Persons who do not need a visa to travel to the UK will soon have to meet the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement. The ETA will give a person permission to travel to the UK and is electronically linked to the person’s passport.
The ETA is valid for two years. However, if your passport expires in less than two years, you must apply for a new one.
Always check with your Breytenbachs consultant for which visa you need to apply before travelling to the UK.
What Nationalities Can Apply?
Nationals from Qatar can apply if they are travelling to the UK on or after 15 November 2023.
From 1 February 2024 the scheme is also open to nationals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Nationals from these countries will require an ETA if they travel to the UK from 22 February 2024.
Nationals from other countries do not need to apply yet.
Why an ETA instead of a UK Visa?
Some nationalities can get an ETA instead of a visa in one of the following circumstances:
- If they are coming to the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family or friends, business or short-term study.
- Coming to the UK for up to three months on the Creative Worker Visa.
- They are transiting through the UK.
Persons who do not need an ETA
Persons do not need to apply if they have one of the following;
- A UK Visa.
- Permission to live, work or study in the UK.
- They have a British or Irish passport.
How to apply
It is an electronic application process. Every person has to get their own ETA, including dependents and minors. The confirmation of your ETA will be via email, and it will be linked to the passport electronically.
Refusals
Persons who are refused an ETA will have to apply for a UK Visa, linked to the reason for your travel to the UK. Please speak to your Breytenbachs consultant for more information, should you get a refusal and need to apply for a UK Visa or Permit.
How Breytenbachs can help you
It is always best to check with your Breytenbachs consultant for what type of UK visa you need to apply for before travelling to the UK. If you need to apply for an ETA, your consultant will be able to advise on the process. Alternatively, Breytenbachs will assist you to apply for the most suitable UK Visa in your circumstances.
