The UK ETA for Marriage or Civil Partnership is a digital travel authorization introduced under the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 217) on 10 September 2024. It lets non-UK nationals, including Singaporeans, visit the United Kingdom for short stays such as tourism, business, or family visits, not to marry or register a civil partnership.
The ETA system screens travelers before arrival to enhance border security and ensure eligibility. Marriage or civil partnership activities require a Marriage Visitor Visa, not an ETA. This visa allows Singaporeans to legally marry or form a civil partnership in the UK within six months of entry.
The ETA costs £26 (£16 government fee + £10 our processing fee), remains valid for two years, and allows multiple short visits. Applicants can apply online through application.uketa.com.sg and typically receive a decision within three working days.
Singaporeans planning a wedding or civil partnership in the UK must apply for the Marriage Visitor Visa to ensure legal entry and a hassle-free ceremony.
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a pre-travel screening system under the Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme introduced by the UK government in the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 217) on 10 September 2024. It allows non-visa nationals to visit the UK for short-term purposes, tourism, business meetings, or family visits, for up to six months, but not for marriage or civil partnership.
The UK ETA Scheme modernizes immigration controls, enhances border screening, and closes security gaps before travelers arrive. Each applicant’s passport number, identification details, and travel history are automatically screened by the Home Office to assess suitability and threat level.
A UK ETA does not grant permission to marry, register a civil partnership, or give notice of either. These activities require a different visa route – the Marriage Visitor Visa – which involves documentation, interviews, and status verification. The ETA serves only as a visitor authorization for leisure, business, or academic visits. Attempting to marry on an ETA may lead to immigration law violations, refusals, or entry bans.
Non-UK nationals from non-European countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the U.S., must apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa. This visa allows entry to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK within six months but does not permit switching to another status or working.
No, the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) does not permit marriage or civil partnership for Singaporean citizens or other non-visa nationals. Under the Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme, only travel purposes such as tourism, business, or short-term study (up to six months) are allowed.
To marry or enter a civil partnership in the UK, Singaporeans must apply for a separate Marriage Visitor Visa under the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 217) issued on 10 September 2024.
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), under the Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme, does not permit marriage, civil partnership registration, or giving notice of marriage in the UK. These activities require a separate Marriage or Civil Partnership Visitor Visa under the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 217) issued on 10 September 2024.
Under the Electronic Travel Authorisation, travellers from Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, or Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries cannot:
The Marriage or Civil Partnership ETA applies to short-term visitors entering the UK for lawful marriage or civil partnership activities without seeking immigration status changes or permanent residence. It functions under the Visitor Route, aligning with other visa types such as the Marriage or Civil Partnership Visitor Visa and the Temporary Work – Creative Worker Visa.
Under the ETA scheme, travellers can:
How to Apply ETA for Marriage or Civil Partnership in the UK
Apply for a UK ETA
A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) under the Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme allows non-visa nationals, including Singaporeans, Qataris, Australians, and GCC citizens, to visit the UK for short stays, ceremonies, or celebrations. However, legal marriage registration or civil partnership requires a Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitor visa under Statement of Changes HC 217 (10 September 2024).
Fill Out the Online Form
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Confirm your nationality is eligible under the UK ETA Scheme,
Step 2: Gather Documents
Prepare your passport, contact details, photo, and a valid payment card. Make sure your passport chip is readable for biometric verification.
Step 3: Apply Online
Go to application.uketa.com.sg/ or uketa.com.sg/. Complete the secure ETA application form, entering your passport number, travel dates, and personal details.
Step 4: Upload Photo & Scan Passport
Use your smartphone or computer camera to scan your passport and take a clear photo against a plain background, simple, modern, and Western Style digital identity screening.
Step 5: Answer Suitability Questions
Respond truthfully to Home Office questions on travel history, criminality, and previous refusals. This ensures accurate immigration screening and smooth border entry.
Step 6: Pay the Fee
Pay the £16 government charge plus a £10 processing fee (total £26 GBP) via Apple Pay, Google Pay, or card to finalize your submission.
Step 7: Receive Decision
Get your ETA result by email within three working days. The approval links digitally to your passport and remains valid for two years or until your passport expires.
What Documents Are Required for Getting Married or Civil Partnership ETA For Singaporeans?
UK ETA Requirement
To apply for a UK ETA Visa, make sure you have the following
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.
Evidence of intention to marry or register a civil partnership in the UK
venue booking or register-office confirmation, ceremony date, and deposit or contract with suppliers.
Proof of relationship and genuine intent
photos together, WhatsApp or email records, travel tickets, witness statements, and correspondence showing wedding planning.
Travel and accommodation evidence
return flight booking or travel itinerary, and UK accommodation booking or host letter.
What is the processing time for a UK Marriage or civil Partnership ETA?
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) applications are usually decided within three working days, but marriage/civil-partnership permission is governed by the Statement of Changes (HC 217, 10 September 2024) and normally requires a Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitor visa.
How Much Does a UK Marriage or Civil Partnership ETA Cost?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme (ETA) official government fee is £16; our processing charge is £10 via application.uketa.com.sg/, totalling £26 (GBP).
How Long is a UK ETA Valid for Marriage or Civil Partnership?
A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) under the Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme is valid for two years from the date of issue or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever occurs first. It allows multiple short-term visits to the UK, including travel for ceremonies or celebrations, but not for legal marriage or civil partnership registration.
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).
Singaporeans cannot legally marry or register a civil partnership in the UK using an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) under the Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme. Under the Statement of Changes HC 217 (10 September 2024), a Marriage Visitor Visa is required.
The ETA is a pre-travel screening that allows non-visa nationals, including Singaporeans, to enter the UK for short-term visits, tourism, or family gatherings. It does not grant immigration rights to marry or register a civil partnership.
According to the UK government’s immigration framework, marriage and civil partnership change a person’s immigration status, which is outside the scope of the ETA. Singaporeans intending to marry in the UK must apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa through proper immigration channels.
When applying through application.uketa.com.sg/, travelers pay the £16 ETA government fee and £10 processing fee (total £26 GBP) for ETA processing. However, this ETA only supports entry for visits, not marriage registration.
Marriage and civil partnership are two legally recognized unions under UK law, but they differ in formality and procedure. Marriage involves vows in a ceremony, while civil partnership is a registration without vows, both require a Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitor Visa for Singaporeans.
A UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital pre-travel permission under the Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme, while a UK Visa is an entry clearance document under Statement of Changes HC 217, granting broader legal rights, including marriage or partnership registration.
No. Singaporeans cannot legally marry or form a civil partnership in the UK using an ETA. Under HC 217 (10 September 2024), marriage or civil partnership requires a Marriage Visitor Visa, not an ETA.
Yes. Singaporeans must apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa to marry or register a civil partnership legally in the UK. The Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme under HC 217 does not grant this specific right.
No. Singaporean citizens cannot directly get married in the UK with an ETA. The ETA provides entry for tourism, meetings, or visits, not for marriage registration or civil partnership under Statement of Changes HC 217.
A Singaporean citizen under the UK Marriage Visitor visa route can stay in the UK for up to 6 months from the date of arrival.
No, a person holding a UK ETA or a Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitor visa cannot switch to a spouse or partner visa while inside the United Kingdom. The Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme, implemented under HC 217, grants entry only for short-term purposes without immigration pathway extensions.
No, visitors in the UK under the Marriage or Civil Partnership Visitor visa or Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) cannot convert an existing civil partnership into a marriage.
To check your UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) status online, visit application.uketa.com.sg/visa/status/check or https://uketa.com.sg/ and log in using your passport number, email, and application reference ID. This digital screening aligns with the Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme for non-visa nationals.
Are Singaporeans eligible for a UK ETA for marriage or civil partnership?
Do I need an ETA or a Marriage Visitor visa—what’s the difference?
How long can I stay in the UK on this ETA?
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/.
Is it single or multiple entry before the ceremony date?
What’s the processing time if I apply from Singapore?
Do I need proof of venue/appointment booking in the UK?
Can Singaporeans directly marry in the UK through ETA?
Can Singaporeans legally marry in the UK on an ETA?
Can Singaporeans register a marriage or civil partnership in the UK on an ETA?
Can I work or volunteer while in the UK on this ETA?
What if our ceremony date changes—can I amend the ETA?
What happens if my ETA is refused—can I reapply quickly?
What is the difference between a marriage and a civil partnership in the UK?
Why choose civil partnership over marriage?
Some couples prefer civil partnership for a non-religious formation and specific legal/terminology differences while retaining core legal protections similar to marriage (England & Wales comparison).
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Singapore’s trusted UK ETA agency since 2024, streamlines applications for tourism, business, study, and family visits. Our expert team delivers a fast, secure process with dedicated local support.
This website is operated by World Visa Centre LLC, a travel and tourism agency based in Malaysia and licensed by the Department of Economy and Tourism. We provide information and assistance for completing online Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) applications, charging an additional professional service fee.
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