- Immigration
Shorter Reads
An ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK. The phased introduction of ETAs by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) started in early 2024, but will be fully rolled out for relevant visitors to the UK by 2 April 2025.
The scheme, which is currently only in force for nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, aims to enhance border security and reduce delays.
Whilst ETAs have only been partially introduced at present, their full rollout is imminent. This means that all ‘non-visa nationals’ (that is, nationals of any countries who do not currently require a visa to visit the UK) must be prepared for the upcoming changes.
2 minute read
Published 6 November 2024
An ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK. The phased introduction of ETAs by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) started in early 2024, but will be fully rolled out for relevant visitors to the UK by 2 April 2025.
The scheme, which is currently only in force for nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, aims to enhance border security and reduce delays.
Whilst ETAs have only been partially introduced at present, their full rollout is imminent. This means that all ‘non-visa nationals’ (that is, nationals of any countries who do not currently require a visa to visit the UK) must be prepared for the upcoming changes.
What is an ETA?
An ETA is not a physical document; rather, it is a digital authorisation linked to the holder’s passport.
It costs £10 and is valid for 2 years or until the expiry of the holder’s passport, whichever is sooner. Upon the expiry of an ETA, the holder will need to repay the fee in order to renew the ETA for another 2 year period.
The holder of an ETA will be able to stay in the UK for up to 6 months for the purposes of tourism, visiting family and/or friends, short-term study or limited business purposes.
Who needs an ETA?
Once the scheme is fully in force, anyone who does not currently need a visa to visit the UK (e.g. citizens of the USA or the European Union) will require an ETA to enter the country.
Conversely, an ETA will not be required for:
Nevertheless, due to the phased rollout of the scheme, some non-visa nationals will be required to obtain an ETA earlier than others:
However, nationals of countries who already need a Visitor visa to visit the UK will be unaffected. They must continue to apply for a Visitor visa before arriving in the UK as before and will not need to apply for an ETA.
If you are unsure whether nationals of your country will require an ETA, please see the following link, which includes a list of all nationalities who will require one: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-eta-national-list
How do I apply for an ETA?
To begin to apply for an ETA, the following link should be used: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
From there, applicants will be prompted to download the UK ETA app. Making an application via the app is the quickest way for applicants to obtain an ETA.
If an applicant cannot use the app, they can also apply online via the following link: https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/how-to-apply
Once an application has been made, applicants will usually receive a decision within 3 working days.
Related content
Shorter Reads
An ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK. The phased introduction of ETAs by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) started in early 2024, but will be fully rolled out for relevant visitors to the UK by 2 April 2025.
The scheme, which is currently only in force for nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, aims to enhance border security and reduce delays.
Whilst ETAs have only been partially introduced at present, their full rollout is imminent. This means that all ‘non-visa nationals’ (that is, nationals of any countries who do not currently require a visa to visit the UK) must be prepared for the upcoming changes.
Published 6 November 2024
An ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK. The phased introduction of ETAs by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) started in early 2024, but will be fully rolled out for relevant visitors to the UK by 2 April 2025.
The scheme, which is currently only in force for nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, aims to enhance border security and reduce delays.
Whilst ETAs have only been partially introduced at present, their full rollout is imminent. This means that all ‘non-visa nationals’ (that is, nationals of any countries who do not currently require a visa to visit the UK) must be prepared for the upcoming changes.
What is an ETA?
An ETA is not a physical document; rather, it is a digital authorisation linked to the holder’s passport.
It costs £10 and is valid for 2 years or until the expiry of the holder’s passport, whichever is sooner. Upon the expiry of an ETA, the holder will need to repay the fee in order to renew the ETA for another 2 year period.
The holder of an ETA will be able to stay in the UK for up to 6 months for the purposes of tourism, visiting family and/or friends, short-term study or limited business purposes.
Who needs an ETA?
Once the scheme is fully in force, anyone who does not currently need a visa to visit the UK (e.g. citizens of the USA or the European Union) will require an ETA to enter the country.
Conversely, an ETA will not be required for:
Nevertheless, due to the phased rollout of the scheme, some non-visa nationals will be required to obtain an ETA earlier than others:
However, nationals of countries who already need a Visitor visa to visit the UK will be unaffected. They must continue to apply for a Visitor visa before arriving in the UK as before and will not need to apply for an ETA.
If you are unsure whether nationals of your country will require an ETA, please see the following link, which includes a list of all nationalities who will require one: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-eta-national-list
How do I apply for an ETA?
To begin to apply for an ETA, the following link should be used: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
From there, applicants will be prompted to download the UK ETA app. Making an application via the app is the quickest way for applicants to obtain an ETA.
If an applicant cannot use the app, they can also apply online via the following link: https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/how-to-apply
Once an application has been made, applicants will usually receive a decision within 3 working days.
Need some more information? Make an enquiry below.
Subscribe
Please add your details and your areas of interest below
Article contributors
Partner - Head of Immigration
Specialising in Immigration
Enjoy reading our articles? why not subscribe to notifications so you’ll never miss one?
Subscribe to our articlesPlease note that Collyer Bristow provides this service during office hours for general information and enquiries only and that no legal or other professional advice will be provided over the WhatsApp platform. Please also note that if you choose to use this platform your personal data is likely to be processed outside the UK and EEA, including in the US. Appropriate legal or other professional opinion should be taken before taking or omitting to take any action in respect of any specific problem. Collyer Bristow LLP accepts no liability for any loss or damage which may arise from reliance on information provided. All information will be deleted immediately upon completion of a conversation.
Close