UK Electronic Travel Authorisation now required to enter the United Kingdom for visitors

As of today, Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA) has become a mandatory requirement for visitors to the United Kingdom from Europe.

A UK ETA is required if you are planning to cross the UK Border at an airport and “land” in the country.

The requirement for an ETA for airside transfer has been suspended for now (note that Heathrow and Manchester Airports allow air-side transfers. Other airports where you are transferring flights will require you to clear the UK Border and land in the country).

With the last wave (covering European Union and European Economic Area Countries), the ETA system has now been fully activated and a requirement for visitors to the United Kingdom

The rollouts were:

The full list is at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta.

Passport holders of countries that were in the previous waves will need to apply for an ETA (if allowed). In some cases, a Visa will be required if your country isn’t on any of the ETA lists.

Who doesn’t need an ETA?

You do not need an ETA if you meet any of the following criteria:

• You have a visa
• You have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)
• You are transiting through a UK airport and you will not pass through border control – check with your airline if you are not sure.
• 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
• You are a child travelling on the France-UK school trip travel information form
• You are exempt from immigration control

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.

You will need to

• Pay a fee
• Provide contact and passport details
• Provide a valid photo that complies with GOV.UK rules for digital photos
• Answer a set of questions

How much is it and what do I need?

A UK ETA currently costs £10.  Importantly, this is rising to £16 on the 9th of April.

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. At this time, it is not needed for transiting in the United Kingdom (as long as you remain air-side).

Who else is doing this?

Travel authorisations are the big thing this year, with the European Union planning to bring its ETIAS system eventually (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.

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
• ETA Fact Sheet – https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta-factsheet-march-2025/
• 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 for UK ETA via the app – https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation/easier-on-the-app

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