From 8 January 2025 Register for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK
All eligible non-European nationals (such as nationals of the USA, Canada and Australia) who do not need a visa to visit the UK and do not already have an immigration status will be required to register for an electronic travel authorisation (‘ETA’) if they wish to travel to the UK from 8 January 2025.
As part of the UK government’s ongoing efforts to digitise and secure its borders, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme will soon become mandatory for many non-UK, non-Irish nationals visiting or transiting through the UK without a visa. First introduced in the March 2023 Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 1160), this new pre-travel requirement is gradually rolling out to different nationalities and will eventually apply to all non-visa nationals. If you’re wondering, “Do I need an ETA for the UK?”, this guide will help clarify.
Who Needs an ETA?
From 8 January 2025, all eligible non-European nationals who currently do not need a visa for short visits or who do not hold a UK immigration status must apply for an ETA before travelling. This applies to a number of countries including the USA, Canada, and Australia. Starting from 5 March 2025, the requirement extends to eligible European visitors as well—this is when UK ETA for EU citizens comes into effect for travel on or after 2 April 2025.
Why is the ETA Being Introduced?
The ETA scheme mirrors similar systems in other countries and aims to enhance border security and streamline the travel process. By requiring travelers to apply in advance, the UK government ensures that it has the necessary security information before you arrive, reducing potential issues at the border.
If you’ve used the US ESTA or are anticipating the EU’s forthcoming ETIAS, the UK’s ETA is a similar concept. By applying in advance, travelers provide personal details for security checks prior to arrival.
Who is Exempt?
You will not need an ETA if you:
- Are a British or Irish citizen
- Already hold visa or permission to live, work or study in the UK
- Are legally resident in and entering the UK from Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man
Rollout Phases and Changes
The ETA scheme was first introduced to Qatari nationals in 2023 and later extended to the nationals of the Gulf Cooperation Council states. From 27 November 2024, it became available to certain non-European nationalities for travel on or after 8 January 2025. Over time, all non-visa nationals will need an ETA.
Be aware that some nationalities have moved from non-visa to visa-required status (e.g., Jordanian and Colombian nationals), so it’s important to stay updated on changing requirements.
Scope and Validity of an ETA
An approved ETA permits visits to the UK for up to six months—for tourism, family visits, business trips, or short-term study. It also covers permitted paid engagements and, for those on the Creative Worker concession visas, stays of up to three months. If you’re coming to marry or to give notice to marry, you still need a Marriage Visitor visa.
Each ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and can be used for multiple entries. Every traveller, including children, requires their own ETA.
How to Complete the UK ETA Application
The UK ETA application can be completed via an online application form or the dedicated UK ETA app (which is available to download from Apple and Google stores). You will need to fill out the UK ETA application form, providing personal information and travel details. Once submitted, applications are typically processed within three working days.
ETA UK Fee and Costs
The ETA UK fee is £10 per applicant. Although holding an ETA does not guarantee entry, it is a prerequisite for boarding your transport to the UK. If your ETA application is refused, you must then apply for a standard visit visa or another appropriate visa route before you can travel.
Common UK ETA Questions
- Do I need ETA for UK? If you are a non-visa national traveling to the UK after the relevant roll-out date and do not have existing permission, yes.
- How do I apply? You can use the UK ETA online application portal or the app to complete the UK ETA application form.
- What about UK ETA for EU citizens? Starting 5 March 2025, most EU visitors who do not need a visa currently will need an ETA for travel on or after 2 April 2025.
- What is the ETA UK fee? £10 per applicant.
- If denied an ETA, you must apply for a regular visit visa or another visa category.
CDS Mayfair Are Here to Help
Understanding the ETA process can be complex. Our expert immigration team at CDS Mayfair can assist with the UK ETA application, guide you through common UK ETA questions, and ensure your UK ETA application form is completed correctly and efficiently. We will help you understand your obligations, whether you are a non-visa national or looking ahead to the requirements under the UK ETA for EU citizens.
If you would like further information please contact Elena Tsirlina +44 (0) 207 758 8170 elenatsirlina@cdsmayfair.com
The content on our site is provided for general information only. It is not intended to amount to legal or professional advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Although we make reasonable efforts to update the information on our site, we make no representations, warranties or guarantees, condition, undertaking or term either expressed or implied as to the condition, quality, performance, accuracy, fitness for purpose, completeness or freedom from viruses of the content contained on this site, including graphics, texts or otherwise or that any content on the site will be accurate, up-to-date, uninterrupted, complete, or error free.