The UK Government has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a mandatory digital approval for millions of travelers entering the UK. Designed to simplify border processes and enhance security, the ETA applies to visa-exempt visitors and is linked directly to the traveler’s passport.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what the ETA is, who needs it, and when you need to apply.
What is an ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel permit that allows eligible visitors to enter the UK for short stays (up to six months) for purposes such as tourism, business, or study.
It is:
–Not a visa but mandatory for visa-exempt travelers.
–Linked electronically to the traveller’s passport.
-Valid for multiple trips over two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Who Needs an ETA and When?
The ETA rollout will occur in phases based on nationality and travel dates:
Eligible Now
Nationals from the following countries can apply for an ETA today:
-Bahrain
-Kuwait
-Oman
-Qatar
-Saudi Arabia
-United Arab Emirates
-Traveling on or After 8 January 2025
Citizens from these countries can apply for an ETA now, but it will only be mandatory for travel from 8 January 2025:
1.Antigua and Barbuda
2.Argentina
3.Australia
4.The Bahamas
5.Barbados
6.Belize
7.Botswana
8.Brazil
9.Brunei
10.Canada
11.Chile
12.Costa Rica
13.Grenada
14.Guatemala
15.Guyana
16.Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British National Overseas)
17.Israel
18.Japan
19.Kiribati
20.Macao Special Administrative Region
21.Malaysia
22.Maldives
23.Marshall Islands
24.Mauritius
25.Mexico
26.Federated States of Micronesia
27.Nauru
28.New Zealand
29.Nicaragua
30.Palau
31.Panama
32.Papua New Guinea
33.Paraguay
34.Peru
35.Samoa
36.Seychelles
37.Singapore
38.Solomon Islands
39.South Korea
40.St Kitts and Nevis
41.St Lucia
42.St Vincent and the Grenadines
43.Taiwan (if the passport includes the identification card number issued by Taiwan’s competent authority)
44.Tonga
45.Trinidad and Tobago
46.Tuvalu
47.United States
48.Uruguay
From 2 April 2025
Starting 5 March 2025, nationals from European countries can apply for an ETA. From 2 April 2025, all European visitors will need an ETA for travel. This includes:
1.Andorra
2.Austria
3.Belgium
4.Bulgaria
5.Croatia
6.Cyprus
7.Czechia
8.Denmark
9.Estonia
10.Finland
11.France
12.Germany
13.Greece
14.Hungary
15.Iceland
16.Italy
17.Latvia
18.Liechtenstein
19.Lithuania
20.Luxembourg
21.Malta
22.Monaco
23.Netherlands
24.Norway
25.Poland
26.Portugal
27.Romania
28.San Marino
29.Slovakia
30.Slovenia
31.Spain
32.Sweden
33.Switzerland
34.Vatican City
By April 2025, all travellers to the UK (except British and Irish citizens) who do not require a visa for short stays must have an ETA or equivalent travel authorisation.
How Much Does an ETA Cost?
-The ETA costs £10 per application.
-It allows for multiple trips over two years.
-It permits stays of up to six months per visit.
Replacing Physical Documents with eVisas
The UK is also transitioning from physical immigration documents to eVisas, offering greater security and convenience. Digital systems like the ETA and eVisa:
-Prevent loss or theft of documents.
-Provide travelers with greater control over their data.
-Streamline the overall immigration process.
-Get Help with Your UK Travel Plans
The introduction of the ETA is a significant change for millions of visitors. At Breytenbachs Immigration Consultants, we specialize in simplifying UK immigration processes. Let us guide you through the application process so you can focus on your travel plans with confidence.
