The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme – Worldwide Rollout Announced
Field Seymour Parkes LLP
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The Home Office have progressed their plans to implement the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme by announcing dates for the worldwide rollout of the scheme.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is part of the UK government’s aim to digitise the UK border and immigration system by 2025. The ETA allows individuals to travel into the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study without a visa. Individuals who are transiting through the UK will also need to apply for an ETA.
Since the announcement of the scheme in 2022, only individuals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates have been eligible to apply for an ETA.
However, the Home Office announced that non-EU countries including Australia, USA, Canada New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore will be eligible to apply for an ETA from 27 November 2024 to travel to the UK from 8 January 2025.
EU countries will be able to apply for an ETA from 5 March 2025 to travel to the UK from 2 April 2025.
The full list of countries with the eligibility application dates can be found here .
You can apply for an ETA via the UK ETA App or online. In order to make an application you need:
In the application you will be required to upload a photo of your passport and your face. There is also an application fee of ￡10.
Once submitted, you will usually receive the outcome of your application within 3 working days.
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How long is an ETA valid for?
Your ETA will be valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (if less than 2 years). If you get a new passport, you must obtain a new ETA.
Please get in touch with us at [email protected] , if you require assistance with the ETA scheme or any other immigration enquires.
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