What is an ETA and who needs it?

19

May

2025

The UK Government introduced a new scheme called Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETA), which was first announced in March 2023 and has been fully implemented since 2 April 2025.

The scheme covers all travellers from the EU and now aligns the UK with measures that other countries like the USA, EU and Australia have previously introduced for security reasons.

Do I need an ETA to travel?

Visitors who do not currently need a visa to visit the UK, and who do not already have immigration status prior to travelling, are now required to obtain an ETA to the UK for short stays, including for tourism and transiting.

There is a temporary exemption from needing an ETA for travellers who transit airside and therefore do not pass through UK border control. However, this exemption is being kept under review and individuals are advised to check current requirements before travelling.

ETA or Visa?

The ETA is essentially a digital permission to travel and should not be confused with a visa or a permit to travel.

The ETA scheme is for individuals on the non-visa national list who were previously issued with a visit visa on arrival.

Individuals with an Overseas Territory Citizen passport, or travelling with a British National (Overseas) passport, or legally resident in and entering the UK from Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, are exempt from applying for an ETA.

Those who are visa nationals are still required to apply for a visa/entry clearance.Those countries on the UK visa national list can viewed by clicking here.

How to apply

The easiest way to apply for an ETA is via the UK ETA app, where most individuals will receive an automated decision within minutes.

Those without a smart phone can apply through the official UK government website (How to apply for a visa to come to the UK: Choose a visa - GOV.UK) and can expect a decision within three working days or less.

The current cost of an ETA is £16.00.

How is an ETA issued?

An ETA is issued electronically along with email confirmation that the application has been approved. The ETA is linked to your passport and therefore the same passport must be used to travel to the UK.

The ETA is valid for two years or until the expiry of your passport, whichever is sooner. While it remains valid, it can be used multiple times to enter the UK, unless passport details change, when a new ETA will need to be applied for.

What happens if my application is refused?

If the application is refused, reasons will be given for the refusal. However, there is no right of appeal or administrative review.

Depending on the reasons for refusal, you will either need to apply again or apply for a visa / entry clearance to enter the UK, such as a standard visitor or transit visa.

Obtaining electronic travel authorisation allows you to travel to the UK but does not guarantee entry. UK border officials can still refuse entry, if, for example, it becomes clear false information has been provided.