The UK Government Home Office is introducing a travel authorisation process for worldwide visitors entering the UK called the Electronic Travel Authorisation or ETA.
An ETA is a digital permission to travel and will be rolled out by 2025. The scheme will apply to those who are coming to the UK and do not need a visa for short stays, including those visiting from Europe. There will be a fee upon application for the ETA, with the amount to be confirmed, comparable with similar schemes such as the US and Australia.
The ETA process will begin rolling out later in 2023, and will apply to nationals of the following countries from the following dates:
| Nationality | Can apply for an ETA from | Will need an ETA from |
|---|---|---|
| Qatar | 25 October 2023 | 15 November 2023 |
|
Saudi Arabia Oman Bahrain Kuwait United Arab Emirates Jordan |
1 February 2024 | 22 February 2024 |
The scheme will be rolled out to other countries at a later date. For the latest official information, visit the UK Government website here.
Watch the UK Government Home Office video below to find out more about:
- Who needs an ETA
- Alternate travel permissions
- ETA validity
- Proof of an ETA
- Entering the UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Provided by the UK Government Home Office
- Will EU, EEA and Swiss nationals require an ETA?
Yes, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals (except Irish citizens) will be required to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK. The UK Government will provide information on when EU, EEA and Swiss nationals will need an ETA in due course. Please see more information on the ETA and the Ireland-Northern Ireland border in FAQ 8.
- How will individuals know if they need to obtain a visa instead of an ETA?
If an individual intends to visit the UK for longer than six months, they will need to obtain a relevant visa. They may also need a visa for stays of less than six months for purposes other than visit, transit and some business visits. Individuals can check if they need a visa by using the visa checking tool on GOV.UK.
- What will happen if someone is refused an ETA?
If an individual’s ETA application is refused, they will need to apply for a visa if they still wish to seek permission come to the UK.
- When should someone apply for an ETA?
Individuals should apply for an ETA before booking travel.
- Can individuals appeal an ETA refusal decision?
No. If an individual is refused an ETA and still wishes to seek permission to travel to the UK, they can apply for a visa.
- Do children require a separate ETA?
Yes. Children must have their own ETA.
- How much will an ETA cost?
The cost will be competitive and comparable with similar schemes in operation such as in the US and Australia. The UK Government will confirm the exact cost of an ETA shortly.
- How will the ETA scheme work in the context of the Ireland-Northern Ireland border?
As is the case now, the UK will not operate routine immigration controls on journeys from within the Common Travel Area, with no immigration controls whatsoever on the Ireland-Northern Ireland land border.
All individuals arriving in the UK, including those crossing the land border into Northern Ireland, will continue to need to enter in line with the UK’s immigration framework, including the need to obtain an ETA if required.
In order to benefit from the ETA exemption, if required by a UK immigration official, non-Irish residents of Ireland will need to present physical evidence which demonstrates that they are legally resident in Ireland. The UK Government will provide guidance in due course on acceptable evidence.