UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Frequently Asked Questions

The scheme went live initially for Qatari nationals in October 2023, followed by nationals of other Gulf Cooperation Council countries in February 2024. The scheme will extend to all other non-Europeans from 8 January 2025 and Europeans will need an ETA to travel to the UK from 2 April 2025.

The government has said ETAs will allow them to gather accurate information regarding the numbers of people travelling to the UK and where they are travelling from. The intention is that border security will be enhanced by screening passengers before they travel and thereby identifying potential threats earlier.

What is an ETA?

An ETA provides a digital permission to travel to the UK. However, note, it does not confer permission to enter the UK, it is not a visa. Non-visa nationals such as US citizens will still have visa-free status therefore but will need an ETA prior to travel. As such, proof of a valid ETA will be required prior to boarding a flight, train, boat or other carrier into the UK.

The scheme is similar to the ESTA scheme for short term travel to the United States. It is an electronic only authorisation as opposed to a physical document placed in a passport and is required for those visiting the UK for short visits such as for tourism, business trips and transit.

Who will need one?

All Europeans and other non-visa nationals either visiting or transiting through the UK will need an ETA. Creative Workers coming to the UK for three months or less and relying on the Creative Worker Visa concession will also need to apply. The scheme will apply to adults and children.
The following will not need an ETA:

• British and Irish nationals;
• A non-Irish national who is lawfully resident in Ireland and is travelling to the UK from elsewhere in the Common Travel Area; and
• Individuals who are required to apply for a visa to enter the UK or already have a visa for the UK will not need to apply for an ETA as well.

How do you apply for an ETA?

Applications can be submitted online or via the UK ETA mobile phone app and there is no need to attend an application centre or biometric appointment. The ETA system works by screening visitors before they arrive in the UK. Travellers are required to provide:

• basic personal details
• passport data
• a photo of themselves
• security information

It is recommended that the application be completed at least three days before travel to the UK.

How long will an ETA be valid for?

An ETA will be valid for two years or until the applicant’s passport expires (whichever the sooner) and allow for multiple trips to the UK.

What will the cost be?

An ETA costs £10 per applicant.

What if the application is refused?

If the application is refused, the individual will need to apply for a visa to seek permission to come to the UK.

Timeline

The scheme is being rolled out in phases with travellers from progressively more countries requiring ETAs.

• 25 October 2023 – the scheme launched for Qatari nationals for travel from 15 November 2023.
• 1 February 2024 – the scheme launched for nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for travel from 22 February 2024.
• 27 November 2024 – the scheme will launch for nationals of non-European countries for travel
  from 8 January 2025.
• 5 March 2025 – the scheme will launch for nationals of European countries for travel from 2 April 2025.

Follow this link to find out when you will need an ETA.

Click here to download this alert as a handy one-pager.