About ETA Travel Assistant
ETA Travel Assistant is an independent information resource that explains how electronic travel authorisations and visa requirements work for travellers heading to the UK, the United States, the EU, and New Zealand. Our goal is simple: to make ETA, ESTA, ETIAS, NZeTA and Schengen visa rules easy to understand before you book, apply, or travel.
Our mission
People researching a travel authorisation usually have the same questions: Do I need one? How much does it cost? How long does it take? What happens if I'm refused? Reliable answers are often buried in dense official guidance or scattered across unofficial, sometimes misleading, third-party sites. We exist to give you balanced, easy-to-read explanations so you can apply with confidence and avoid missed flights or refused boarding.
Who is behind this site
This website is created and edited by Can OTU, Travel Authorisation Editor. Every guide is researched, written and reviewed with a focus on accuracy, clarity and usefulness. We continually update our content as travel authorisation rules, fees and eligibility requirements change.
Learn more about the author and our editorial process →
How we research our guides
Every article on ETA Travel Assistant follows a consistent research process:
- Official sources first. Each guide is written with direct reference to the relevant government or programme authority — gov.uk for the UK ETA, the official ESTA portal for U.S. travel, the European Commission for ETIAS, and Immigration New Zealand for the NZeTA — rather than second-hand summaries.
- Verification. Key facts — fees, processing times, eligibility rules — are checked against the current official guidance before publication.
- Plain-English translation. Border and visa terminology is explained, not assumed, while preserving factual accuracy.
- Regular review. Travel authorisation rules change often. We review and update guides periodically, and pages show a visible "Updated" date when their content has been revised after first publication.
Our sources
Our guides draw on a range of official and authoritative sources, including:
- UK Government — gov.uk (UK ETA)
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — ESTA
- European Commission — ETIAS
- Immigration New Zealand — NZeTA
- European Commission — Schengen borders and visas
Our editorial principles
- Clarity first. We write in plain English and avoid unnecessary jargon.
- Accuracy. We base our guides on official travel authorisation sources and review them regularly.
- Independence. Our explanations are designed to inform, not to push you toward a specific visa agent or paid application shortcut.
- Transparency. Where something is general guidance rather than advice for your specific situation, we say so clearly.
- No immigration advice. This site provides general information only. Complex cases should be checked with the relevant authority or a qualified immigration professional.
Important disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only. Visa and travel authorisation rules change frequently. Always check the official government website before travelling.
Get in touch
Questions, corrections or feedback are always welcome. You can reach us at [email protected] or through our contact page.