A new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system is slated to go into effect by 2024 for all international travelers arriving in the United Kingdom. The ETA will require travelers, including those from visa-free countries such as the United States, to obtain permission to travel to the UK ahead of arrival.
The ETA system is similar to the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) that will be required for travel into the European Schengen Zone starting in November 2023. The U.K.’s ETA system is part of a plan to fully digitize the borders by 2025.
To apply for an ETA, travelers will need to provide basic personal information, travel details, passport data, a valid email address, and some security information via an online ETA application form.
The ETA is not a visa, but rather it is digital permission to enter the United Kingdom. It will be required for anyone traveling to the U.K. for leisure travel, business, short-term study, or for a medical procedure. Those planning to work or reside in Britain long-term will need to obtain the appropriate visa.
ETA UK, the online resource for completing ETA requests, estimates that applications will be processed within 48 to 72 hours. Visitors will generally be allowed to spend up to 180 days (6 months) in the U.K. and visit any part of the country once the ETA is obtained.
The introduction of the ETA system is a significant change for travelers to the United Kingdom. It is important to stay up to date on the latest information and to apply for an ETA well in advance of your travel.
Who will need an ETA?
From 15 November 2023, you’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK and you’re a national of Qatar. You’ll be able to apply from 25 October.
From 22 February 2024, you’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK and you’re a national of:
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
- More nationalities will be added to the scheme later.
Who will not need an ETA
You will not need an ETA if you have either:
- a British or Irish passport
- permission to live, work or study in the UK
- a visa to enter the UK
- If you live in Ireland and you’re not an Irish citizen
You will not need an ETA if all of the following apply:
- you’re legally resident of Ireland
- you do not need a visa to enter the UK
- you’re entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
How to apply
- You’ll need to apply on the UK ETA app, or online on GOV.UK. You can apply on behalf of others.
- Each traveller must get their own ETA, including children and babies.
- You’ll usually get a decision within 3 working days, but you may get a quicker decision.
- It may take longer than 3 working days if we need to make further checks.
How much it costs
An ETA will cost £10 per applicant.
How you’ll get your ETA
- You’ll get an email confirmation if your application is approved.
- We’ll link your ETA electronically to the passport you applied with. You must use the same passport to travel.
- After you get your ETA
- Your ETA will last for 2 years. If your passport expires in less than 2 years, you’ll need to get a new ETA.
- You can use it to make multiple visits to the UK. You still need to either use an ePassport gate if you’re eligible or see a Border Force officer to enter the UK.
- An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.
If you’re refused an ETA
You need to apply for either a:
- Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK
- Temporary Work – Creative Worker visa to come to the UK as a creative worker
- transit visa to transit through the UK
