Travelling from the Czech Republic to the UK? There’s an important change you need to know about: as of 2025, Czech passport holders will need to obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entry for short stays.
This new digital travel permission is replacing the older, simpler visa-free access for many nationalities (including EU states). But don’t worry — it’s not overly complex. With a little preparation and understanding, you can navigate it smoothly. In this guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from eligibility and costs to applying and tips to avoid trouble.
What is the UK ETA for Czech Republic Citizens?
A UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a pre-travel digital permission required for many travellers to the United Kingdom. It’s not a visa — rather, it’s a system that screens travellers in advance so border authorities have more information before someone arrives.
Once approved, the ETA is electronically linked to your passport. When you arrive in the UK, immigration officials see that your ETA is active for your passport and then you go through the usual border checks. The ETA doesn’t guarantee entry — it simply allows you to travel under the rules and be considered.
The idea is to make short-visit travel safer, smoother, and more predictable — for both travellers and the UK authorities.
Does my UK eTA application require a passport and a photo?
Yes, you must present a passport that is valid for the whole time you will be in the UK, with two blank pages for immigration stamps. It is also necessary to have a passport-sized photo shot without glasses and on a simple white background.
Can someone having a UK eTA work in the UK for an extended period of time?
In the UK, you are not permitted to accept any long-term professional contracts. You must apply for a work permit from a UK embassy in order to perform such work. Citizens of the Czech Republic are permitted to use their UK eTA for the following uses:
- Travel: Seeing the London Bridge
- Friends & Family: Catching up with close friends and your grandparents
- Transit: Czech tourists transferring flights from a UK airport to their ultimate destination
- Short-Term Research: completing your training program within three to six months
Documents Needed for an ETA Application in the UK
- Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport from an eligible country to apply. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK (at least 6 months’ validity remaining). You will need to enter your passport details and possibly provide a scan or clear photo of your passport’s biographical page.
- Digital Photograph: The application will ask for a recent digital photo of the traveler. This could be similar to a passport-style photo showing your face clearly. Ensure the photo meets any guidelines (clear lighting, plain background, etc.).
- Supporting Information (if prompted): In most cases, an ETA application won’t require extensive supporting documents. However, in some situations, you might be asked for additional evidence or information.
Who Needs the ETA — and Who’s Exempt?
Who does need ETA (Czech citizens):
- Czech passport holders travelling to the UK for short stays (tourism, business, visiting family/friends, short courses, etc.).
- For entry via plane, ferry, train or any route that passes through UK immigration control.
- Even infants and children need their own ETA (each traveller must have one).
- Those who transit the UK and pass through border control (changing terminals, switching airports) will usually need ETA.
Who is exempt or does not require ETA:
- British or Irish citizens — they are outside this requirement.
- Individuals who already hold a valid UK visa or existing immigration permission (for work, study, settlement) — they typically do not need ETA in addition.
- Airside transit only: if you stay within the transit zone at the airport and do not go through immigration, in many cases you won’t need ETA.
- Some residents with special status or particular exceptions might also be exempt (for instance, people with the right of abode or certain settled status arrangements).
- Always check your specific route — exemption may depend on whether you pass passport control.
So, for many Czech travellers who earlier didn’t need anything extra, the ETA is the new requirement.
What the ETA Grants You: Validity, Multiple Entries & Stay Limits
Once your ETA is approved, you receive several rights (within limits):
- Validity: Typically 2 years from the time of issue, or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner).
- Multiple entries: You can make more than one trip to the UK during that period — no need to reapply each time.
- Stay duration: On each trip, you can stay up to six months (for permitted purposes).
- If your passport expires during that period, or you change passports, you’ll need to reapply with the new one.
- The ETA is linked to your passport; use the same passport when traveling.
These features make ETA quite flexible for people who travel multiple times — as long as each visit is within the rules.
How to Apply of UK ETA for Czech Republic Citizens
Applying for the UK ETA is quick and completely online.
- Fill Online Form: Enter your accurate personal and travel details in the online UK ETA Application for Czech Republic Citizens form.
- Required Documents Upload: Scan and upload required documents such as passport scan, and digital photo.
- Submit Application: Verify all the information provided and submit the application.
- Pay Fee: Pay the e-Visa application fee online using a valid credit or debit card.
- Check Application Status: Track the application status via the website using the application reference number or passport details.
- Get the Approved e-Visa: After approval, the e-Visa will be delivered to the email address used in the application.
- Print and Bring the e-Visa: Print out the approved e-Visa and bring it along with your passport on your trip to Ethiopia.
An explanation of UK eTA Fast-Track and Standard Processing
- Urgent/Super Rush Processing:
- Time Taken: 1 Hour
- Cost Involved: The fastest processing comes with the highest fee
- Use Purpose: For situations requiring immediate departure
- Rush Processing:
- Time Taken: 6 – 12 Hours
- Cost Involved: The applicant might have to pay the additional processing cost
- Use Purpose: Those applying with a close travel date
- Standard Processing:
- Time Taken: 1 – 2 Days
- Cost Involved: No additional cost is involved
- Use Purpose: Travellers applying in advance of their trip
An explanation of Standard Processing and UK eTA Fast-Track
The applicant’s country, the chosen processing speed, and the current exchange rate all affect how much a UK eTA fee. The precise cost of your UK eTA application will be determined by the price calculator on the UK eTA price page.
Common & Practical Tips of UK ETA for Czech Republic Citizens
To make your ETA application smooth, here are common pitfalls and tips from traveler experience:
- Don’t wait till the last minute: apply several days ahead in case extra checks occur.
- Use the correct passport: the ETA is tied to one passport — mismatches may cause problems.
- Photo quality matters: blurry, shadowy, low contrast, or wrong background images can cause rejections.
- Be accurate with personal data: errors or typos in name, date of birth, or passport number can delay or deny approval.
- Disclose fully: do not omit criminal records, past immigration issues, or visa refusals — honesty reduces risk of refusal.
- Plan your transit path: if your trip includes connections, know whether you pass through immigration.
- Monitor passport expiry: if your passport expires soon, renew before applying.
- Save your confirmation: screenshot or keep email of ETA approval.
- Be prepared at border: border agents may ask about your trip, funds, itinerary, return ticket, etc.
- Check rules just before travel: ETA rules, fees, and procedures may be updated — always verify close to your travel date.
- Have backup plan: if there is any concern around your background or eligibility, consider applying for a visa instead.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the UK eTA provides Czech Republic citizens with a fast, convenient, and secure way to travel to the United Kingdom for short stays. By applying online in advance, travelers can avoid long queues at the border and ensure a smooth entry process. It is essential for Czech citizens to provide accurate information, meet all eligibility requirements, and carry supporting documents when traveling. Staying informed about the eTA guidelines and planning ahead helps make trips to the UK hassle-free, safe, and enjoyable, whether for tourism, business, or visiting family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is ETA a visa?
Ans. No. The ETA is a digital travel permission, not a visa. It authorises you to travel to the UK, but entry is still subject to border checks.
Q2: How long can I stay in the UK with ETA?
Ans. You can stay up to six months per visit, for eligible purposes (tourism, business, etc.).
Q: Do children need an ETA?
Ans. Yes. Every traveler (including infants and children) needs their own ETA application.
Q3: How long does approval take?
Ans. Many applications get approved within minutes; standard processing is up to 3 working days if additional checks are needed.
Q4: What if my ETA is refused?
Ans. You can’t appeal ETA refusal in many cases, but you may apply for a UK visa instead. Check the refusal reason before reapplying or switch route.
Q5: Can I work or study long term on ETA?
Ans. No. ETA is for short stays only. For paid work or full degree study, you must get the relevant visa.
