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Who Will Need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for the UK and When?

Tatiana Tsutsor

Visitors and transit passengers who currently do not need a visa for short-term stays or do not have an immigration status prior to travel will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK.


If a person is required to obtain an ETA but fails to do so, they will be denied boarding or, if they manage to arrive in the UK, they will be refused entry.


You must apply for an ETA if you plan to:


  • Enter and stay in the UK for up to six months as a tourist, including for business visits or studies.

  • Enter and stay in the UK for up to three months under the Creative Worker visa concession.

  • Visit the UK for an approved paid engagement.

  • Transit through the UK, even if you do not need to go through border control.


Once you have a valid ETA, you can enter the UK as many times as you wish without needing to apply again for each trip.

According to current information, this scheme will apply to all citizens of visa-free countries. The required nationalities are listed in the ETA Visa National List appendix, which specifies who must apply for an ETA before traveling to the UK.


The ETA application process was first launched in October 2023 for Qatari nationals. In February 2024, it expanded to include citizens of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.


From January 8, 2025, the scheme will apply to citizens of 48 countries, as listed in section ETANL 1.1.(c) of the ETA National List.

The next phase of the program will start on March 5, 2025, covering European nationals traveling to the UK on or after April 2, 2025.


All travelers, including infants and children, must have an ETA to enter the UK.

 

 

 Who Does Not Need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for the UK?


According to official guidance, you do not need an ETA if you are:

  • A British citizen.

  • A British Overseas Territory Citizen traveling with a British Overseas Territory passport.

  • An Irish citizen

  • A holder of any valid UK visa, Indefinite Leave to Remain status, or a work/family visa, etc.


You also do not need an ETA if you are a resident of:

  • Guernsey,

  • Jersey,

  • Isle of Man.


How to Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?


You can apply for an ETA through the UK ETA mobile app or online on the official website. Links to the application form and instructions for downloading the app are available via the provided link.

The application fee is £10 per person. A decision on your application should be made within three working days after submission.


Your ETA will be issued in digital format, and you will receive an email confirmation once your application is approved. The ETA will be linked to your passport and will be valid for two years or until your passport expires. Therefore, you must use the same passport for travel to the UK that you used for your ETA application.


Need Assistance?

If you need help with your UK entry authorisation, we're happy to assist you!

Contact us at:

Phone: 07523281911






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