UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Everything You Need to Know
CS Global Partners - Government Citizenship Solutions?
Leading Government Advisory in Citizenship by Investment & Residency
As of 8 January 2025, the United Kingdom has implemented the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system.
This new travel measure will impact many international travellers and is designed to enhance border security, streamline entry processes, and ensure that only eligible travellers are permitted entry into the UK. Whether you’re planning a short trip, a business visit, or a holiday, here’s everything you need to know about the UK ETA and how it affects you.
What is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is an entry requirement for travellers from non-visa national countries who wish to visit the United Kingdom for short stays (up to six months) or to transit through the country.?
The ETA system is an electronic visa waiver programme, similar to those in place in other countries such as the U.S. and Canada.??
It is designed to pre-screen travellers before they board flights, ensuring that all individuals travelling to the UK have been cleared for entry.?
The ETA is not a visa
It does not grant the right to work, study, or remain in the UK beyond the allowed duration. Instead, it acts as a fast-tracked approval system.??
Who Does the ETA Affect?
The ETA requirement applies to nationals of countries that currently do not require a visa to visit the UK.??
This includes citizens of most EU countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and several others. Essentially, if you are travelling from a country on the list of non-visa nationals, you will need to apply for an ETA before entering the UK.?
It’s important to note that travellers who already hold a UK visa or those coming from countries that do require a visa (e.g., India, China) are not impacted by this new requirement.?
Do I Need an Electronic Travel Authorisation for the UK?
If you are a citizen of a country that does not require a visa for short stays in the UK, then yes, you will need an ETA starting from 8 January 2025. The ETA allows you to visit the UK for tourism, business meetings, or transit purposes for up to six months. However, this does not grant you permission to work, study, or stay beyond the permitted period.?
The ETA application is completed online and is a straightforward process. Travellers will need to provide basic personal information, travel details, and answers to a few security-related questions. The authorisation, once approved, will be electronically linked to your passport, meaning there is no need to carry any physical documents.?
Apply Now
Nationalities from the following locations (including associated territories) can apply for an ETA now.?
Apply from 5 March 2025
Nationalities from the following locations (including associated territories) can apply for an ETA from 5 March 2025. They can travel to the UK with an ETA from 2 April 2025.?
领英推荐
Travellers from the countries listed above will also be required to apply for an ETA if they are transiting through the UK, even if they do not plan to go through border control.?
For more information about the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), visit the UK government website here.?
UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need an ETA for the UK in 2025?
Yes, the UK ETA requirement will commence in 2025. If you are traveling to the UK from a country that doesn’t require a visa for short stays, you will still need to apply for an ETA. The system is expected to be a permanent feature of the UK’s border control framework, meaning travellers will need to ensure they apply for an ETA well in advance of their trip to avoid any issues at the border.?
What Does ETA Mean in the UK?
The term Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) refers to an online pre-screening process required by the UK Government for certain international travellers. The ETA is a travel authorisation that permits eligible travellers to enter the UK for short stays (tourism, business, transit). It is similar to an e-Visa system but does not grant the holder any right to work or study in the UK. The ETA is linked to your passport and is checked at the time of your departure or upon arrival in the UK.?
How Much is the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation?
The cost for applying for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is ￡10. This fee is applicable per individual application. The ETA is valid for up to two years, or until the expiration of your passport, whichever comes first. The application fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied, so it is essential to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria before applying.
Who Needs an ETA to Travel?
The ETA is required for nationals of countries that currently do not need a visa for short visits to the UK. This includes visitors coming to the UK for tourism, business, or transit purposes. Specific countries impacted by this requirement include:?
Travellers from other countries that require a visa for entry will not need an ETA, as they must obtain a traditional UK visa before traveling.?
What are the Entry Requirements for the UK in 2025?
In 2025, the entry requirements for the UK will largely remain the same, with the addition of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visa-exempt travellers.?
The requirements for entry include:?
Ensure that you apply for your ETA well in advance, as delays may occur if the application is submitted too close to your travel date.?
The UK’s introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation system streamlines the entry process for travellers while improving border security.??
The ETA is an essential travel document for many international travellers, and it is important to stay informed of the requirements and apply ahead of time. With the right preparation, your journey to the UK in 2025 and beyond will be hassle-free and efficient.?