Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an online, passport-linked permission that lets eligible travellers fly without a paper visa. EasyVisa.pk helps you confirm whether you need an ETA, an e-visa, or a full visa and apply the right way.
Key Facts About an Electronic Travel Authorization
An electronic travel authorization is a digital pre-screening clearance, not a visa. Here is what every traveller should understand before applying.
Quick answer: An ETA is a passport-linked permission for visa-exempt visitors. It is cheaper and faster than a visa but does not guarantee entry. Most ETA programs (UK, US, Canada) are for visa-exempt nationalities only and Pakistan is generally not on those lists, so Pakistani travellers usually still need a full visa.
- An ETA Is Not a Visa: It is permission to travel to a port of entry, not a guarantee of admission.
- A Border Officer Decides: Immigration officers confirm whether you are admissible on arrival.
- Eligibility Follows Your Passport: Your nationality determines whether you can use an ETA at all.
Which Countries Require an ETA?
Each system has its own eligibility list, fee, and validity. Here are the ETA programs Pakistani travellers ask about most.
UK ETA
£20, valid 2 years, multiple entries up to 6 months. For visa-exempt nationals only Pakistani passport holders are not eligible and need a UK Standard Visitor visa.
Canada eTA
CAD $7, valid up to 5 years, approved within minutes. Pakistanis usually need a visitor visa; an eTA applies only under Canada's limited expanded program.
US ESTA
US $40.27, valid 2 years. Run by CBP under DHS for Visa Waiver Program countries only Pakistanis need a B1/B2 visa instead.
Sri Lanka ETA
Open to Pakistani passport holders. Apply online before travel at eta.gov.lk; ETA holders receive a 30-day short-visit visa at the port of entry.
Pakistan ETA (NADRA)
For foreign visitors travelling to Pakistan. A visa-on-arrival authorization valid 90 days, verified by the FIA it is not the visa itself.
e-Visa Destinations
Many regional destinations use e-visa systems Pakistanis can apply for online directly, such as the Bahrain e-visa. Always confirm the route for your passport.
Need a visitor visa instead of an ETA? See our Canada visa for Pakistan, Canada visa types, and Bahrain e-visa guides.
Cost, Validity & Processing Time Compared
Current as of June 2026. Fees and rules change often always verify on the official portal before you pay.
| System | Fee (per person) | Validity | Stay per Visit | Processing | Open to Pakistanis? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK ETA | £20 | 2 years / passport expiry | Up to 6 months | Up to 3 working days | No Pakistanis need a UK visa |
| Canada eTA | CAD $7 | Up to 5 years / passport expiry | Up to 6 months | Often within minutes | Only under the expanded eTA program |
| US ESTA | US $40.27 | 2 years / passport expiry | Up to 90 days | Often within minutes | No Pakistanis need a US visa |
| Sri Lanka ETA | Free–US $50 (verify) | Up to 6 months | 30-day short visit | Minutes to hours | Yes |
| Pakistan ETA (NADRA) | Per visa category | 90 days from issue | Per visa granted on arrival | 48–96 hours | N/A for inbound foreigners |
The cheapest, fastest ETAs (Canada, UK, US) are the ones closed to most Pakistani travellers. The systems Pakistanis can actually use are the Sri Lanka ETA and for foreign guests coming to Pakistan the NADRA system.
Documents Required for an ETA Application
Core Requirements
- Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
- A working email address to receive the approval
- A credit or debit card for the fee
- A recent photograph (where required, e.g. NADRA)
- Personal and travel details, plus eligibility answers
Application Tips
- Double-check every field against your passport before paying
- Use only the official government portal, never a copycat site
- Apply a few days early some cases need manual review
- Answer all eligibility questions honestly
- Save the confirmation and reference number
How to Apply for an ETA
Step 1
Confirm eligibility can your nationality use the ETA, or do you need a visa?
Step 2
Open the official government portal only never a third-party site.
Step 3
Complete the form accurately, matching your passport details.
Step 4
Pay the fee usually non-refundable, even if refused.
Step 5
Submit, wait for approval, and save your reference number.
ETA for Pakistani Passport Holders
An ETA is not a universal shortcut. Eligibility depends entirely on your nationality and this is where generic guides get it wrong.
You Need a Full Visa (No ETA)
- United Kingdom apply for a UK Standard Visitor visa
- United States apply for a B1/B2 visa at the U.S. Embassy
- Most of the Schengen Area apply through the relevant consulate
- Canada usually a visitor visa (eTA only under the expanded program)
ETA / e-Visa Available to You
- Sri Lanka ETA open to Pakistani passport holders via eta.gov.lk
- Many regional destinations offer e-visas Pakistanis can use directly
- Pakistan's own NADRA ETA for foreign guests visiting Pakistan
Plan the right route with our visit visa, tourist visa, Pakistan visa requirements, and Pakistan new visa policy guides.
Why Choose EasyVisa.pk
Visa & ETA Experts
Over a decade guiding Pakistani travellers on ETAs, e-visas, and full visas worldwide.
Right Route Guidance
We confirm whether you need an ETA, an e-visa, or a full visa so you never waste a non-refundable fee.
Official-Portal Safe
We guide you to official government portals only and protect you from copycat scam sites.
Electronic Travel Authorization FAQs
Not Sure If You Need an ETA or a Visa?
Let EasyVisa.pk confirm the right route for your passport and destination and help you apply the safe, official way.