The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Transit is a digital travel authorization required from 21 January 2025 for Singaporeans and other eligible non-visa nationals transiting through the United Kingdom.
It applies to travelers passing through major airports such as Heathrow or Manchester and costs £26 in total (£16 government fee + £10 processing fee). The ETA replaces older systems like the Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) and simplifies border clearance for greater efficiency.
Singaporeans must hold a UK ETA if their connection involves passing through border control, switching airports, collecting baggage, or leaving the airport during a layover, known as landside transit. Passengers remaining in the secure international zone for under 24 hours on a continuous connection (airside transit) are exempt.
The new ETA system is part of the UK’s 2025 border modernization plan, designed to enhance security and streamline digital checks for travelers from Singapore, Qatar, Australia, the United States, and other eligible countries.
Travelers without an approved ETA may face boarding refusals or transit denials, so approval should be confirmed before departure.
To apply, visit application.uketa.com.sg, upload a valid passport and photo, complete travel details, and pay the £26 fee online. Most applications are processed within one to three working days and remain valid for two years or until the passport expires, allowing multiple transits during that period.
Singaporean travelers connecting through the UK after January 2025 should apply early to ensure efficient airport transfers and uninterrupted travel between flights.
A UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for transit is a digital travel permission required from 21 January 2025 for non-visa nationals like Singaporeans, Qataris, Omanis, Bahrainis, Australians, Americans, and UAE citizens who transit through UK airports such as Heathrow or Manchester. It costs £16 (government fee) plus a £10 processing fee, totalling £26 GBP.
Singaporean nationals, along with citizens of Qatar, Jordan, Australia, the USA, and the UAE, must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) when transiting through the United Kingdom if passing through border control. The ETA costs £16 (government fee) plus £10 (processing fee), totaling £26. Applications can be submitted online at: application.uketa.com.sg.
A Singaporean traveller must hold an ETA if:
This type of travel is known as landside transit. The ETA replaces older systems like the Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) and Visitor in Transit Visa (VITV) for eligible non-European nationals, removing biometric and Visa Application Centre (VAC) requirements.
Singaporeans transiting airside without passing through UK immigration, do not need an ETA if they have a valid onward ticket within 24 hours. However, airlines and Border Force officers may request proof of onward travel, financial means, and valid passport details. Failure to meet these transit conditions may lead to boarding refusals or immigration delays.
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is required for transit travellers whose journey involves passing through UK border control, including landside transfers between airports or terminals such as Heathrow and Manchester. Airside passengers remaining within the secure international zone are exempt.
The Home Office confirmed this rule on 16 January 2025, effective from 21 January 2025, applying to non-visa nationals from countries such as Singapore, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Indonesia, Vietnam, the United States, and Australia.
Airside transit occurs when passengers stay within the airport’s international zone without crossing UK border control. They remain in the transit lounge until their next flight. No ETA or Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) is required for this type of connection.
Landside transit applies when a traveler leaves the secure area to change terminals, collect luggage, or transfer between airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick. In this case, non-UK visa nationals must hold a valid UK ETA before travel.
A Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) applies to visa nationals—such as citizens of Russia, Georgia, or Vietnam—who remain within the airport transit zone for less than 24 hours. Non-Visa nationals, including Singaporeans, instead use a UK ETA, which removes the need for biometric data or visa appointments.
Non-European nationals—such as citizens of Singapore, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Australia, and the United States—must obtain a UK ETA for landside transit but not for airside connections. The ETA replaces previous transit visa systems and simplifies digital border checks.
If a passenger requiring an ETA fails to obtain one, airlines may deny boarding, and UK Border Force officers can refuse transit clearance. This can cause delays, denied entry, or negative marks on an immigration record. Travellers should confirm ETA approval before departure to prevent disruptions.
On 16 January 2025, the UK Home Office confirmed that from 21 January 2025, the ETA requirement applies to both airside and landside transit passengers from non-visa national countries, including Singapore.
The ETA links digitally to the traveller’s passport and verifies immigration permission at entry points such as Heathrow or Manchester Airport. This update forms part of the UK’s broader border security modernization.
How Can Singaporeans Apply for a UK ETA for Transit?
Fill Out the Online Form
Singaporean citizens must apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to transit through the United Kingdom after 21 January 2025. The ETA costs £26 (£16 government fee + £10 processing fee) and can be obtained through: application.uketa.com.sg.
The ETA remains valid for two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, allowing multiple transit journeys for non-visa nationals such as Singaporeans, Qataris, Omanis, Indonesians, and UAE citizens.
What documents are required for a transit ETA for Singaporeans?
UK ETA Requirement
Documents needed for Singaporean citizens transiting through the UK after 21 January 2025 must have a valid biometric passport, recent digital photo, working email address, confirmed flight ticket, and a payment method to apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) at application.uketa.com.sg.
Valid Passport
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from your travel date to the UK. You’ll need it for both the application and your trip.
Recent Photo
Payment Method
Use a valid payment method like a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay to pay the application fee.
Active Email Address
Provide an email address you use often. You’ll get updates and the approval notice through this email.
Clean Criminal Record
You need to have a clean criminal record. If you’ve been convicted of a crime and served a prison sentence of 12 months or more, your application could be denied. This also applies if you’ve been convicted in the past year.
Flight Ticket & Travel Plans
Proof of confirmed onward travel within 24–48 hours through Heathrow, Manchester, or another UK airport.
Travel Funds (Recommended)
Optional proof of sufficient funds or accommodation, which may be requested by UK Border Force officers to verify genuine transit intentions.
What is the processing time for a UK Transit ETA?
A UK Transit Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is typically processed within 72 hours (three working days). Most non-visa nationals, including citizens of Singapore, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman, often receive automatic approval within minutes of submission.
How Long is a UK ETA Valid for Singapore Transit Travelers?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Singaporean transit travelers is valid for two years from approval or until passport expiry, whichever occurs first. The ETA costs £26 in total, £16 Home Office fee and £10 processing charge and is required for both airside and landside transit from 21 January 2025.
How Much Does a UK Transit ETA Cost?
The UK Transit Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) costs £26 in total, including a £16 Home Office government fee and a £10 processing charge. The same cost applies to non-visa nationals such as Singapore, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, the UAE, Indonesia, Vietnam, and South Africa etc.
Can Singaporeans use a UK ETA for multiple trips to the UK?
Yes, Singaporean citizens can use a UK ETA for multiple trips to the UK within its 2-year validity period (or until the linked passport expires). Each visit can be for up to 6 months, provided the purpose aligns with permitted activities (e.g., tourism, business, or short-term study).
Before traveling, Singaporean applicants must prepare their passport details, a recent digital photo, and contact information. The ETA application is submitted online through application.uketa.com.sg, where applicants provide travel plans, nationality, and identification details. Payments are securely made using credit/debit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay, with a total fee of £26.
After submission, most ETA applications are processed within three working days. Once approved, the digital ETA links electronically to the traveler’s passport and is automatically verified by airline staff and UK Border Force officers before boarding.
The UK Transit Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital authorization required for non-visa nationals such as Singaporeans, Qataris, Bahrainis, Omanis, Australians, and UAE citizens transiting through UK airports like Heathrow or Manchester after 21 January 2025. The ETA costs £16 (Home Office fee) plus a £10 processing charge, totaling £26, and allows both airside and landside transit without the need for a physical visa or biometric data.
In contrast, the UK Transit Visa applies to visa nationals—including citizens of Russia, Vietnam, Turkey, and South Africa—who require formal immigration permission before boarding. Applicants must visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC), pay £39 for a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) or £70 for a Visitor in Transit Visa (VITV), and provide travel plans, onward tickets, and proof of funds.
Yes, Singaporean citizens who are visa-free visitors still need a Transit ETA for airside or landside transit through the UK starting 21 January 2025.
No, Singpass documents or digital IDs cannot be used to apply for a UK Transit ETA. Applicants must submit passport information issued by the Singapore Immigration Authority.
Yes. The UK Transit ETA costs £16 (official fee) plus £10 processing, totaling £26 GBP for Singaporean and non-Singaporean travelers alike.
No, Singaporeans cannot work, volunteer, or engage in any employment while holding a UK Transit ETA.
A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) allows non-visa nationals—including Singaporeans, Qataris, Australians, and Bahrainis, to leave airports such as Heathrow or Manchester during transit, provided they meet landside entry requirements under the ETA scheme effective 21 January 2025.
No, Singaporean nationals do not need a UK Transit Visa if their journey meets ETA eligibility under the Electronic Travel Authorisation system, effective 21 January 2025. They must hold a valid ETA for both airside and landside transit through the UK.
Yes. Starting 21 January 2025, Singaporean passengers transiting airside through UK airports such as Heathrow or Manchester require a valid UK ETA, even if they do not pass through border control or exit the secure transit area.
Singaporeans with a valid UK ETA may exit the airport transit area and enter the landside zone for up to 24 hours between connecting flights, provided their onward tickets, travel funds, and purpose meet ETA transit conditions.
If I transit in the UK, do I need a visa?
It depends on your nationality and whether you pass UK border control. Airside transit: some nationalities need a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV); others do not. Landside transit (passing border control): you may need an ETA (for eligible visa-free nationals) or a Visitor in Transit visa (for visa nationals).
Can I get a UK transit visa on arrival?
What is the difference between a UK ETA and a UK transit visa?
How much does a UK ETA cost?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation government fee is £16 (raised on 9 April 2025); our processing fee is £10, so your total is £26. Fees are kept under review. Apply only at application.uketa.com.sg/.
What is ETA in transit?
What does ETA mean in transit?
Who needs an ETA to travel?
Do Singaporeans need to apply for ETA?
Does Singapore need a transit visa for connecting flights?
Do you need an ETA if you are in transit?
Airside transit: no ETA (temporary exemption). Landside transit (passing border control): ETA required for eligible visa-free nationals; Visitor in Transit visa for visa nationals.
Do I need a transit visa if I have a layover?
Do Singaporeans need ETA for the UK?
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