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The UK’s new ETA scheme is being phased in

The UK government is phasing in a new travel scheme. It will require people travelling to the UK without a visa to need to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). An ETA is a digital permission to travel.

This scheme is a new requirement for permission to travel to the UK which has been phased in since November 2023. This is not a visa, and entry requirements into the UK will remain unchanged. British and Irish passport holders do not need an ETA.

Visitors will need an ETA to:

  • come to the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study
  • come to the UK for up to three months on the Creative Worker visa concession
  • transit through the UK – including when not going through UK border control
Find more information on ETAs on gov.uk

In this article:

1. What is an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

If you want to share anything with your visitors, the UK Government has created the video "What is an Electronic Travel Authorisation?". It provides a quick overview of the scheme and who will need one. This should help visitors to prepare for their future travel.

The Home Office is hosting a series of ETA information events for travel, tourism, business travellers, and education organisations. Dates are available between September and December.

The events provide the opportunity for businesses to hear about how travel to the UK is changing, and to ask questions.

Register for ETA information events on gov.uk

2. Who needs to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

The ETA scheme is currently being implemented in a phased manner on a nationality basis. By April 2025, it will apply to all visitors who do not need a visa to enter the UK, including babies and children, who:

  • do not need a visa for stays of less than six months
  • do not have any other immigration status prior to travelling

An ETA costs £10 per applicant. It will allow multiple journeys and will be valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.

A full briefing of who it will apply to, how to make an application, cost, and other information is available on the UK Government website.

Find out more about applying for an ETA on gov.uk

Countries whose nationals currently need an ETA

Visiting nationals from the following countries currently need an ETA if travelling to the UK:

  • Bahrain
  • Kuwait
  • Oman
  • Qatar
  • Saudi Arabia
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Countries whose nationals need an ETA by 8 January 2025

Visiting nationals from non-European countries who can currently travel visa-free to the UK will need an ETA by 8 January 2025. This includes countries such as the US, Canada, Japan and New Zealand. See the full list.

Nationals from these countries can apply for an ETA in advance from 27 November 2024.

Countries whose nationals need an ETA by 2 April 2025

Visiting nationals from European countries who can currently travel visa-free to the UK will need an ETA by 2 April 2025. This includes nationals from:

  • The EU (excluding Ireland)
  • The EEA
  • Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland, and Vatican City

Nationals from these countries can apply for an ETA in advance from 5 March 2025.

Browse the full list of countries that need an ETA on gov.uk

3. Useful information on the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

An ETA is not a visa. It does not permit entry into the UK. It authorises an individual to travel to the UK.

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.

Check if you need a visa on gov.uk.

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