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UK entry and visa requirements: do Australians need a visa for the UK?

Learn about UK entry and visa requirements for Australians before traveling to the UK from Australia.
UK entry and visa requirements: do Australians need a visa for the UK?
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UK entry and visa requirements for Australian citizens vary depending on the type and length of your trip to the United Kingdom. Australians travelling to the UK for up to 6 months as a tourist or to transit will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) or a Standard Visitor visa to enter the UK. Australians planning to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months or for reasons other than tourism, will need to obtain the relevant UK visa before they travel. For travellers requiring a visa, UK Visas and Immigration now issues eVisas rather than physical documents. 

From the 25th of February 2026, Australian-British or Australian-Irish dual citizens must enter the UK on their British or Irish passport, or through a certificate of entitlement in another valid passport. These dual citizens cannot enter the UK with an ETA or other visa. Dual Australian-British nationals who have previously had a British passport can apply for an emergency travel document if they need to urgently enter the UK.

Staying up to date with evolving entry requirements for the UK will help you better plan your trip and ensure smooth entry into the UK. 

The information here has been sourced from official government websites and authorities. As visa and entry requirements for the United Kingdom can change over time and at short notice, so you should verify the latest details directly with relevant government authorities including the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) service, the British High Commission Canberra, your local British Consulate or qualified migration professional before you travel.

Key things Aussie travellers need to know about UK entry and visa requirements:

  • Electronic travel authorisation (ETA): Australians travelling to the UK may apply for an ETA for short stays of up to six months, or do not already have a UK immigration status. From 25 February 2026 visitors without an ETA will not be able to board their transport and cannot travel to the UK, unless exempt. An ETA permits multiple visits to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time over 2 years or until the holder's passport expires, whichever is sooner. An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.  
  • Short-term Standard Visitor visas: If you're travelling to the UK from Australia for tourism, short-term study, to visit family or friends, or other permitted activities for up to 6 months, you may be able to apply for a Standard Visitor visa. 
  • Visas for long term stays: If you're travelling to the UK from Australia for tourism or other reasons such as work or study for longer than 6 months, you will need to obtain the relevant visa for your trip. 
  • Entry requirements for dual citizens: Dual Australian and British or Irish citizens are exempt from needing an ETA to travel to the UK. From the 25th of February 2026, Australian-British or Australian-Irish dual citizens will be required to use a valid British or Irish passport, or certificate of entitlement in another valid passport to enter the UK. They will not be able to enter the UK with an ETA or other visa. 
  • eVisa for the UK: The UK is replacing physical visa stickers and other visa documents with eVisas from February 25, 2026. Visitors to the country will be issued e-Visas, which will be linked to a UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) online account.

Can Australians enter the UK without a visa?

Australian travellers entering or transiting through the UK now require permission before they travel. This means if you were previously eligible to visit the UK without a visa, and are not already legally resident in the UK, you will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) for short-term stays of up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family, short term studies and other approved activities. 

This move is a part of the UK’s digital-border shift, which is transitioning to electronic travel authorisations for visa-exempt travellers and issuing electronic visas (eVisas) for travellers who require a visa to enter the UK. 

Dual Australian and British or Irish citizens can enter the UK using their British or Irish passport and are exempt from needing an ETA, or other visa. 

Do Australians need a visa for the UK?

Australians travelling to UK for tourism, holidays, or to spend time with family and friends for a period of up to 6 months apply for either an: 

Australians planning to work, study long-term, join family long-term or stay in the UK for more than 6 months generally need to apply for a specific UK visa relevant to the purpose and length of their trip. 

If you’re planning a trip to the UK soon, you can check if you need an ETA or a visa to visit the UK on the UK’s government website as requirements may vary depending on your citizenship, including dual citizenship, and passport nationality. 

What is the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) in the UK?

The electronic travel authorization (ETA) is a travel document that is digitally linked to your passport and helps UK officials screen travellers before they arrive in  the UK. The ETA is not a visa but a pre-travel authorisation that allows eligible travellers to enter the UK without applying for a visa in advance for short stays of up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and other approved activities. 

While an ETA authorises a person to travel to the UK, an ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK. Carriers may deny boarding to those who require an ETA to enter the country, but do not hold one. You will still need to go through passport control at the border to enter the UK. Make sure you show the same passport you used to apply for your ETA, and that your passport is valid for the whole of your stay.

Australians travelling to the UK with an ETA can: 

  • Visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, on a business trip or for short-term study 
  • Visit the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession 
  • Visit the UK for a permitted paid engagement 
  • Transit through a UK airport if you’ll pass through border control – check with your airline if you are not sure. 

If you’re coming to the UK for another reason or for longer than 6 months, you will need to obtain the relevant visa for your trip type and length.

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Australians travelling to the UK with an ETA cannot: 

  • Stay in the UK for longer than 6 months 
  • Do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless you’re doing a permitted paid engagement or event or work on the Creative Worker visa concession 
  • Claim public funds (benefits) 
  • Live in the UK through frequent or successive visits 
  • Marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership
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In some cases, Australians do not need an ETA to travel to the UK including, but not limited to, if you: 

  • Are a dual citizen (Australian citizens who are also British or Irish citizens) 
  • Have a UK visa 
  • Have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode) 
  • Are transiting through a UK airport and you will not pass through border control - check with your airline if you are not sure 
  • Are travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport or a British National (Overseas) passport
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From the 25th of February 2026, Australian-British or Australian-Irish dual citizens will be required to enter the UK on their British or Irish passport, or through a certificate of entitlement in another valid passport. If you’re an Australian with dual citizenship, meaning you hold both Australian citizenship and British or Irish citizenship, you will not be able to enter the UK with an ETA or another visa. 

When you travel to the UK you can prove your citizenship using: 

  • a valid British passport 
  • a valid Irish passport 
  • another valid passport containing a certificate of entitlement
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An ETA costs £16 or approximately AUD $30.55 (AUD amounts may vary due to exchange rate changes).

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Once granted, an ETA will be valid for multiple journeys and will last for 2 years, or until the passport you applied with expires – whichever is sooner. If your passport has expired or changed, you will need to apply for a new ETA. You can check your ETA for the UK online.

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What are the requirements for the UK electronic travel authorization?

You’ll need the following documents and information to complete the United Kingdom ETA application: 

  • The passport you’ll travel with 
  • An email address 
  • A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay 
  • A photo showing the face of the person applying

How to apply for an ETA to the UK

Australians requiring an ETA to travel to the UK can apply for the UK ETA online or through the UK ETA app.  

Follow the steps below to apply for the ETA online: 

  • Take or upload a photo of the passport you will use to travel to the UK. 
  • Scan your face with your device, if it has a camera. Children aged 9 and under will not be asked to scan their face. 
  • Take or upload a photo of yourself. 
  • Answer some questions about yourself. 
  • Pay for your application. 

After you apply, you’ll get a decision by email from UK Visas and Immigration which may take up to 3 business days. The email will contain your 16-digit ETA reference number. Your ETA will be digitally linked to the passport you applied with. You must wait until you get an email confirming you have an ETA before you travel to the UK. You will only need to show your passport when you travel to the UK.

eVisas in the UK

eVisas are replacing physical immigration documents in the UK. From the 25th of February 2026, travellers who successfully apply for a visa to the UK will be issued with an eVisa.  

An eVisa is a digital record of your identity and immigration status (for example the type of visa you hold) and the conditions of your immigration status (for example if your visa allows you to work or study in the UK). As part of the online visa application process, you are also applying for an eVisa. 

Keep in mind, you may  not need an eVisa (or visa generally) if you are visiting the UK with an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), or if you are a dual citizen required to use your British or Irish passport to enter the UK.

UK Standard Visitor visa for Australians

Aussies travelling to the UK for up to 6 months on an Australian passport may also be able to apply for a Standard Visitor visa if the purpose of your visit falls within the permitted activities under this visa.

Activities permitted under a Standard Visitor visa for the UK

If you are travelling to the UK from Australia for a permitted activity under the Standard Visitor visa, you must apply for a Standard Visitor visa online before you travel to the UK. The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. 

The following activities are permitted under a UK Standard Visitor visa: 

Australians can travel to the UK on a Standard Visitor visa for up to 6 months to do the following business activities: 

  • Attend interviews, meetings, conferences and seminars 
  • Negotiate and sign deals and contracts 
  • Attend trade fairs to promote your business (you cannot sell things) 
  • Get work-related training if you’re employed overseas and the training is not available in your home country 
  • Give a one-off or short series of talks as long as they’re not for profit or a commercial event - you can only be paid for speaking at certain paid engagements 
  • Carry out site visits and inspections 
  • Oversee the delivery of goods and services provided by a UK company to your overseas company or organisation 
  • Deliver training or share knowledge on internal projects with UK employees of the company you work for overseas 
  • Install, dismantle, repair, service or advise on equipment, computer software and hardware, if your overseas company has a contract with a UK company or organisation

If you’re travelling for business purposes, consider taking out travel insurance for your business trip.

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Australians can travel to the UK on a Standard Visitor visa for up to 6 months to study and participate in the following educational activities: 

  • Study at an accredited institution (this includes English language courses) 
  • Do a short piece of research that’s relevant to your course overseas 
  • Do an ‘elective’ - an optional additional placement, if you’re studying medicine, veterinary medicine and science, nursing, midwifery or dentistry 
  • Sit an entrance exam, retake an exam or course module, or do a PhD oral exam (a viva) 
  • Do an unpaid clinical attachment if you’re a graduate from a medical, dental or nursing school 
  • Take the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) test or the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test 

If you’re a student travelling for an educational course or to study, consider taking out travel insurance for students. 

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Under a UK Standard Visitor visa, the following activities are not permitted: 

  • Engaging in paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless you’re doing a permitted paid engagement or event. If you want to participate in other paid or unpaid work not included in the permitted business activities you will need to apply for a work visa for the UK. 
  • Claiming public funds (benefits) 
  • Living in the UK for long periods of time through frequent or successive visits 
  • Marrying or registering a civil partnership, or giving notice of marriage or civil partnership
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What are the requirements for a UK Standard Visitor visa?

Below are some of the entry requirements you must meet to enter the UK on a Standard Visitor visa. You must be able to show the following  

  • Valid passport: You must have a passport or travel document to enter the UK which is valid for the whole of your stay in the UK. There must be a blank page in your passport for your Standard Visitor visa. 
  • Intention to leave or onward travel: You must show that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit 
  • Financial support: You must be able to show that you are able to support yourself and your dependants during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you) 
  • Financial proof for onward journey: You must be able to show that you are able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey) 
  • Proof you will not live in the UK: You must be able to show that You will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home 
  • Purpose specific eligibility: You may need to meet extra eligibility requirements if you’re visiting the UK under some of the permitted activities such as study, placements or taking an exam, etc. 

For detailed entry requirements under the Standard Visitor visa, visit the UK’s Visa and Immigration Service website.

How much does a Standard Visitor visa for the UK cost?

A UK Standard Visitor visa for up to 6 months costs £127, or approximately AUD $242.55 (AUD amounts may vary due to exchange rate changes). Standard Visitor visa fees may vary depending on the purpose of travel, and duration of your trip. Check the UK’s Visa and Immigration Service website for up-to-date fees.

How to apply for a UK visa: step-by-step application process

Follow the steps below to apply for a visa to the UK from Australia.

Ensure you apply in advance. The earliest you can apply for a UK visa is usually: 

  • 3 months before your planned travel date for visit visas 
  • 3 months before your employment start date for most work visas 
  • 6 months before your course start date for Student and Child Student visas

Determine which visa category best suits your travel purpose by researching the UK’s Visa and Immigration website or consulting with the British High Commission Canberra.

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Collect all required documents based on your visa type, ensuring they meet any specific requirements related to a permitted activity. 

You’ll need to provide the following information in your online application: 

  • The dates you’re planning to travel to the UK 
  • Where you’ll be staying during your visit 
  • How much you think your trip will cost 
  • Your current home address and how long you’ve lived there 
  • Your parents’ names and dates of birth (if known) 
  • How much you earn in a year (if you have an income) 
  • Details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences you may have committed 

Depending on your circumstances, you might also need to provide: 

  • Details of your travel history for the past 10 years 
  • Your employer’s address and telephone number 
  • Your partner’s name, date of birth and passport number 
  • The name and address of anyone paying for your trip 
  • The name, address and passport number of any family members you have in the UK 
  • A certificate proving that you’ve had a tuberculosis (tb) test if you’re visiting for more than 6 months 

You may need to provide additional documents if you’re visiting the UK: 

  • To study 
  • As an academic 
  • For certain paid engagements or events (permitted paid engagement) 
  • For medical reasons
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When you apply, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide documents to show your eligibility.

How you do this depends on where you’re from and what type of passport you have. You’ll either go to an appointment at a visa application centre or use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ smartphone app. You’ll find out if you need to go to an appointment or use the smartphone app when you start your application.

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You can apply and pay for most visas online. 

  1. Go to the UK Visa Immigration Services website 
  2. Select your visa type  
  3. Complete the application form  
  4. Upload the required documents  
  5. Provide your biometrics (fingerprints and facial photograph) 
  6. Pay the visa fee online  
  7. Track your application status
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Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa and processing time. Use the UKVI’s visa fees tool to work out the cost of your UK visa application.

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UK visas processing times vary from 3-12 weeks, depending on the type of visa you apply for. Express services may be available for an additional fee.

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You’ll need a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access your eVisa. You can set up a free UKVI account online. To create an account, you’ll need a phone number and email address that you can use each time you sign in. 

After you create your account you’ll be asked to confirm your identity and link your account to your eVisa. You won’t be able to access your eVisa until you’ve linked it to your UKVI account. You can link your UKVI account to your eVisa online if you did not link them when you first created your account.

You can then travel with your eVisa after you add your passport or travel document details.

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Travel insurance for your trip to the UK

When planning your trip to the UK, it's important to consider travel insurance to help protect against some of the unexpected situations, such as medical emergencies. Depending on the policy chosen, it may also provide some protection for many other unexpected situations such as lost luggage, trip cancellation expenses and many activities you might be planning on participating in on your trip. With Fast Cover, you can have various cover options and add-ons added to your travel insurance policy to suit your travel plans to the UK. 

It is important to note that your travel insurance policy may not provide cover if you do not comply with the UK’s visa, electronic travel authorisation or other entry requirements. To help ensure you are prepared for your trip, you should research and understand the relevant entry conditions before you travel to the UK.

Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, and sub-limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs.

Ready to embark on your UK adventure?  

Explore the benefits and cover options available with Fast Cover’s travel insurance for your trip to the UK.

FAQs about UK entry and visa requirements for Aussie travellers

Australians travelling to the UK for up to 6 months as a tourist or to transit will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) or a Standard Visitor visa to enter the UK. Australians planning to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months for reasons other than tourism, will need to obtain the relevant UK visa before they travel.  

From the 25th of February 2026, travellers who successfully apply for a visa to the UK will be issued with an eVisa. Keep in mind, you may not need an eVisa (or visa generally) if you are visiting the UK with an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), or if you are a dual citizen required to use your British or Irish passport to enter the UK. 

From the 25th of February 2026, Australian-British or Australian-Irish dual citizens must enter the UK on their British or Irish passport, or through a certificate of entitlement in another valid passport. These dual citizens cannot enter the UK with an ETA or other visa. 

As entry and visa requirements for the United Kingdom may change over time, it is your responsibility to verify entry and visa requirements with the official government authorities including the UK’s Visa and Immigration (UKVI), the British High Commission Canberra or your local British Consulate.

Australian travellers can apply for a visa to the UK online through the UK Visa Immigration Services website. As part of the online visa application process, you are also applying for an eVisa. 

From the 25th of February 2026, travellers who successfully apply for a visa to the UK will be issued with an eVisa. An eVisa is a digital record of your identity and immigration status (for example the type of visa you hold) and the conditions of your immigration status (for example if your visa allows you to work or study in the UK).  

As entry and visa requirements for the United Kingdom may change over time, it is your responsibility to verify entry and visa requirements with the official government authorities including the UK’s Visa and Immigration (UKVI), the British High Commission Canberra or your local British Consulate.

It typically takes between 3-12 weeks for a visa to the UK to be processed, depending on the type of visa you apply for. Express services may be available for an additional fee.  

As entry and visa requirements for the United Kingdom may change over time, it is your responsibility to verify entry and visa requirements with the official government authorities including the UK’s Visa and Immigration (UKVI), the British High Commission Canberra or your local British Consulate. 

UK visa fees for Australians may vary depending on various factors including but not limited to the type of visa, entries into the UK and duration of your total stay. Check the UKVI’s visa fees tool for up-to-date fees for your UK visa. 

As entry and visa requirements for the United Kingdom may change over time, it is your responsibility to verify entry and visa requirements with the official government authorities including the UK’s Visa and Immigration (UKVI), the British High Commission Canberra or your local British Consulate. 

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