Blog - 10/01/2025
Immigration
Expansion to the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme
The UK Government announced in March 2023 that the Electronic Travel Authorisation (“ETA”) Scheme would be gradually implemented and eventually apply to all non-visa nationals. This new system aims to change the way for many foreign nationals who will be travelling to the UK for visits.
On 08 January 2024, the Home Office extended the ETA system which now includes over 50 countries. The scheme was first opened in November 2023 to nationals of Qatar, followed by Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
The new scheme aims to improve border security and streamline entry for nationals of certain countries coming to the UK for visits. The system further aligns with international standards such as the US’s ESTA and the EU’s ETIAS as part of a wider global practice of managing visa-exempt travellers.
What is an ETA?
The ETA acts as a pre-travel authorisation scheme which individuals must complete and pay for before they can enter the UK. Nationals of certain countries (see below list) must now obtain an ETA prior to their journey to visit the UK. Previously, non-visa nationals (i.e. those nationals who did not have to apply for a visit visa before travelling to the UK) could either pass through the ePassport gates or request entry by visiting a Border Officer upon arrival. The newly expanded system requires those who seek to visit the United Kingdom to apply for and obtain an ETA prior to their visit to the United Kingdom; this is a mandatory requirement and individuals may be refused entry or unable to board a flight should they fail to provide confirmation of a valid ETA.
Do I need an ETA to travel to the UK?
You are required to obtain an ETA to travel to the United Kingdom if you are a national of the following countries:
Antigua and Barbuda | Japan | Peru |
Argentina | Kiribati | Qatar |
Australia | Kuwait | Samoa |
The Bahamas | Macao Special Administrative Region | Saudi Arabia |
Bahrain | Malaysia | Seychelles |
Barbados | Maldives | Singapore |
Belize | Marshall Islands | Solomon Islands |
Botswana | Mauritius | South Korea |
Brazil | Mexico | St Kitts and Nevis |
Brunei | Federated States of Micronesia | St Lucia |
Canada | Nauru | St Vincent and the Grenadines |
Chile | New Zealand | Taiwan |
Costa Rica | Nicaragua | Tonga |
Grenada | Oman | Trinidad and Tobago |
Guatemala | Palau | Tuvalu |
Guyana | Panama | United Arab Emirates |
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas) | Papua New Guinea | United States |
Israel | Paraguay | Uruguay |
How will this impact European Nationals:
From 02 April 2025, European nationals will be required to obtain and provide a valid ETA for their travel to the UK. The application for European nationals will open on 05 March 2025 and will be a mandatory requirement to obtain an ETA prior to travelling for those entering the UK on or after 02 April 2025.
How can I apply for an ETA?
ETA applications will be digital and there are two ways in which an application can be submitted: –
- The UK ETA App (available on both Apple and Android).
- Online Application Form which is provided on the GOV.UK website.
Applicants are required to complete a short application form in addition to providing their biometric data and a facial image.
What is the cost of an ETA and how long does will it take to be processed?
The ETA application costs £10 per applicant and takes approximately three working days to be processed and approved. In some situations, the processing time can be longer.
How long is the ETA valid for and how often can I visit?
The ETA is valid for two years or until an individual’s passport expires (whichever is sooner). Therefore, it is mandatory to travel on the passport on which you have applied for and obtained your ETA, especially if you have multiple nationalities and passports. If you obtain a new passport, you will need to submit a new application for your ETA.
The ETA allows for multiple visits to the UK over a 2-year period and allows visitors to remain in the UK for up to 6 months at a time per visit.
Who does not need an ETA?
You are not required to apply and provide a valid ETA if any of the following apply to you: –
- You are a British national.
- You are an Irish national.
- You have dual British or Irish nationality – EG: USA and British. Your British passport allows you to travel to the United Kingdom free of any restrictions.
- You have a valid UK visa and you can evidence this through your E-Visa Account or your biometric residence permit.
- You have indefinite leave to remain.
- You are a British Overseas Territory Citizen and you are travelling on your BOTC passport.
Should I print my ETA ahead of my travels?
It is always recommended to print your ETA confirmation ahead of your travel to the UK. Individuals are encouraged to travel with a hard copy to ensure that you are prepared in the situation of any technical issues or outages.
What if my ETA application is refused?
An ETA application can be either rejected or refused. If your application has been rejected, you can normally apply again. If you application has been refused and you would still like to travel to the UK, you would be required to make an entry clearance visitor visa application.
We regularly advise individuals and employers on obtaining authorisation for travel to the UK. If you would like to discuss your suitability for an ETA, or your options if you have been refused an ETA, please do not hesitate to contact our Head of Immigration, Sundeep Rathod.
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