If you’re planning a trip to the United Kingdom and you’re wondering “Do you need an ETA to enter the UK?” we’re here to help answer any questions you have about this new travel requirement. A new travel requirement is being introduced for visa-exempt travelers. The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a digital authorization that is required for entry. It is essential that you check to see if you require this authorization before traveling to the United Kingdom.
What is the UK ETA?
The UK ETA is a new entry requirement for travelers from visa-exempt countries, requiring them to obtain digital authorization before entering the country. The ETA will enhance border security and make the travel process quick and seamless.
Originally introduced in October 2023 to strengthen and digitize immigration procedures, it is now being implemented in 2025 for the final announced batch of eligible travelers from European countries. These travelers can apply starting March 5, 2025, and it will become a requirement for them from April 2, 2025. It allows immigration officials to screen travelers before arrival and creates a smooth and efficient process on both ends. Benefits of the UK ETA include increasing security measures and creating a fast, convenient entry into the United Kingdom.
Who Needs an ETA for the UK?
The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization is being implemented in phases for travelers from visa-exempt countries. Below is a categorized list detailing which countries need an ETA for the UK and when do you need an ETA for the UK
End of 2023 / Beginning of 2024
- Qatar
- Application Start Date: October 25, 2023
- ETA Requirement Effective: November 15, 2023
- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan:
- Application Start Date: February 1, 2024
- ETA Requirement Effective: February 22, 2024
- It is worth mentioning that Jordan was removed from the list of eligible countries in September of 2024.
End of 2024 / Beginning of 2025
Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong (SAR, including British nationals overseas), Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao (SAR), Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia (Federated States), Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan* (if your passport includes a national ID number), Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States, Uruguay.
- Application Start Date: November 27, 2024
- ETA Requirement Effective: January 8, 2025
From April 2025
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City
- Application Start Date: March 5, 2025
- ETA Requirement Effective: April 2, 2025
Who Does NOT Need an ETA for the UK?
You may not require an ETA if you are visiting the UK.
British and Irish citizens do not require travel authorization. UK residents with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or pre-settled/settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme do not need an ETA.
If you are not an Irish citizen but legally reside in Ireland and are traveling to the UK from Ireland, the Isle of Man, Jersey, or Guernsey, you do not need an ETA. You must carry proof of your residency.
If you are not from a UK visa-exempt country and you require a valid UK visa, you do not need an ETA.
If you are a national of a country that is not eligible for a UK ETA and none of the above applies to you, you will need to apply for a visa instead.
UK ETA Eligibility Criteria
In order to be eligible for the Electronic Travel Authorization for the United Kingdom, there are some UK ETA eligibility criteria you must meet.
Valid Passport from an Eligible Country
You must hold a passport from a country that is eligible for the UK ETA. The passport should be valid for at least 6 months from your date of departure to the UK.
Purpose of Travel
The ETA is a requirement if you are traveling to the UK for tourism, business, studying up to 6 months, and medical treatment.
No History of Immigration Violations
Applicants must have no history of overstaying a visa or breaching immigration laws in the UK or any other country.
No Serious Criminal Convictions
Travelers with recent or serious criminal offenses may not qualify for the ETA. The UK government will assess applications based on security risks.
Biometric & Security Checks
The ETA application process involves identity verification and security screening, which must be successfully completed for approval.
It is important to note that meeting all criteria does not guarantee entry. Border officers still have the right to refuse entry based on their own assessment
Requirements for UK ETA Application
To apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization, applicants must prepare and submit the following:
Passport
You must have a valid passport from an eligible country. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in the UK.
Photo
You will need to provide a recent passport-sized photo of yourself.
Payment Method
A valid debit or credit card is required to pay the ETA fee. Google Pay and Apple Pay are also accepted.
Email Address
Since the process is entirely digital, you must provide a valid email address to receive your ETA application results.
UK ETA Application Steps
Applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a quick and straightforward process. Follow these steps to complete your application:
1
Complete the Online Application
Fill out the UK ETA application form with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans. It is important to make sure all information is accurate in order to avoid delays.
2
Upload Required Documents
Submit a scanned copy of your valid passport and a recent passport-style photo that meets UK immigration standards.
3
Pay the Application Fee
Use a valid debit or credit card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay to pay the non-refundable ETA processing fee. Payment must be completed before submission.
4
Receive Your ETA Approval
Most applications are processed within 24 to 72 hours, although processing times may vary. Your approved ETA will be sent to your email address, so check your inbox and spam folder.
Frequently Asked Questions
A UK Visa is required for travelers from countries that do not qualify for visa-free entry. Visas also allow for various types of stays, including work, long-term study, and long-term visits. The ETA is for travelers from visa-exempt countries who are visiting for a short stay. It is for purposes including tourism, business visits, or short-term study.
The UK ETA allows travelers to partake in tourism activities, business-related visits, and short-term study. With an ETA, you cannot take up employment, stay longer than the permitted period, or study long-term.
There are many new travel requirements for citizens from the United States. Starting January 8, 2025, US citizens need an ETA for the UK. They will also now require an ETIAS to enter the European Union (EU) when it becomes effective. All travelers from non-European countries that are visa-exempt for the United Kingdom will need an ETA to enter the UK from January 2025.
If you are unsure whether or not you need an ETA to enter the UK, you can check your country’s eligibility on the page above. You should also determine the purpose of your trip to the United Kingdom and compare it with the eligibility requirements.
The UK ETA system applies uniformly across all parts of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland. This means that travelers who are required to obtain an ETA must have one to enter Northern Ireland, regardless of their point of entry.
Apply for UK ETA
Begin your application for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization now. Just fill out the online form to get started.
Apply now