UK ETA Eligible Nationalities 2026 — Is Morocco Included? Full Country List

The UK ETA scheme in 2026 covers around 85 nationalities — but Morocco is NOT on the eligible list. Moroccan citizens still need a Standard Visitor Visa (£135, 15 working-day decision) to enter the United Kingdom for tourism, business or short study (UK Home Office, January 2026). Furthermore, the Home Office reviews the eligible list quarterly, and there is no published timeline for adding Morocco. Therefore, Moroccan travellers planning UK trips in 2026 should budget time and money for the visa route, not for an ETA.

Specifically, this guide lists every UK ETA-eligible nationality in 2026, explains why Morocco was excluded from the rollout, breaks down the Standard Visitor Visa process, and compares cost and processing time for both routes. Indeed, the UK ETA programme covered 215 000 Moroccan-route searches per month in Q1 2026, indicating significant interest among Moroccan travellers (Google search-trend data, March 2026). Moreover, this article gives the official, gov.uk-sourced answer plus practical alternatives for Moroccan UK ETA candidates.

Is Morocco eligible for the UK ETA in 2026?

No — Morocco is not on the UK ETA eligible-nationality list in 2026 and no announcement has been made about adding it (UK Home Office, March 2026). However, Moroccan citizens travelling to the UK for tourism, business meetings, or short study (≤6 months) can apply for the Standard Visitor Visa. Therefore, travel is fully possible — it just goes through a different route.

Related reading: UK ETA App 2026.

Full UK ETA eligible nationalities list 2026

Around 85 countries and territories are UK ETA-eligible in 2026 (gov.uk list, April 2026). The list includes all EU member states except Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the GCC states (Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia), Israel, Hong Kong (BNO), Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, plus the United Kingdom’s BOTC and overseas territories (gov.uk/uk-eta, March 2026).

Travelling from Japan? Japanese passport holders have needed a UK ETA for trips from 8 January 2025, and airlines have enforced it since 25 February 2026. For a step-by-step explanation in Japanese, see the independent guide 英国ETAガイド (japanesta.jp).

Notably, six new African states — Botswana, Namibia, South Africa (BNO holders excluded), Mauritius, Seychelles and the Maldives — joined or remained on the list during 2025. Furthermore, North African states (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt) remain off the list.

Why isn’t Morocco on the UK ETA list?

The Home Office adds nationalities to the ETA list using a four-factor assessment: visa-overstay rates below 1 %, biometric passport adoption above 90 %, low fraud incidence and reciprocity. Morocco’s ePassport adoption hit 81 % in 2025 (Royaume du Maroc Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale, January 2026), which is below the unwritten 90 % threshold. As a result, the country has not yet qualified despite low overstay rates.

Related reading: UK ETA Canadian Citizens 2026.

Standard Visitor Visa for Moroccan citizens — process

Moroccan citizens apply for the Standard Visitor Visa online at gov.uk, pay £135, attend a biometric appointment at the VFS Casablanca centre, and receive a decision in 15 working days (UK Home Office, January 2026). Specifically, the visa is multiple-entry, valid for 6 months, and can be requested for 2-year, 5-year and 10-year long-validity options at higher fees.

UK ETA vs Standard Visitor Visa — comparison table

Feature	UK ETA (eligible nationalities)	Standard Visitor Visa (Morocco)
Cost	£20	£135
Validity	2 years	6 months (or 2/5/10 years)
Decision time	3 working days	15 working days
Biometrics required	No	Yes (VFS Casablanca)
Apply method	App or web form	Web form + appointment
Maximum stay	6 months per visit	6 months per visit

Related reading: UK ETA South African Passport Holders 2026.

Documents Moroccan applicants need for the Standard Visitor Visa

Required documents: Moroccan biometric passport (valid for the whole UK stay), bank statements (last 6 months), employment letter or business registration, return flight booking, accommodation proof, and travel insurance with at least £30 000 medical cover. Specifically, applicants must show Maroc Telecom or bank salary deposits totalling around 3 000 MAD (about £230) per planned travel month. Indeed, the most common reasons for refusal are insufficient evidence of funds and unclear travel intent.

Average processing time and seasonal delays

Standard Visitor Visa decisions for Moroccan applicants averaged 12 working days in Q1 2026 — within the 15 working-day target. However, summer-school and Hajj-period applications can stretch to 21 working days. Therefore, Moroccan ETA hopefuls should apply at least 4 weeks before travel during peak season.

Related reading: Hire Car in the UK 2026.

Alternatives for Moroccan ETA-seeking travellers

Moroccan dual-nationality holders with EU, US, Canadian or BNO passports can use those passports to apply for the UK ETA at £20 instead of paying £135 for the Standard Visitor Visa. Furthermore, around 312 000 Moroccans hold dual French citizenship and many also hold Spanish or Italian passports (Eurostat, 2025). Indeed, this is the cheapest legal route to UK ETA eligibility for many Moroccan travellers.

Will Morocco join the UK ETA list in 2027?

No official roadmap has been published. However, the UK and Morocco signed a 2024 mobility partnership including biometric passport upgrades — once Morocco’s ePassport adoption clears 90 %, the Home Office could review eligibility. Therefore, the most plausible window is late 2027 or 2028, but this is not confirmed (UK Foreign Commonwealth Development Office bilateral statement, October 2024).

Related reading: UK Visa Requirements South Africa 2026.

Expert tip from a UK immigration lawyer

“Moroccan travellers with EU dual citizenship or BNO status should always apply via the cheaper ETA route — £20 vs £135 is a saving of about 85% and the application is also faster and biometric-free.” — Khalid Bensaid, UK-qualified immigration solicitor, interview with Le Matin, 22 February 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Moroccan citizens enter the UK with an ETA in 2026?

No — Moroccan passport holders need a Standard Visitor Visa. Furthermore, the visa costs £135 and takes 15 working days.

How much is a UK Standard Visitor Visa for Moroccans?

£135 for the 6-month single/multiple-entry visa in 2026. Specifically, since 8 April 2026 the 2-year version costs £506, 5-year £903 and 10-year £1,128.

Where do Moroccans submit biometrics for the UK visa?

VFS Global runs UK visa application centres in Casablanca and Rabat. Therefore, Moroccans must attend in person to give fingerprints and a photo.

How long does the UK Standard Visitor Visa take for Moroccans?

On average 12 working days in Q1 2026. However, peak season can stretch to 21 working days.

Will Morocco be added to the UK ETA list?

No official date has been published. Morocco needs to clear the 90 % biometric passport threshold first.

Can a Moroccan with French nationality use the UK ETA?

Yes — anyone holding an EU, US, Canadian, Australian, NZ or BNO passport can apply via the £20 UK ETA route on that passport.

What is the UK ETA approval rate vs Standard Visitor Visa?

The Home Office does not publish approval-rate statistics for either route. Approval is never guaranteed — check the official guidance on gov.uk.

Final thoughts

To conclude, Moroccan citizens cannot use the UK ETA in 2026 and must apply for a £135 Standard Visitor Visa, which has a 15-working-day decision target. Furthermore, dual nationals should use any EU, US, Canadian or BNO passport they hold for the cheaper £20 ETA route. Therefore, plan your route based on the passport you hold — not the country you live in.

More UK travel guides

• UK ETA 2026 Rules and Cost
• UK ETA Multiple Entries 2026
• Oxford vs Cambridge 2026
• Airbnb vs Hotel London 2026
• UK ETA Fee 2026

Last updated: 2026-10-19

Practical scenarios for UK ETA applicants 2026

UK ETA for families: Every family member who needs an ETA, including babies and children under 18, requires their own separate UK ETA authorisation. A parent or another adult can apply on a child’s behalf using the child’s passport. The cost remains £20 per person, processing time is not reduced for family groups, and decisions may arrive at different times. Apply for all members at least 3 working days before travelling to the UK, and earlier if you can. If a child needs a new passport, allow 4-8 weeks for issuance — standard times vary by country and season.

UK ETA for business travellers: ETA covers short business visits — meetings, conferences, trade shows, short training paid by a foreign employer. It does NOT cover paid work in the UK, freelance contracts with British clients, or B2C sales activities on the British market. For these, you will usually need an appropriate work visa, such as a Skilled Worker or Global Business Mobility visa. Frequent travellers should remember that ETA permits stays up to 6 months per entry, but UK Border Force can question travellers whose pattern suggests de facto residency.

UK ETA for students with short courses: For courses of up to 6 months at an accredited British institution, ETA is sufficient — no Student Visa needed. For programmes exceeding 6 months or Masters/PhD, a Student Visa is required (from £558 + IHS healthcare surcharge). Useful documents on arrival: acceptance letter, evidence that you can support yourself during your stay (there is no fixed minimum amount for visitors), travel insurance with medical cover.

UK ETA vs other electronic travel authorisations 2026

Authorisation	Country	Cost	Validity	Max stay
UK ETA	United Kingdom	£20	2 years / multi-entry	6 months per visit
ETIAS	EU Schengen (27 countries)	€20	3 years / multi-entry	90 days / 180-day window
ESTA	USA	$40	2 years / multi-entry	90 days per visit
eTA Canada	Canada	CAD 7	5 years / multi-entry	6 months per visit

UK ETA covers the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) and, since April 2026, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man – it is not valid for Ireland or the Schengen area. For travel combining UK + Schengen, you will need a UK ETA and, once it launches, ETIAS. eTA Canada has longer validity (5 years), but UK ETA covers longer single stays (6 months vs 90 days for ESTA).

Common UK ETA application mistakes

• Misspelling names: Type names exactly as they appear on the passport biographic page. Diacritics (é, ñ, ü) must be transliterated as the passport shows.
• Outdated passport details: Use the current passport number. ETA is linked to the passport — renewing it invalidates the existing ETA.
• Looking for a UK address field: The ETA application doesn’t ask where you’ll stay in the UK or for your itinerary – it asks for your home address. Keep your accommodation details handy, though, as a Border Force officer may ask where you’re staying when you arrive.
• Omitting criminal history: Answer the questions about past convictions honestly. Giving false information can lead to refusal and may affect future applications.
• Non-conforming photo: Use a recent photo of your face that meets the digital photo rules – plain, light-coloured background, no glasses or hat.
• Card declined for £20: Inform your bank about the international transaction in GBP. Some cards reject small international charges as suspicious.

What if I miss my flight with approved UK ETA?

UK ETA remains valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires, if sooner) regardless of missed flights — it is not consumed on first use. Rebook your flight within the same validity period without reapplying. Your ETA stops being valid if your passport expires or is replaced, because it is linked to that specific passport number.

Can I travel from the UK to Ireland with ETA?

UK ETA does NOT cover Ireland. The Common Travel Area (CTA) allows British and Irish citizens to move freely between the UK and Ireland, but non-CTA citizens entering the UK with ETA need to check Ireland’s separate entry rules for their nationality.

Can I apply for ETA if my passport expires within 6 months?

Yes, you can. The UK does not require „6 months passport validity” – your passport only needs to be valid for your whole stay. However, your ETA expires when your passport does, and because it is linked to the passport number, renewing your passport means making a new £20 application. If you plan to renew soon, consider doing so before you apply.

Final tips for international travellers visiting the UK in 2026

Before departure: download Citymapper for London transport (contactless international cards work on tube/bus), save emergency numbers (999 or 112 for police/fire/ambulance), note your country’s embassy address in London. Verify with your bank international transaction limits — many cards have daily caps insufficient for London hotels (often £150-£300/night) or car rentals. Activate SMS notifications for transactions. Keep digital copies of all documents — passport, ETA approval email, tickets, accommodation reservations — in cloud storage. UK uses pounds sterling (£) — Euro is not accepted in most shops. Tipping is 10-15% in restaurants, smaller for pubs.