Don’t need a visa to go to the UK? Don’t get too excited.
Visa-free travellers must have a new digital authorisation called ETA to travel to and through the UK.
Depending on your passport, you need it now, soon, or soon-ish. Questions? We have answers.
What’s an ETA?
ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation. It’s a digital stamp connected to your passport that authorises travel to and transit through the UK.
Is it a visa?
No. ETAs are digital permission slips for travellers who don’t require a visa.
What does it do?
With an ETA, you can visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family or friends, business, or short-term study. In some cases, you can visit for short-term employment. An ETA also allows travellers to transit through the UK.
Who needs an ETA?
Eventually, all travellers (babies and kids, too) who don’t need a visa for travel to the UK must have an ETA. And for going through the UK, even if not going through border control.
The ETA requirement covers all types of transport, including planes, trains, buses, ferries. ETA checks may take place in the departure country. No ETA? No entry.
When do I have to have it?
The programme is rolling out in stages.
Currently, inbound travellers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates must have an ETA for entry.
As of 8 January 2025, non-Europeans who don’t require a visa for entry must have an ETA. Applications are available from 27 November 2024. Check your eligibility with GOV.UK’s handy list. If your country isn’t on the list, you might need a visa.
For nationals from European and Schengen countries (and associated territories) the application process begins 5 March 2025. The ETA requirement kicks in 2 April 2025. Here’s the list.
Who doesn’t need an ETA?
According to GOV.UK’s website, you don’t need an ETA if you have any of these:
- a visa
- permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme)
- a British or Irish passport
- a British Overseas Territories citizen passport
You don’t need an ETA if you live in Ireland and you’re travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
How much is this going to set me back? How long does it last?
ETAs are £10 and lasts for 2 years with no limit on number of visits.
Because it’s linked to your passport, if you lose that precious document, you’ll need to reapply and shell out for a new ETA connected to your replacement.
If your passport expires before the 2 years is up, you’ll need a new ETA for the new passport.
How do I apply? How long does it take for approval?
You can apply online or via the official ETA apps (Android and iOS) You’ll need your passport and a photo. Be prepared to answer some questions about immigration and criminal history.
Decisions usually take 3 working days. (GOV.UK doesn’t mention on what evidence this estimate is based; it might take longer once the programme is processing gazillions of passengers from hundreds of countries)
Once accepted, the information links digitally to your passport. To be on the safe side, save the confirmation and acceptance emails.
What if I’m denied?
You may get denied if you have a criminal record in the UK, have immigration issues such as deportation or overstaying a previous visa, or if you falsify details on your application. If your application is refused, you still may be able to apply for a standard or transit visa.
What if I forget?
If you don’t have a valid ETA when the plan for your country goes into effect, you may not be allowed check in or board.
While you must apply before travelling to the UK, you can begin travel once you receive an application confirmation email.
Does this mean I don’t have to go through passport control?
Sorry, nope. The ETA allows travel to the UK, but it doesn’t guarantee entry. You still have to go through passport control at the border.
I have two passports. Do I need two ETAs?
Because ETAs are connected to your passport details (and not your identity as a human) they aren’t transferable. You need a separate ETA for each passport you plan to use for your journey.
