Starting in 2025, visitors to the UK who do not currently require a visa for short stays or do not already hold UK immigration status will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the country.
The first group of travelers, primarily non-visa nationals planning to visit the UK on or after January 8, 2025, can now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Meanwhile, the second group—largely consisting of individuals from European countries—will be eligible to apply for an ETA starting March 5, 2025, for travel commencing from April 2, 2025.
Who Needs to Apply for an ETA?
An ETA is required for individuals visiting the UK who do not need a visa to enter.
You can check the full list of countries whose citizens will need an ETA to travel to the UK here.
Who Does NOT Need an ETA?
You DO NOT need to apply for an ETA if:
- You are a British or Irish citizen (including dual citizens)
- You are travelling with British Overseas Territories citizen passport
- You live in Ireland, and you are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or Isle of Man
- You have a visa or other permission to live in the UK (such as settled or pre-settled status, or right to abode)
- You are exempt from the immigration control
How to Apply for an ETA
You can apply for an ETA through the UK ETA app, available for download on the App Store or Google Play. Alternatively, applications can be submitted online via the official website.
The application fee is £10 per person, payable via debit or credit card, as well as Google Pay or Apple Pay. Please note that the fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied.
Important Details to Remember
- Everyone traveling to the UK needs an ETA, including babies and children. Each individual must have their own application, though you can apply on behalf of others.
- Most applications are processed within 3 working days, but in some cases, it may take longer.
- You must apply for an ETA before traveling to the UK, although you can still travel while awaiting a decision.
To make the process even clearer, you can watch this video that explains the application process step-by-step:
What Will You Receive After Applying?
Once your ETA application is approved, you will receive an email confirmation. Your ETA will be electronically linked to the passport used in your application, so ensure you travel with the same passport. There is no physical document issued for an ETA.
Key Details About Your ETA
- An ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- It allows unlimited travel to the UK during its validity period.
- While an ETA grants permission to travel to the UK, you must still pass through border control (e-gates or a desk) to receive permission to enter.
What You Can Do with an ETA
With ETA you can:
- Visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study.
- Stay for up to 3 months under the Creative Worker visa concession
- Visit for a permitted paid engagement or event
- Transit through the UK, including without passing through UK border control.
What You Cannot Do with an ETA
An ETA does not permit you to:
- Stay in the UK for longer than 6 months.
- Engage in paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person (except for permitted paid engagements or under the Creative Worker visa concession).
- Claim public funds (benefits).
- Live in the UK through frequent or successive visits. Marry, register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership (a Marriage Visitor visa is required for these purposes).
What Will You Receive After Applying?
Once your ETA application is approved, you will receive an email confirmation. Your ETA will be electronically linked to the passport used in your application, so ensure you travel with the same passport. There is no physical document issued for an ETA.
Key Details About Your ETA
- An ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- It allows unlimited travel to the UK during its validity period.
- While an ETA grants permission to travel to the UK, you must still pass through border control (e-gates or a desk) to receive permission to enter.
What You Can Do with an ETA
With an ETA, you can:
- Visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study.
- Stay for up to 3 months under the Creative Worker visa concession.
- Perform a permitted paid engagement.
- Transit through the UK, including without passing through UK border control.
What You Cannot Do with an ETA
An ETA does not permit you to:
- Stay in the UK for longer than 6 months.
- Engage in paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person (except for permitted paid engagements or under the Creative Worker visa concession).
- Claim public funds (benefits).
- Live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.
- Marry, register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership (a Marriage Visitor visa is required for these purposes).
Need Assistance?
If you need help with your ETA application, you can find assistance through the official webchat service at https://ukimmigration-support-webchat.homeoffice.gov.uk/eta.
For any queries related to the EU Settlement Scheme or eVisas, please contact us at immigration@citizensrightsproject.org.
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