The UK eTA is a travel authorization that Portuguese citizens need when visiting the UK upon arriving in the nation.

Since the UK has left the European Union, it is a mandatory requirement to carry the UK eTA as a citizen of Portugal. The process to obtain it is 100% online and available only to certain countries, such as those that are part of the EEC (European Economic Community).

Do Portuguese citizens need a UK eTA?

Portuguese citizens must apply for an eTA when traveling to the UK. This travel document allows visitors from Portugal to stay on the island for up to 3 consecutive months for tourism, business, and even short-term studies or medical treatment.

Visitors from Portugal who are interested in arriving in the UK for work or long-term studies will need to consider other UK visa options available at the UK embassy in Portugal, located in Lisbon.

It’s worth remembering that Portuguese travelers should not confuse UK eTA with EVW, which is another type of visa waiver available only to certain Middle Eastern countries.

UK eTA requirements as a Portuguese citizen

Portuguese citizens must meet the following requirements to obtain a UK eTA:

  • Have a valid Portuguese biometric passport
  • Have accommodation booking and the address of the respective hotel or family home where they will stay
  • Have a travel itinerary with arrival and departure dates
  • Have an active email account to receive both UK eTA notifications and the actual visa waiver in PDF format
  • Have a credit or debit card to pay the processing fee associated with the UK visa waiver

Biometric passports are the new generation of travel documents, which allow a digital connection between the eTA and the Portuguese passport used to obtain it. However, the UK eTA must be printed by Portuguese citizens since authorities at UK border controls will check both the passport and the visa waiver.

Portuguese children will also need an eTA to enter the UK, which can be completed and obtained by their parents or legal guardians.

Processing times to obtain the UK eTA are 48-72 hours from the moment the online form is completed and sent to UK authorities or the British Home Office. Despite this, Portuguese passport holders are strongly advised to apply for the eTA at least one week in advance as delays may occur.

How to apply for a UK eTA from Portugal

The online application form to obtain the UK eTA is a process that any Portuguese citizen with internet access and an electronic device can afford. The webpage works perfectly on a smartphone, desktop computer, or tablet.

The application requires email registration, since the entire procedure is online. Any communications, updates, and approval or rejection of the eTA by the UK government will be sent to Portuguese citizens via email. For this reason, it’s recommended to regularly check your inbox and spam folder.

The UK eTA application procedure includes three types of sections:

  • Personal data
  • Security information
  • Payment process

Portuguese applicants must provide their name, address, place of residence and country of birth, as well as age and gender. In the security section, they will encounter questions about Portuguese applicants’ behavior and the main reason for their trip to the UK.

After completing these sections, the application goes directly to the payment page. Applicants from Portugal can settle the eTA fee with a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account. It’s worth remembering that the process offers all security guarantees so visitors can use their payment methods with peace of mind.

Once payment is made, the eTA request will reach UK authorities, who will review the application and, in less than 3 business days, send eTA approval to the applicant. The document will be attached to an email in PDF format to be printed by Portuguese travelers.

Note: Portuguese citizens should verify that all information provided is correct and truthful, as any error can cause a delay in the process or even rejection of the eTA.