymakers can visit the UK without a visa, but an Electronic Travel Authorisation is now required first — and overlooking it is the mistake that causes the most trouble.
- Not applying before travel. The ETA must be in place before boarding; use the official ETA service well ahead of the flight.
- Paying more than necessary. The official fee is 20 GBP; third-party sites often charge extra.
- Assuming approval is immediate. Apply with a buffer and review the official guidance on timing.
- Mixing up passports. The authorisation is bound to the passport you apply with — carry that one and keep it valid for the visit.
- Overstaying the permitted period. Tourist stays reach up to 180 days; the ETA does not allow work or long-term residence.
- One application per person. Each member of a travelling party, including infants, needs a separate ETA.
Country context & recent trends
Australian visitors should be aware that the UK ETA is a newer requirement, not something that applied on previous trips, and it is applied for entirely online with no consulate appointment. Crucially, it has to be approved before you fly rather than obtained on arrival.
As the scheme reaches more nationalities and travel demand rises and falls, processing times can change. Check the up-to-date requirements and timelines on the official gov.uk guidance before making firm plans.
How it compares to nearby destinations
Australian travellers pairing the UK with a European trip should plan for two separate entry systems, compared here.
| Destination | Visa required | Typical processing | Indicative fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | ETA required (electronic authorisation) | Varies | 20 GBP |
| Ireland | No ETA; separate visa-free entry rules | Not applicable | None |
| France (Schengen Area) | Visa-free short stays; ETIAS authorisation expected | Varies | Varies — check official source |
| Italy (Schengen Area) | Visa-free short stays; ETIAS authorisation expected | Varies | Varies — check official source |
An ETA for the UK does not authorise entry to the Schengen Area, so verify the rules for each destination on its official source before finalising plans.
Frequently asked questions
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Do Australians need a visa to visit the UK?
Not a visa, but a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for tourism. It is applied for online and must be approved before you board.
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What does the ETA cost?
The fee is 20 GBP, paid online when you apply. Applying through the official channel keeps the cost to the government fee.
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How long does approval take?
It is not guaranteed to be immediate, so apply ahead of travel. Consult the latest timelines on the official gov.uk guidance.
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How long can I stay on an ETA?
An ETA covers visits of up to 180 days for tourism and short business. It does not allow you to work or settle in the UK.
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Do my children need their own ETA?
Yes. Every traveller, including children, needs an individual ETA linked to their passport. Apply separately for each person.
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What if I renew my passport?
The ETA is tied to the passport used in the application. A new passport requires a new ETA before you travel.