UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme

On 10 September 2024, a new statement of changes to the Immigration Rules was published, confirming important updates in relation to the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.

What is Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

ETA gives those eligible permission to travel to the UK. It operates similar to the USA’s ESTA scheme, and requires non-visa national visitors who do not require a visit visa to travel to secure travel authorisation before travelling to the UK.

The UK’s ETA scheme was initially implemented on 25 October 2023, but only applied to individuals who were nationals of Qatar. The scheme has since been extended, and will apply to many more nationalities travelling from 8 January 2025.

Who does the ETA scheme apply to?

Who doesn’t need ETA?

Visa nationals (nationals of countries not listed above) who require a visit visa to travel to the UK do not need to secure ETA before travelling to the UK. Furthermore, nationals of the above countries who hold permission to live, work or study in the UK do not need to apply for ETA. British and Irish nationals also do not need to apply for ETA, nor do those that hold a British overseas territories passport (BOTC).

What can I do in the UK if ETA is held?

ETA applies to non-visa nationals visiting the UK from the dates summarised above. It will also apply to non-visa nationals who are undertaking permitted paid engagements, those transiting through the UK, and those coming to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession. If coming to the UK for any other reason, a visa will likely be required, meaning ETA is not also needed.

Will I be guaranteed entry to the UK if I secure ETA?

No – ETA is permission to travel to the UK. You could potentially hold ETA, but still be refused leave to enter the UK if, for example, you do not meet the requirements of the visitor rules.

How do I apply for ETA?

A UK ETA app is available to download on the App Store/Google Play. You will need access to the original passport that you’ll be travelling with, access to your emails, and access to a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay to cover the ETA application fee. You’ll need to upload photographs of your passport and yourself during the ETA application process.

The application system isn’t currently open to all nationalities listed above, but the above table confirms the date the scheme will open. For instance, the ETA application system will open on 05 March 2025 to EU nationals who are hoping to travel to the UK from 02 April 2025.

How long will it take to receive a decision?

Most ETA decisions are issued within 3 working days.

How much do ETA applications cost?

ETA applications incur a fee of £10 per applicant. Everyone travelling with you will need their own ETA, including babies.

How long will my ETA be valid for?

ETA lasts for 2 years; those that hold ETA can visit the UK as many times as they want during the validity of their ETA, presuming each trip is in accordance with Immigration Rules.

Can ETA applications be refused?

Yes, and there were a couple of amendments to the circumstances under which applications can be refused in the recent statement of changes.

ETA applications can be refused if you have previously overstayed your permission to remain in the UK, if you have breached a condition of your permission, if you are an illegal entrant, or if you have used deception in an immigration application. ETAs must also be refused if a previous ETA has been cancelled by the Home Office, or if an applicant has been refused entry clearance or permission to enter as a visitor. Usually, if the Home Office has already overlooked the immigration breach or refusal and granted permission to enter or remain, the breach or refusal shouldn’t be held against you if you subsequently wish to visit the UK and require ETA to do so.

What about travel to the EU?

The EU plans to introduce an Entry/Exit System (EES) from November 2024. This is a digital border that will require British citizens to register their biometric details when arriving in an EU country. It will mean that passports no longer need to be manually stamped; however, queues are expected at EU borders while border officials register biometric information.

The EU also plans to introduce the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) in 2025. The ETIAS scheme is similar to the UK’s ETA scheme, and will require British (and presumably nationals of other countries) to apply for authorisation to enter the Schengen area before travelling. Similar to the UK’s ETA scheme, those applying for ETIAS will need to provide personal information, their travel plans, and pay a fee. Further information about the EES and ETIAS schemes can be found on the EU’s Travel Europe website.

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