A Simple Guide to the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme

As part of its plan to digitize the UK immigration system, the British Government have introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for people wishing to visit the UK. The scheme specifically applies to nationals of countries who previously did not need to apply for an UK visitor visa to visit the UK.

The scheme was initially launched in October 2023 for Qatari nationals and was expanded in February 2024 to include other Gulf-state countries. In September 2024, the Government announced that it would be expanding the ETA scheme to all other non-visa national countries (apart from Europe) from 8 January 2025. Europeans will need an ETA to visit the UK from 2 April 2025 onwards. The ETA application portal will open for Europeans on 5 March 2025.

Please click below for a full list of countries to which the ETA scheme applies.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-eta-national-list

Irish citizens and holders of British overseas territories citizen passports do not have to apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK. Further, if you already hold a UK visa in another capacity, such as a worker, partner or student, or you already hold Settled or Pre-settled Status under the EU Settlement Scheme, then you will not be required to apply for an ETA in addition to the visa permission you already hold.

To apply for an ETA, you will need to download the ‘UK ETA’ app on a suitable smartphone. The process will then involve scanning your passport and face using the app and then taking a selfie-style photograph of yourself. Once your identity details have been recorded you will be prompted to complete a simple form which will ask questions about your address, job. criminal history and other nationalities. If you are travelling with children, they will each need to complete a separate application process.

An ETA costs £10 and it takes approximately 3 working days to get a decision following submission of the application. Once issued, an ETA will be valid for either 2 years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. You may make multiple trips to the UK using your ETA, however, each trip may only be for a duration of 6 months or less. You are not permitted to use your ETA for the purposes of living in the UK through ‘frequent or successive visits’.