Elsie UdohIf the UK is on the list of countries you’d like to visit this year, then we’re here to make your planning process easier.
Travelling to the UK begins with applying for a visa, or even without one. Did that surprise you? Well, there’s an alternate way to travel to the UK without a visa, which we’ll show you in this article.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThis article will also tell you everything you need to know about applying for a UK visa in 2025.
How To Travel to The UK Without A Visa
Ever heard of the UK ETA? This simply means United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
This is a new system that was introduced in the UK for all travellers who are currently visa-exempt from entering the UK. It is much simpler, quicker, and cheaper than a traditional visa, and you don’t even need a visa when you apply for the ETA.
The UK ETA requires travellers to obtain it before visiting the UK for short stays of up to six months. You can also use it for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
How to Apply for the UK ETA
Here’s how you can apply for the UK ETA:
Step One: Gather all the required documents, including:
- A valid passport
- Basic contact information
- A valid photo that meets the digital photo rules on GOV.UK
- A credit or debit card to pay the application fee
- You’ll also need to answer questions about your criminal and immigration history
Step Two: Apply online through the official UK government website or the UK ETA app.
Step Three: Pay the application fee of £10.
Step Four: Wait for approval, which could take up to 72 hours.
Note: The ETA, when approved, is valid for two years or until your passport expires. You cannot apply for the ETA in the UK so you have to process it ahead of time and have it in hand before your departure.
How To Apply for a UK Student Visa
If you’re ineligible to apply for the UK ETA, then you can apply for a visa in the UK.
Here’s what you need to know to apply for a UK student visa:
Step One: Get a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). This means that your university must sponsor your application with a CAS, which is not the same as financial sponsorship.
Step Two: Apply online by using the student visa application form on the UK Government’s website. All you need to do is create an account and fill out the Tier 4 (General) student visa application form.
Step Three: Pay the visa fee online.
Step Four: Book an appointment at a visa application centre online.
Step Five: Provide the required documents, which include:
- A current passport or other valid travel documentation
- Evidence of funds to cover your living expenses (£1,483 per month (inside London) and £1,136 per month (outside London))
Note: These funds must be held in your account for at least 28 consecutive days before the visa application.
- Passport-sized color photographs
- Tuberculosis screening (if required)
- Assessment documentation
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate (if required)
- Proof of your academic qualifications, such as transcripts or certificates
Step Six: Attend an interview with UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI).
Step Seven: Provide biometric information like your fingerprints and photo ID.
Note: You can submit your application up to six months before your course start date.
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How To Apply for a UK Skilled Worker Visa
If you’re not a student, then you can apply for a skilled worker visa instead. Here’s how to do it:
Step One: Confirm your eligibility. To be eligible, you must:
- Have a job offer from a UK employer that’s Home Office-approved
- Have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
- Be paid a minimum salary, which depends on the type of work and the date you received your CoS
- Work in an eligible occupation
- Score at least 70 points on the points-based system
Step Two: Get your CoS from your employer. This is an electronic record that confirms the information about your role.
Step Three: Gather all the required supporting documents for your visa application.
Step Four: Complete the visa application form online.
Step Five: Pay the application fee, biometric fee, and healthcare surcharge.
Step Six: Provide your biometric information at a local visa application centre.
Step Seven: Wait for about eight weeks after submitting your online application to receive a decision.
Note: To apply for a UK skilled visa, you must have a minimum salary of £29,000 per year.
If you have plans to travel to the UK this year, then now is the best time to start making arrangements so that you do not encounter any delay in your visa application process.
If you’re also eligible for the UK ETA, then you may choose to apply for that instead for a temporary stay in the UK without needing to apply for a visa.
Elsie Udoh is an SEO content writer who specialises in writing engaging stories that resonates with diverse audiences. She studied mass communication at the Lagos State University.
