UK ETA For Work or Business: How to, Requirements, Processing Time & Cost

The UK ETA for Work or Business is a digital travel pass that lets Singaporeans and other eligible travelers enter the United Kingdom for short business visits up to six months. It’s tied to your passport, valid for two years, and required for activities like meetings, conferences, or training, not for employment.

Applying is simple. You fill out an online form, upload your passport and photo, answer eligibility questions, and pay the fee. The total cost is £26 (£16 government fee + £10 processing), and most approvals arrive within three working days.

To apply, you need a valid passport,a digital photo, contact details, and payment method. Errors or missing details can delay approval, so double-check everything before submitting.

The ETA system makes business travel faster and more secure. If you’re a Singaporean planning meetings or events in the UK after April 2025, apply early online and travel with confidence.

What is ETA For Work or Business?

UK ETA for Work and Business grants foreign nationals – including Singaporeans, Qataris, Jordanians, Americans, Australians, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens – digital travel permission to enter the United Kingdom for short business stays of up to six months without visa.

Do Singaporeans need an ETA for work and business in the UK?

Singaporean citizens require a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for short-term work and business trips up to six months. The ETA costs £16 and includes our  processing fees £10 total £26. 

It was introduced under the UK’s 2025 immigration system and border security reforms as part of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, replacing previous visa-free arrangements for eligible non-European nationalities including Singapore, Qatar, Jordan, Australia, and the United States. 

The digital authorization permits travellers to enter the UK for activities such as meetings, conferences, and short business events without a full work visa. Linked to the passport, it remains valid for multiple journeys over two years.

What Type of Business Activities Are Allowed Under a UK ETA?

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) permits non-British and non-European nationals,  including Singaporeans, Australians, Qataris, Jordanians, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens,  to enter the United Kingdom for short-term business activities such as meetings, conferences, trade fairs, negotiations, and training sessions, for stays up to six months. Travellers must not engage in long-term employment or receive payment from a UK source.

  1. Core Business Activities Allowed under UK ETA
  2. Attendance at Meetings, Conferences, and Seminars
  3. Negotiations, Trade Fairs, and Contract Activities
  4. Site Visits, Information Gathering, and Short-Term Projects
  5. Training, Professional Development, and Permitted Paid Engagements
  6. Restrictions and Prohibited Activities
  7. ETA Business Rules and Compliance Context

Can Singaporeans Work in the UK on a UK ETA?

Singaporean citizens cannot work in the UK using a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The ETA is a travel permission for tourism, business meetings, conferences, or transit stays up to six months and does not grant right to employment or paid work within the United Kingdom’s immigration system.

What are the UK work or Business ETA eligibility criteria for Singaporeans?

Singaporean citizens can apply for a UK Work or Business Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if visiting the United Kingdom for short-term business purposes such as meetings, conferences, trade fairs, or training lasting up to six months, under UK immigration system improvements (March 2025 rollout). 

The ETA costs £16 (plus £10 processing fee) total £26, is valid for two years, and covers non-British, non-Irish visitors from eligible non-European nationalities including Singapore, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, United States, and Australia.

Apply for a UK ETA

Eligible non-British, non-Irish visitors from Singapore, Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Australia, and the United States can apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Work or Business. Applications must be submitted online via:

 

Applicants provide passport details, a photo, contact information, and answer suitability questions. The fee is £16 plus a £10 processing charge. The ETA permits short-term business travel to the UK for up to six months per visit.

The UK ETA, introduced under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, modernizes immigration and strengthens border security. Rolling out in March 2025, it offers a faster digital process for non-European travelers. 

Valid for two years (or until passport expiry), the ETA allows multiple visits for purposes like business meetings, conferences, and training.

Fill Out the Online Form

Before You Apply

Ensure your nationality requires an ETA. It currently applies to citizens from Singapore, Qatar, GCC nations, Australia, the U.S., Malaysia, and Japan, expanding further by April 9, 2025.

Prepare:

  • A valid biometric passport
  • A recent digital photo
  • Contact details and smartphone access
  • Payment method (card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay)

 

Applicants with dual nationality, a criminal record, or prior immigration violations must answer all questions truthfully to avoid delays or rejection.

Step-by-Step Application Process

  • Visit the site: https://application.uketa.com.sg/
  • Create an account: Enter personal and passport details
  • Upload a photo: Ensure it’s clear and against a plain background
  • Answer questions: Declare criminal history, dual nationality, etc.
  • Pay: £16 + £10 processing (Total £26)
  • Wait: Most applications are approved within 3 working days

What Business Activities Are Allowed?

With a Business ETA, visitors may:

  • Attend meetings, seminars, or trade events
  • Conduct training or site inspections
  • Participate in academic, scientific, or corporate functions
  • Sign contracts, negotiate deals, or perform after-sales services

 

The ETA does not allow employment, paid work, internships, or long-term assignments. Those activities require a valid UK work visa such as:

  • Skilled Worker Visa
  • Global Business Mobility – Service Supplier
  • Temporary or Creative Worker Visa

Validity and Travel Conditions

Each ETA is valid for two years (or until passport expiry) and allows multiple visits to the UK for business purposes. At the border, travelers scan through ePassport gates or speak to a Border Force officer. Airlines check ETA status before boarding to reduce delays.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Applications may be rejected if:

  • Passport details or uploaded photo are incorrect
  • Applicant has a criminal record or adverse immigration history
  • There’s an existing deportation or exclusion order
  • Previous immigration rules were violated.

UK ETA Requirement

Singaporean citizens applying for a UK Work or Business Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) must provide a valid Singapore passport, recent digital photo, email address, and a payment method (debit/credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay) to cover the £16 fee and £10 processing charge. 

The ETA allows short business stays, including meetings and training, but not long-term employment or residence. Applications are submitted online via

https://application.uketa.com.sg/

Required Documents

  1. Valid Singapore Passport: Must be a biometric ePassport issued by Singapore’s ICA, valid for the entire stay, and recognized by UK Border Force systems.
  1. Digital Photograph: Upload a clear and recent photo that meets the UK requirements:
  • Size: At least 600 x 750 pixels.
  • File Size: Between 50 KB and 10 MB.
  • Background: Plain white with your face clearly visible.
  1. Email Address: Required to receive application updates and approval notices in PDF format.
  1. Payment Method: Accepted options include debit or credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Total cost: £16 fee + £10 processing (£26).
  1. Contact and Passport Details: Applicants must enter full name, nationality, passport number, and expiry date, along with valid contact details.
  1. Travel Purpose and Business Details: The business ETA covers activities like attending meetings, training sessions, conferences, trade fairs, site visits, or business coordination. It does not permit employment, contract work, or paid services under UK law.
  1. Criminal Record and Suitability Questions: Applicants must disclose any criminal history, immigration violations, or deportation orders. These responses are checked against UK border systems for security and compliance.
  1. Proof of Funds and Accommodation (If Requested): Although not required during application, Border Force officers may ask for proof of accommodation, return travel, or financial means upon arrival in the UK.

The UK Work or Business Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is typically processed within three business days once passport details, contact information, and a digital photo are submitted through application.uketa.com.sg/.

The total ETA cost includes two parts — the UK government fee of £16 and an independent processing service fee of £10, bringing the total to £26 per traveler. The fee covers application handling, verification of passport details, photo validation, and pre-travel immigration checks under the United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation system, effective from 2 April 2025.

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Work or Business Travel remains valid for two years from the issue date or until passport expiry, whichever occurs first. Each entry permits stays up to six months for approved business activities, meetings, or training under Standard Visitor rules. 

Yes Singaporean citizens can use an approved UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for multiple business or work-related trips to the United Kingdom within its two-year validity, provided each stay does not exceed six months and the ETA remains linked to the same passport used during application.

Simplified Travel for Singaporean Business Visitors

The UK ETA for Work or Business offers Singaporeans and other eligible travelers a simplified method to visit the United Kingdom for short business stays. It replaces complex visa steps with a digital process linked directly to the applicant’s passport.

The system verifies traveler details, enhances border security, and allows multiple six-month visits within a two-year period. Applicants must provide a valid passport, a compliant digital photo, and pay a £26 fee. Most approvals are issued within a few days, enabling efficient business travel planning.

Whether attending meetings in London or trade events in Manchester, the ETA ensures a secure and streamlined experience. Apply early at application.uketa.com.sg to receive travel clearance on time and focus on business in the UK with confidence.

What is the difference between a UK ETA and a UK Business Visa?

The UK Business ETA is a digital travel authorization allowing non-British visitors, including Singaporeans, Australians, and Americans, to enter the UK for short business trips up to six months. A UK Business Visa, however, permits longer stays involving employment, governed by specific immigration rules.

Is the UK ETA cost the same for non-Singaporean citizens?

Yes. The UK ETA fee is £16 plus a £10 processing fee (total £26) for all eligible nationalities, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, UAE, Jordan, Malaysia, Brunei, and Australia etc.

Can non-Singaporean citizens apply for the UK Business ETA?

Yes. Citizens of countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Australia, Malaysia, Brunei, and Japan can apply, as long as their nationality is on the UK’s eligible ETA list.

Can travelers switch from a UK ETA to a full work visa while in the UK?

No. Travelers entering the UK with an ETA cannot switch or convert to a Work Visa or any other immigration category from within the country.

How long can Singaporeans stay in the UK with a Business ETA?

Singaporean citizens with an approved UK ETA can stay in the UK for up to six months (180 days) per visit, for permitted business activities, within the two-year validity of the authorization.

How Can I Check My UK ETA Status?

Travelers from Singapore, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, or Australia can check their ETA status by logging into their ETA account using passport details, contact information, and application number at application.uketa.com.sg/visa/status/check

Do GCC Citizens Need a UK ETA for Business Travel?

Yes. Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for business travel starting 2 April 2025, as required under the UK Business Immigration and Visitor Rules.

Can Business Travelers Use a UK ETA for Transit Purposes?=

Yes. Business travelers from Singapore, GCC nations, Australia, and the United States can use their UK ETA for both airside and landside transit after 9 April 2025, provided their nationality is on the UK ETA eligibility list.

Is a UK ETA Valid for Freelancers or Contractors?

Yes. Freelancers and contractors from Singapore, Malaysia, GCC countries, the United States, and Australia may use the UK ETA for permitted business visitor activities. However, it does not allow direct employment, contract work, or paid services under UK Immigration Rules.