United Kingdom Visa & Travel Authorization

Overview

Japanese passport holders need a UK ETA for short-term visits (up to 6 months) starting in 2025 (phased rollout).

The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a digital pre-clearance system introduced in 2024 and progressively rolled out worldwide. For Japanese passport holders, it became required in 2025 for short visits up to 6 months for tourism, business meetings, study under 6 months, or transit.

Basics

Authorization	UK ETA
System	UK ETA
Maximum stay	Up to 6 months
Validity	2 years (or until passport expiry)
Official site	https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

Who Should Submit a UK ETA

• Japanese passport holders visiting the UK for tourism, business, study under 6 months, or transit.
• Travelers transferring at UK airports without entering the immigration area still need an ETA from 2026.
• Holders of UK visas, settlement permits, or British/Irish citizenship do not need an ETA.

How the System Works

• Submissions via the official UK ETA app (iOS/Android) or gov.uk website.
• Required: passport scan, photo (live capture), biographical data, criminal history declaration.
• Fee is £10, paid in GBP via card.
• Most submissions return results within 3 business days.
• Valid for 2 years or until passport expiry; allows multiple entries.

Recent Updates (2024–2026)

• 2025 — Mandatory for all non-visa nationals including Japan, US, EU.
• 2026 — Transit passengers also required to hold ETA.
• Ongoing — Biometric/facial recognition expansion at UK border.

Frequently Asked Points

Does ETA cover Ireland?

No. Ireland is a separate jurisdiction; visit Ireland separately requires no ETA for Japanese passport holders, but UK transit to Ireland still does.

What if denied?

Travelers can pursue a Standard Visitor Visa, which has additional documentation and an interview at some posts.

Can I work on ETA?

No. ETA covers tourism, business meetings, and short study only. Work activities require a Skilled Worker visa or other work-purpose route.

Multiple-entry?

Yes, multiple entries during validity. Each visit must be 6 months or less; cumulative time must not exceed 6 months per 12 months.

Notes & Updates

• Online submissions are typically processed within 3 business days. Confirm status before departure.
• Official fee is £10.
• Work, long-term study, or settlement requires a separate visa.
• Travel to Ireland is not covered by UK ETA (separate system).
• Children require their own ETA — there is no family group submission.
• If your passport is replaced, you need a new ETA.
• British/Irish nationals do not need ETA. Dual citizens should use the British/Irish passport.
• ETA does not guarantee entry — Border Force officer makes the final decision at port of entry.

* Information current as of May 2026. Always verify with official government sources before travel.