What is An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a mandatory entry document for certain travelers. It grants permission to visit specific countries without the need for a traditional visa. Designed to simplify the travel process, an ETA ensures a seamless experience for eligible visitors.
By April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK. From 27 November 2024, eligible non-Europeans can apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025. ETAs will then extend to eligible Europeans from 5 March 2025, who will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.
Who Needs an ETA?
Travelers from visa-exempt countries often require an ETA. Before planning your trip, confirm whether your destination mandates this document. Additionally, certain work or study travelers may need an ETA despite their visa-free status. Always verify requirements to avoid complications.
How does ETA work?
ETAs are digitally linked to a traveller’s passport and ensure more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK, helping to prevent abuse of our immigration system. An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time over 2 years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
How much does an Electronic Travel Authorisation ETA cost?
- An ETA costs £10.
- This cost is competitive and comparable with similar international schemes by international partners.
How do people apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation ETA?
- The application process is simple and fast. Applicants usually get a decision within three working days, but they may get a quicker decision.
- The easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the ‘UK ETA app’. Individuals can also search for ‘Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation to come to the UK’ on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone.
- To apply for an ETA, individuals need to:
- Pay a fee
- Provide contact and passport details
- Provide a valid photo, complying with our rules for digital photos on GOV.UK
- Answer a set of questions
- Individuals must travel using the same passport they used when they applied for an ETA.
What happens if someone is refused an ETA?
- If an individual’s ETA application is refused, they will need to apply for a visa if they wish to seek permission come to the UK.
Key dates for the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
The ETA requirement already applies to nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
The key dates for the scheme’s continued rollout are as follows:
- The ETA requirement will apply to all remaining non-European visa-exempt nationalities for travel to the UK on or after 8 January 2025. These nationalities will be able to apply for an ETA from 27 November 2024.
- The ETA requirement will apply to all European visa-exempt nationalities for travel to the UK on or after 2 April 2025. These nationalities will be able to apply for an ETA from 5 March 2025.
