If your travels involve travelling to or through the United Kingdom, you will need to plan one extra step ahead. The country has extended the rollout of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) programme.
Now Live for non-EU visitors – Image, https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/easier-on-the-app
The UK ETA is very much like the US ESTA. It is a travel authorisaion – or is a digital permission to travel to the United Kingdom (although some will argue it is a visa).
It is a comparatively “light-touch” screening system, whilst leaving entry at the discussion of the border agent (or machine if you’re allowed to use the ePassport gates).
Who needs an ETA?
You’ll need an ETA if you are coming to the UK :
- For up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study
- For up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
- For a permitted paid engagement
- if you are transiting through the UK – including if you are not going through UK border control
You don’t need an ETA if you:
- Have a visa
- Have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)
- You are a British or Irish citizen
- You are travelling with a British Overseas Territories citizen passport
- You live in Ireland and you are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
There are very specific things in the requirements and exceptions. You need to check https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta before applying.
Rollout
Stage 1 of the rollout affected visitors from Gulf countries. Qatar was first, which were followed by a series of Gulf countries including:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
We’re now at Stage 2 of the rollout, where it’s all other countries that can enter the United Kingdom without a Visa, but excludes the European Union. This is for travel from 8th January 2025. These include:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- 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
The third stage – when applications open on 5 March 2025, for travel from 2 April 2025. This will target European Union members and associated countries, including:
- 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
If the passport of your country is not listed above, you need a Visa to enter the United Kingdom as you always did.
The full list is at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta.
How do I apply?
Head to https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta. You can also download an App from the Google Play or Apple Store to complete the form filling if you feel the urge.
How much is it and what do I need?
It costs £10 to apply. Everyone travelling to the United Kingdom (bar the exceptions above) will need to get an ETA, including babies and children. Like the US ESTA scheme, once you apply, you cannot get a refund.
You can pay with a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
You will need your passports (for all those who are applying) as well as the face of the person applying. If you’re using the apps too, you’ll need a biometric passport so your phone’s NFC reader can read the chip.
As part of the ETA process, you do not need to enter your travel plans at this time.
How long is it valid for?
A UK ETA will be valid for two years and will allow for multiple entries into the United Kingdom.
Who else is doing this?
Travel authorisations are the big thing this year, with the European Union planning to bring its ETIAS system in soon (although they’ve been saying soon for far too long), as well as Japan planning to start its J-ESTA Programme.
Established countries that require pre-authorization before you travel include the USA with its ESTA programme, Singapore’s Electronic arrival card, Canada’s eTA, New Zealand’s NZeTA, South Korea’s K-ETA and Australia’s ETA.
And yes, all of these have costs attached (except Singapore’s). Other countries have electronic arrival cards that need to be submitted before landing in the country.
What’s that ancient term?
Check before you travel to ensure you have the correct documentation. There’s nothing like being denied permission to board a flight because you haven’t filled in a form..
References:
- Apply for a UK ETA – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
- When can you obtain an ETA – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
- UK Government Press Release – Phase 2 Rollout – https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-opens-pre-travel-requirement-to-non-europeans
- UK ETA notes for Irish Citizens – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-residents-of-ireland
- Sign up to UK ETA via app – https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/easier-on-the-app
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