Australian citizens need an ETA for the United Kingdom

As of 2026-09-07

Processing

Minutes

Fee

£20

Max Stay

6 months

Apply At

UK Visa & Immigration →

Last updated: 2026-09-07 • Information may change—always verify with official sources.

United Kingdom Visa Overview for Australian Citizens

Australian citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to visit United Kingdom. UK ETA required since 8 Jan 2025. The ETA costs £20 and can be applied for online before departure.

The application is a quick online process that typically takes only a few minutes to complete. Approvals are usually processed within Minutes. Once granted, the authorization is electronically linked to the passport — no need to print a separate document.

With an approved authorization, Australian travelers can stay in United Kingdom for up to 6 months. Standard Visitor visa holders cannot work or access public funds.

Entry Requirements

Documents and conditions you will need when entering United Kingdom

Passport valid for the duration of your stay in the UK (the UK does not require 6 months validity, but your passport must not expire during your visit)
Visa grant letter
Return or onward travel tickets
Proof of accommodation
Evidence of sufficient funds
Approved ETA/eTA/ESTA linked to passport (save confirmation email)

Travel insurance for United KingdomPartner

Medical treatment abroad can cost thousands. SafetyWing covers you in 180+ countries with up to $250,000 in medical coverage, plus trip interruption and lost luggage.

$250,000 medical · 180+ countries · From ~$45/month · Cancel anytimeGet covered

We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work

Available Visa Types for Australian Citizens

Standard Visitor Visa

For tourism, visiting family, business meetings (up to 6 months)

3 weeks£135

Student Visa

For studying at a UK educational institution

3 weeks£558 + £776/yr IHS

Work Visa (Skilled Worker)

For employment with a UK employer

3-8 weeks£819-£1,618

Family Visa

For joining a partner, spouse, parent or child settled in the UK

12-24 weeks£2,064 + health surcharge

Save on your £135 visa feePartner

Example savings (paying from India)

You save: ~₹550 on a £135 UK visitor visa

16M+ customers · FCA regulated · Mid-market rateSee what you'd pay

Example savings based on typical bank markup (3–5%) vs Wise mid-market rate. Your savings depend on your currency and bank. Actual amounts vary. Affiliate disclosure

How to Apply

Visit the official United Kingdom ETA/eTA website

Complete the online application with your passport details and travel information

Pay the ETA fee of £20 by credit or debit card

Receive confirmation by email (typically within Minutes)

The ETA is electronically linked to your passport — no printing required

Travel to United Kingdom and present your passport at immigration

Don't overpay on your GBP visa feePartner

Your bank adds a hidden 3–5% exchange rate markup to every international payment. On a typical visa fee, that's money you'll never see again. Wise uses the mid-market rate (the one you see on Google) with a small, transparent fee — so you keep more of your money.

16M+ customers · Mid-market rate · Transparent fees · Free to openCheck what you'd save

We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work

Travelling to United Kingdom? Your money sortedPartner

Debit card

Spend at the mid-market rate worldwide

40+ currencies

Hold and convert in one account

Local bank details

Get USD, GBP, EUR & more

Apple & Google Pay

Contactless payments everywhere

ATM withdrawals

Cash access worldwide

Earn interest

On GBP, EUR & USD balances

Used by 16M+ people · Regulated by FCAGet your free account

We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work

Travel insurance for United KingdomPartner

Medical treatment abroad can cost thousands. SafetyWing covers you in 180+ countries with up to $250,000 in medical coverage, plus trip interruption and lost luggage.

$250,000 medical · 180+ countries · From ~$45/month · Cancel anytimeGet covered

We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work

Stay Rules & Conditions

Standard Visitor visa holders cannot work or access public funds
Maximum stay is 6 months per visit
Cannot switch to most other visa types from within the UK
Overstaying your permitted stay may result in fines, detention, deportation, and difficulty obtaining future visas to this and other countries

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Arriving with a passport that expires too soon — the UK requires validity for the duration of your stay, but airlines may enforce stricter rules
Forgetting to apply before departure — ETAs must be approved before you board your flight

Important Notes for Australian Applicants

Apply at least 72 hours before departure to allow for processing
Register with Smartraveller (smartraveller.gov.au) for travel advisories before your trip
Australian citizens can visit the UK visa-free for 6 months, but an Electronic Travel Authorisation (£20) is required before travel since January 2025; Japan (90 days) and all Schengen countries remain visa-free
ESTA for the US is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires — whichever comes first
Standard Visitor visa holders cannot work or access public funds
Maximum stay is 6 months per visit

Land in United Kingdom with working dataPartner

Set up a Saily eSIM before you fly and have data the moment you land — no airport SIM queues, no roaming bills. You need connectivity for immigration forms, ride-hailing, and pulling up your visa approval letter on arrival.

200+ destinations · Install in 10 min · Keep your home number activeGet your eSIM

We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How affiliate links work

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Australian citizens need a visa for United Kingdom?

Australian citizens need an electronic travel authorization (ETA/eTA/ESTA) for United Kingdom, which can be applied for online. The fee is £20. This is not a full visa — it is completed online.

How long can Australian citizens stay in United Kingdom?

With an approved visa, Australian citizens may stay in United Kingdom for 6 months. The exact duration is determined by the visa type and conditions.

Can Australian citizens work in United Kingdom on a tourist visa?

No. A tourist visa does not permit paid employment in United Kingdom, including freelancing or working for local employers. Remote work for overseas employers is a legal gray area that varies by country — do not assume it is permitted. Working without proper authorization can result in deportation and future visa bans. A separate work permit or visa is required for any employment.

Can Australian citizens extend their UK visa?

Standard Visitor visa holders generally cannot extend their stay beyond 6 months or switch to another visa type from within the UK. If you need to stay longer, you would typically need to leave and apply for a new visa from your home country. Overstaying has serious consequences for future UK visa applications.