The United Kingdom (UK) recently implemented an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme to enhance pre-arrival screening of non-visa nationals who intend to visit or transit the UK without a visa. This means that nationals who previously did not need a visa to enter the UK must now apply for an ETA in advance of traveling.
This initiative marks a significant step towards tightening immigration controls by providing a comprehensive understanding of all visitors to the UK. This new process makes entry into the UK more secure and efficient for travelers.
Who Does This Apply To?
The new ETA scheme applies to all nationals who do not currently require a visa to travel to the UK and who do not hold any other UK immigration status. Details can be found on the UK government’s webpage.
How Does It Work?
Nationals from non-visa countries must apply for an ETA in advance of traveling to the UK.
- Currently Eligible – nationals from certain countries can apply for an ETA today (see below).
- Non-European Nationals – can start applying for an ETA on November 27, 2024, and will need the ETA to enter the UK from January 8, 2025.
- European Nationals – can apply for an ETA starting March 5, 2025, and will require the ETA to enter the UK from April 2, 2025.
Refer to the list of eligible nationalities for each phase at the end of this article.
The Application Process
Similar to the ESTA in the United States, ETAs are digitally linked to the traveler’s passport, allowing smoother and more secure immigration processing.
The fastest way to apply is by using the UK ETA app, available for Android and iOS. When applying on behalf of others who are not present at the time of application, the online application option is more suitable.
Applicants will need to submit personal information in a single session. Before starting the application, refer to the instructions on the UK government’s webpage.
Processing Time
The system operates using an online application whose information is checked against security databases. If the system does not find adverse information about the applicant, the travel authorization is granted automatically, otherwise, the application is forwarded to an officer to decide whether to grant the authorization.
The system is expected to provide a response within three working days.
Application Cost
The cost for applying for an ETA is £10, which applies to all travelers, including children and infants.
Validity
Once granted, an ETA is valid for two years allowing unlimited entries into the UK during that period. Visitors may stay for up to six months per visit but must reapply if a new passport is issued.
Nationalities Eligible to Apply
Eligible to Apply Now
Nationals from the following countries can apply for an ETA today: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Eligible to Apply Starting November 27, 2024
Nationals from these countries may apply for an ETA starting November 27, 2024, and must have an ETA to travel to the UK starting January 8, 2025: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, The Bahamas, 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, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan (if you have a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan), Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States, Uruguay.
Eligible to Apply Starting March 5, 2025
Nationals from these countries may apply for an ETA starting March 5, 2025, and must have an ETA to travel to the UK starting April 2, 2025: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City.
