Planning a visit to the UK? Here’s what you need to know about the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

If you’re planning to visit the UK and you’re from a country that doesn’t require a visa for short stays, there’s an important update you should be aware of; the UK is introducing the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. This new requirement is part of the UK’s effort to improve its border security and will soon apply to visitors from many visa-free countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and European nations.

Here’s what you need to know about the ETA, how it affects your travel plans, and when you’ll need to apply for one.

In the latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 217), published  September 2024, the UK government announced the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. An ETA is a form of pre-approval required for visitors from visa-free countries who wish to visit the UK for short stays, typically up to six months. The implementation of ETAs is part of the UK’s plan to fully digitize its borders by 2025 and a way for the UK government to assess visitors in advance, providing enhanced security measures at the border. Unlike a visa, an ETA does not grant the right to reside or work in the UK—it simply authorizes entry for short stays.

Once the ETA scheme is in place for your country, you’ll need to apply for it online before your trip. The process is simple, and most people will be able to apply using a mobile app. The application costs £10, and you’ll usually get a decision within 72 hours.

The UK is rolling out the ETA in phases, so when you’ll need to apply depends on your nationality. Here’s a quick breakdown of when the ETA will apply to different countries:

• From 15 November 2023: Visitors from Qatar will need an ETA.
• From 22 February 2024: visitors from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will be required to have an ETA.
• From 8 January 2025: Visitors from countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, 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, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan (only those who hold a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan), The Bahamas, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States and Uruguay will need to apply for an ETA.
• From 2 April 2025: EU and EEA citizens, as well as visitors from Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland and Vatican City will need an ETA.

If you’re a national of any of these countries, you’ll need an ETA for any travel to the UK, even if it’s just for a short holiday. Irish nationals, and those already holding UK visas or other immigration permissions, do not need to apply for an ETA when coming in and out of the UK. 

The application process for an ETA is straightforward. You will need to provide basic personal and travel information, including:

• A valid biometric passport.
• Travel details (e.g., dates of travel, flight information).
• Payment of a £10 fee.

You’ll also be asked some questions to confirm you meet the UK’s suitability requirements, such as ensuring you have no significant criminal history or previous immigration violations. 

Most applications are approved within three days, but the government advises submitting the application several days in advance of your trip.

While most people will receive their ETA without issue, there are certain suitability criteria that must be met. For instance, individuals with serious criminal convictions, past immigration violations, or other events deemed “non-conducive to the public good” may be refused an ETA.

If your application for an ETA is not approved, it doesn’t mean you’re barred from visiting the UK. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a traditional visitor visa, which is a more detailed process that goes further into investigating any complex issues that may have triggered the refusal of their ETA.

Additionally, the Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 217) introduces three additional refusal grounds meaning that those who have previously overstayed in the UK, have had a visa refused, or a past ETA cancelled, may also find themselves ineligible for an ETA. In such cases, it is recommended to seek immigration legal advice before applying or to explore other visa options. 

Someone who tries to travel without an ETA is likely to be denied boarding by their carrier and may be refused entry at the UK border. 

The UK’s ETA scheme is part of a wider plan to digitise border control and make entry smoother for travellers. By approving visitors before they arrive, the UK hopes to reduce delays at airports and enhance security. It also allows better screening of travellers for potential risks ahead of time, making the process faster for those who are eligible to enter.

The UK government has specifically linked the ETA to its ongoing efforts to modernize its immigration controls under the Immigration Rules. The goal is to align the ETA system with other UK immigration procedures, such as the newly introduced e-Visas ensuring a cohesive entry process for all visitors.