UK Introduces Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme for Visa-Exempt Travellers

At a Glance

• The ETA requirement applies to individuals visiting the UK for tourism, business, short-term study (up to six months) or transit who do not currently require a visa. U.S. citizens and nationals of many other visa-exempt countries will need an ETA before travelling.
• The ETA is valid for multiple trips over two years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever occurs first. However, ETAs are not transferrable between passports, meaning that a new ETA application will be needed if a passport is lost and replaced.
• Individuals who are planning to travel to the UK must confirm whether they need an ETA based on their travel purpose and immigration status, and if needed, apply for and have approved an ETA application before they travel, to ensure compliance with UK entry requirements.

As part of its enhanced border security measures, the United Kingdom (UK) government has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. The ETA will apply to visitors from visa-exempt countries, requiring them to obtain permission to travel to the UK for short-term stays (up to six months). This measure aligns with the UK’s broader efforts to conduct security checks prior to travel and streamline the entry processes at the border. 

Who Will Need an ETA?

The ETA requirement applies to individuals visiting the UK for tourism, business, short-term study (up to six months) or transit who do not currently require a visa. U.S. citizens and nationals of many other visa-exempt countries will need an ETA before travelling. 

Exceptions to the ETA requirements include:

• Irish citizens
• Holders of UK residence permits (e.g., a Skilled Worker visa) or other visa
• British Overseas Territory Citizens
• Certain categories covered by international agreements (e.g., Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA))

Each traveller, regardless of age, must apply for their own ETA. Therefore, for example, if you are travelling with your children, a separate application must be made on behalf of each child. 

What Is an ETA? 

An ETA is not a visa. It is a digital travel permission required for visa-exempt individuals visiting the UK. Similar to systems such as the United States’ Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) or Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), the UK’s system allows travellers to retain their visa-free status whilst meeting pre-travel authorisation. 

The ETA is valid for multiple trips over two years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever occurs first. However, ETAs are not transferrable between passports, meaning that a new ETA application will be needed if a passport is lost and replaced. 

How to Apply

Applications for an ETA can be submitted online or via the UK ETA app. In the application form, travellers must provide: 

• Passport details
• General personal information, including date of birth and marital status
• Travel history
• Responses to questions regarding criminal history

The application fee is £10 (approximately US$12); and once submitted, the application should be considered within three working days. Most individuals will receive a quick decision; however some individuals, such as those with an adverse criminal or immigration history, should expect lengthier processing times. 

Travellers can submit an application up to three months ahead of the travel date and, at the latest, must have their application approved at least six hours before travel.

Successful applicants will receive an email from the Home Office confirming the issuance of their ETA. This confirmation email must be presented to carrier staff and border officers upon request. A new ETA application will be required if this email is lost. 

If the ETA application is not approved in time for travel, the applicant may be permitted to board by showing confirmation of the application’s submission, but a denial of boarding is more likely. 

Travellers who are denied an ETA will be required to apply for a visit visa instead. 

Implementation Timeline

The ETA requirements have been implemented in phases since the end of 2023. 

The application process is already in place for individuals of the following nationalities: 

• Bahrain
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

For this set of nationals, it is now mandatory to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK. 

On the 27 November 2024, the application process opened for the following set of nationalities:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Australia 
• Barbados
• Belize
• Botswana
• Brazil
• Brunei
• Canada
• Chile
• Colombia
• Costa Rica
• Granada
• Guatemala
• Guyana
• Hong Kong
• Israel
• Japan
• Kiribati
• Macao
• Malaysia
• Maldives
• Marshall Islands
• Mauritius
• Mexico
• Federated States of Micronesia
• Nauru
• New Zealand 
• Nicaragua
• Palau
• Panama
• Papua New Guinea 
• Paraguay
• Peru
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St. Vincent and Grenadines
• Seychelles
• Singapore
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea 
• Samoa
• Taiwan
• The Bahamas
• Tonga 
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tuvalu
• United States
• Uruguay

An ETA will become a mandatory requirement for all nationalities appearing in the above table who seek to travel to the UK on or after 8 January 2025. 

Finally, the ETA application process will open on 5 March 2025 for European nationals, and it will become a mandatory requirement for them if they seek to travel to the UK on or after April 2025. 

Next Steps for Travellers

Individuals who are planning to travel to the UK must:

• Confirm whether they need an ETA based on their travel purpose and immigration status
• If needed, apply for and have approved an ETA application before they travel, to ensure compliance with UK entry requirements

For More Information

Should you have questions or concerns about the ETA, please contact the authors.