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2026 visa changes — what's new2026 visa policy changes: what's different this year
🇦🇷Argentina
🇬🇧United KingdomAR-GB

Argentina to United Kingdom visa requirements

Argentine ordinary passport holders do NOT need a visa for short tourist visits to the UK, but since 8 January 2025 they must obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. It costs GBP 20, is valid 2 years for multiple entries, and permits stays of up to 6 months each. Argentina is on the UK's list of non-visa nationalities, so Argentine citizens cannot apply for a standard visitor visa for short tourism stays. Instead, since the scheme rolled out to Argentine nationals (applications from 27 November 2024, mandatory for travel on or after 8 January 2025), they must hold a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The ETA is a digital pre-travel permit linked to the passport, applied for online via the official UK ETA app or GOV.UK. As of 8 April 2026 the fee is GBP 20 (up from GBP 16). It allows multiple journeys for stays of up to 6 months at a time, valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Most decisions are automatic within minutes, but applicants should apply at least 3 working days before travel. The ETA covers tourism, visiting family/friends, short-term study, permitted business activities and medical treatment. It is required for entry to the UK, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) - visa-exempt entry
Maximum stay
Up to 6 months per visit
per entry
Entries
Multiple entries
from issue date
Visa fee
GBP 20
consular fee only
Processing time
Usually minutes; apply at least 3 working days ahead
standard track
Validity
2 years or until passport expires, whichever is sooner
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm your passport is valid
Ensure your Argentine ordinary passport is valid for the full duration of your trip. The ETA is linked electronically to this specific passport.
· Passport· Ordinary
/02
Download the UK ETA app or use GOV.UK
Apply via the official 'UK ETA' app (fastest) or the GOV.UK website. Avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees.
· Online· Official
/03
Complete the application and upload a photo
Provide passport details, a photo of your passport, and a facial photo. Answer security and suitability questions.
· Photo· Biometric photo
/04
Pay the GBP 20 fee
Pay the non-refundable application fee by card. The fee is GBP 20 per person, including children.
· GBP 20· Card payment
/05
Wait for the decision
Most applicants receive an automatic decision within minutes by email; some cases take up to 3 working days. Apply well before travel.
· Email decision· 3 working days
/06
Travel to the UK
Once approved, the ETA is digitally linked to your passport - no document to print. Travel within the 2-year validity for stays up to 6 months.
· Digital· No printout
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
Argentina -> United Kingdom · Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) - visa-exempt entry
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredValid Argentine ordinary passport
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredUK ETA approved and linked to passport
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredGBP 20 application fee paid (per person)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredDigital passport photo and facial photo
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
required
RequiredEmail address to receive ETA decision
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedProof of onward/return travel
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedEvidence of accommodation booking
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedSufficient funds for the stay
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
recommended
RecommendedTravel/health insurance
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedApply at least 3 working days before departure
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RequiredOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: GOV.UK - Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
UK ETA application feeGBP 20Per person including children; non-refundable; as of 8 April 2026 (was GBP 16)
Third-party agent fee (optional)GBP 0Not needed - apply directly via official app/GOV.UK to avoid markups
Total estimateGBP 20GBP 20incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

GOV.UK website application
Up to 3 working days
Official online alternative to the app for the same GBP 20 fee
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Tourism and sightseeing
Short leisure trips to the UK for up to 6 months per visit
High
/02
Visiting friends and family
Argentine nationals visiting relatives or friends resident in the UK
High
/03
Permitted business activities
Meetings, conferences and short business visits allowed under the ETA
Medium
/04
Short-term study
Courses of up to 6 months are permitted on an ETA
Medium
/05
Medical treatment / transit
Private medical treatment and airside/landside transit through the UK
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Argentina to United Kingdom route verified
Confirmed via GOV.UK and Home Office April 2026 ETA factsheet that Argentine nationals need a UK ETA (not a visa); fee updated to GBP 20 as of 8 April 2026.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Argentine citizens need a visa to visit the UK as tourists?
No. Argentina is a non-visa nationality for short visits, but travellers must obtain a UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before travelling for stays of up to 6 months.
How much does the UK ETA cost?+
How long is the UK ETA valid?+
How long does it take to get the ETA?+
How do I apply for the UK ETA?+
What can I do on a UK ETA?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Argentina passport

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