In a major move towards modernizing its border control and immigration systems, the United Kingdom is set to introduce a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visitors starting from November 2024.
This change aims to streamline the entry process for millions of visitors each year, while simultaneously enhancing border security.
This development aligns the UK with similar programs adopted by other countries such as the United States and Australia, and marks a significant shift in how non-visa nationals will enter the country.
With the introduction of the ETA, travelers from various parts of the world will need to secure authorization before visiting the UK. This means that even short-term visitors who do not need a visa, such as tourists or business travelers, must apply for an ETA prior to their journey. British and Irish citizens are the only exceptions to this new rule.
The rollout of the ETA will occur in a phased manner, with specific start dates for different nationalities. To ensure you are prepared and have all the necessary information, here’s everything you need to know about the UK’s ETA scheme, its implementation timeline, cost, application process, and more.
What is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
The UK ETA is a pre-authorization that grants visitors permission to travel to the UK without a visa. It is digitally linked to the traveler’s passport and allows multiple visits of up to six months at a time over a period of two years, or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner.
Each ETA costs £10, which is comparable to similar international travel authorization schemes.
The ETA aims to make travel to the UK smoother and more secure by conducting rigorous checks on visitors before they even set foot in the country. This system is intended to reduce potential misuse of the immigration system and offer a more efficient process for legitimate travelers.
Who Needs an ETA?
The requirement for an ETA applies to non-visa nationals, people who don’t need a full visa to enter the UK but still need pre-authorisation before they travel. The rollout will happen in phases:
- Non-European nationals can start applying for ETAs on November 27, 2024. This group includes visitors from countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and Brazil.
- European nationals from countries like France, Germany, Spain, and Italy will need to apply from March 5, 2025, and will need an ETA to enter the UK starting from April 2, 2025.
- Certain groups, including British and Irish citizens, as well as residents with permission to live, work, or study in the UK, will be exempt from the ETA requirement. Additionally, residents of countries like Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, who are already subject to ETA requirements, will experience minimal changes to their travel processes.
Exemptions to the ETA Requirement
Not everyone visiting the UK will need an ETA. British and Irish citizens and those who hold valid UK visas will not be subject to this requirement. Additionally, those who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme or possess British Overseas Territories passports will be exempt.
Furthermore, travelers from Ireland entering the UK as part of the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement will not require an ETA. This includes land travel between Ireland and Northern Ireland, where routine immigration checks are not in place.
How to Apply for an ETA
The application process for the UK ETA is designed to be simple and accessible:
- Application Channels: The easiest way to apply is through the official ‘UK ETA app,’ available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store. Alternatively, applicants can apply via the GOV.UK website.
- Required Information: Applicants need to provide personal details such as passport, contact information, a digital photograph, and answers to a few security questions.
- Cost and Validity: Each ETA application costs £10 and permits multiple entries for up to six months per visit, valid over a two-year period or until the applicant’s passport expires.
- Processing Time: Decisions are usually made within three working days, though applicants may receive a quicker decision when applying through the app.
- Travel Document: It is crucial that travelers use the same passport for travel that they used when applying for the ETA. The ETA will be electronically linked to this passport.
Why is the UK Implementing the ETA?
The ETA is part of the UK’s broader effort to digitalize its immigration processes and secure its borders. Much like the ESTA system in the United States, the ETA is designed to streamline travel while ensuring that those who might pose a threat to the UK’s security are flagged before they arrive.
Travelers will provide their biometric and biographical information, as well as answer security questions as part of their ETA application. This enhances the UK’s ability to prevent individuals who have previously violated immigration laws or who pose security risks from entering the country.
ETA and the Ireland-Northern Ireland Border
While British and Irish citizens are exempt from needing an ETA, the UK Government remains committed to the principles of the Common Travel Area (CTA).
This means that no routine immigration controls will be enforced on journeys from within the CTA, and there will be no immigration checks on the Ireland-Northern Ireland land border.
However, people arriving in the UK, including those crossing into Northern Ireland, need to ensure they comply with the UK’s immigration framework, which may include obtaining an ETA if they are from a country that requires it.
What Happens if an ETA Application is Rejected?
If an ETA application is rejected, the applicant will be informed of the reason. Unfortunately, there is no option to appeal a refusal. Instead, applicants who are denied an ETA and still wish to visit the UK must apply for a regular visa.
ETA for Transit Passengers
Transit passengers who are merely connecting through UK airports will also be required to have an ETA. This measure is designed to prevent people from using transit as a loophole to avoid gaining proper permission to enter the UK. Requiring an ETA for transit further strengthens the UK’s ability to manage border security comprehensively.
Impact on Travelers and the UK Tourism Economy
The introduction of the ETA is not only a step toward a more modern border system but also a strategic move to protect the UK’s tourism sector. The government estimates that tourists will contribute over £32 billion to the UK economy this year alone. By making travel more secure and streamlined, the ETA ensures that the UK remains an attractive destination for millions of tourists each year.
For travelers, the ETA provides a smoother entry experience by reducing delays at immigration checkpoints. The UK Government is working closely with airline, maritime, and rail carriers to ensure the seamless implementation of the ETA scheme, minimizing any disruptions.
Final Notes on the UK ETA
With the phased introduction of the ETA starting November 2024, it is crucial for travelers planning trips to the UK to stay informed and ensure they meet all requirements well in advance of their journey. As the ETA will soon become a mandatory travel document for many nationalities, staying updated on the latest guidelines and application processes will help avoid unnecessary complications when visiting the UK.
For more detailed information, visitors can access the official GOV.UK website where they can find additional resources and updates.
