As travel regulations evolve, the UK is implementing new requirements for overseas visitors. One of the key updates is the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which will soon be mandatory for travellers from countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, and other non-European nations. British and Irish citizens are exempt from the ETA requirement. This blog will explore the ETA, how to apply for it, the associated costs, its validity, and important deadlines.
Top Takeaways for Travelers Researching the UK ETA
- Plan Ahead: The UK ETA will soon be mandatory for many visitors, so apply well in advance to avoid delays. Most applications are processed within hours, but allowing at least three days is a safe bet.
- Know Your Eligibility: The ETA is required for travellers from non-European visa-exempt countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia, with more countries joining in 2025. British and Irish citizens are exempt.
- Use Official Channels: Apply through the official UK government website or app to ensure your details are secure and avoid extra fees charged by third-party services.
- Understand Validity: Once approved, the ETA is valid for multiple entries over two years or until your passport expires, allowing stays of up to six months per visit.
- Stay Informed: Regulations may evolve, so check the official site for the latest updates on costs (currently £10), deadlines, and new eligible countries.
What is the ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an electronic visa waiver that allows eligible travellers to enter the UK for tourism, business, or other short stays. This system is designed to streamline border control processes and enhance security while facilitating easier travel for visitors. However, obtaining an ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK, as travellers must still demonstrate compliance with visitor rules and may face additional checks by immigration officers upon arrival.
Tour Guides Top tip
Denisa Blue Badge Tour Guide
Dont leave it to the last minute to apply! With any new scheme there are likely to be teething issues, make sure you allow adequate time, we recommend at least 3 working days, for you application to be processed
Key Details About the ETA
Initially, travellers from the USA, Canada, Australia, and several other non-European countries will be required to obtain an ETA before their trip. Most European countries will be added to the scheme in early 2025.
Mandatory starting dates:
Nationals from these Countries can currently apply:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
Nationals from these Countries can apply from 27th November 2024 (can travel to the UK from 8th January 2025):
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas)
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Macao Special Administrative Region
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Samoa
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Taiwan (if you have a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- United States
- Uruguay
Nationals from these Countries can apply from 5th March 2025 (can travel to the UK from 2nd April 2025)
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Vatican City
How to Apply for an ETA
Visit the Official ETA Website: Access the government’s official ETA application portal.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online form with your personal information, travel details, and passport information.
Provide Necessary Documents: Upload any required documents, such as a valid passport and a recent photograph, if needed.
If you obtain a new passport, you must apply for a new ETA to maintain your eligibility for entry into the UK.
Pay the Application Fee: The cost for the ETA is £10, although prices may vary, so check the official website for the most current fees.
Submit Your Application: After reviewing your information, submit your application. You should receive a confirmation email with further instructions.
Await Approval: Most applications are processed within a few hours, but it’s advisable to apply at least 3 days before your planned travel.
Costs and Validity of the UK ETA
Cost
The ETA application fee is £10. Check the official site for any updates or changes to this fee.
Validity
Once approved, the ETA will be valid for multiple entries into the UK over a period of up to two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Each stay can last up to six months. This means that if the traveller’s passport expires before the two-year period, the ETA will also expire, and a new application will be required with the new passport.
Tour Guides Top tip
Denisa Blue Badge Tour Guide
Use the official gov.uk website or app to apply. Do not give your details to any third parties
UK ETA Eligibility
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is designed for nationals of certain countries who do not need a visa for short stays in the UK and do not already have UK immigration status. Currently, the ETA scheme is available to nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. If you are from one of these countries, you can apply for an ETA to visit the UK.
To be eligible for an ETA, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a valid passport with at least six months of validity
- Be a national of an eligible country
- Not have a UK immigration status before travelling
- Not be a British or Irish citizen
- Not be a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship
If you meet these criteria, you can apply for an ETA online or through the UK ETA app. The process is straightforward and designed to make your travel to the UK as smooth as possible.
Important Considerations
Ensure Your Passport is Valid: Before applying, make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date from the UK.
Health and Travel Insurance: While the ETA allows you entry, it’s wise to have travel insurance to cover unexpected events during your trip.
Plan Ahead: Given that the ETA will be mandatory, ensure you apply well in advance of your travel dates to avoid any last-minute complications. Transit passengers at UK airports may also need to obtain an ETA.
Refused ETA Applications
In some cases, the Home Office may refuse an application for an ETA. Common reasons for refusal include:
- Unpaid debts to the NHS of £500 or more
- A history of immigration breaches or other immigration-related issues
- A history of criminal convictions
If your ETA application is refused, there is no right to administrative review or appeal against the decision. However, you may still be able to apply for a visa to visit the UK. When applying for a visa, you can provide additional supporting evidence to address the reasons for your ETA refusal.
UK ETA vs the EU’s ETIAS Scheme
The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is different from the EU’s European Travel and Information Authorisation System (ETIAS) scheme. While both are designed to enhance border security and streamline travel, they have different requirements and eligibility criteria.
The ETA scheme is for visitors to the UK who do not need a visa for short stays, whereas the ETIAS scheme is for visitors to the EU who do not need a visa for short stays. British citizens, UK residents, and non-EU citizens who travel frequently to the EU can find out more in our ETIAS guide, which is expected to launch in mid-2025.
It’s important to note that the ETA and ETIAS schemes are not linked. If you plan to visit both the UK and the EU, you will need to apply for both authorisations separately. This ensures that you meet the entry requirements for each region and can enjoy your travels without any issues.
Conclusion
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) represents a significant change for travellers planning to visit the UK. By understanding how to apply and what the requirements are, you can ensure a smoother entry into the country. If you’re still looking for inspiration for your visit then check out our London Travel Guide.
If you need some help planning your trip feel free to Contact Us!
FAQs about The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new entry requirement for travellers from visa-exempt countries who plan to visit the UK for short stays. It applies to visitors, including tourists, those on business trips, and transit passengers. British and Irish citizens are exempt, as are certain residents of Ireland travelling within the Common Travel Area.
You can apply for the UK ETA online or using the UK ETA app. The process involves submitting your passport details, a digital photo, contact information, and answers to a few suitability questions. Decisions are typically made within three working days.
The UK ETA costs £10 and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It can be used for multiple visits during its validity period.
The UK ETA scheme becomes mandatory starting January 2025 for eligible travellers from designated countries, ensuring sufficient time for individuals to prepare and apply.
Yes, even passengers transiting through UK airports must obtain an ETA. This measure enhances border security and ensures compliance with entry regulations.
