Context
The ETA scheme has seen a phased implementation since October 2023 with the scheme having initially been opened to nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudia Arabia, and United Arab Emirates:
- It replaces the Electronic Visa Waiver scheme.
- On 10 September 2024, the government announced a series of dates for the ETA to be rolled out to all nationalities including European nationals.
- From 27 November 2024, the ETA scheme opened to all nationalities other than European nationals.
- From 5 March 2025, the ETA application process will open to European nationals.
- For entry from 2 April 2025, all European nationals will be required to have an ETA before they travel.
In essence, anyone travelling to the U.K. from 2 April 2025, will require either an ETA, eVisa, or visa to enter the United Kingdom.
Background
In Autumn 2023, the U.K. government implemented the ETA scheme.2 This is part of the government’s objective to make the U.K.’s borders fully digitalised by 2025. Further, the government maintains that the requirement to obtain an ETA before travel will enhance U.K. border security given that those applying for an ETA will need to provide their biographic, biometric, and contact details together with responses to a short set of security questions. This will increase knowledge about those seeking to come to the U.K. and thus, prevent the arrival of those who present a threat.3
It is important to recognise that an ETA is a digital permission to travel, it is not a visa and does not permit entry into the United Kingdom. It authorises an individual to travel to the U.K. and will be introduced worldwide for visitors to the U.K. who do not currently require a visa for short stays, or who do not already hold a U.K. immigration status. An ETA does not automatically guarantee entry to the U.K. as travellers will still need to either see a Border Force officer or use an ePassport gate (if eligible).
The ETA has seen a phased implementation since October 2023 and replaces the Electronic Visa Waiver scheme. On 10 September 2024, the government announced dates for the ETA to be rolled out to all nationalities including European nationals.4
Further Details
Key information with regards to the ETA is summarised below.2
Who Needs an ETA?
- All European nationals and other nationals who do not normally need a visa to visit the U.K. for up to six months.
- The ETA does not replace the requirement to obtain work or other residence authorisation for the U.K. where this is required. It is for travellers who are either visiting or transiting* through the United Kingdom.
* Individuals who are transiting through the U.K., including if they are not going to go through U.K. border control, will also require an ETA.
Who Does Not Need an ETA?
Not everyone will require an ETA. The following individuals are exempt from the requirement:
- British and Irish nationals.
- A non-Irish national who is lawfully resident in Ireland and travelling to the U.K. from elsewhere in the Common Travel Area (CTA). This comprises the U.K., Ireland, Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands.
- Individuals who are required to apply for a visa to enter the U.K. irrespective of the purpose of their trip will not need an ETA.
- Individuals who already have a visa or alternative permission to live, work, and/or study in the U.K. for example, those with status under the sponsored worker route, EU Settlement Scheme, etc.
- British Overseas Territories citizen passport holders.
How Can an Individual Obtain an ETA?
An ETA should be obtained before travel to the United Kingdom. It is recommended that an ETA application be filed at least five days in advance of any travel to the United Kingdom. This is because sometimes additional checks may be required by immigration authorities. Current Home Office guidance states that an individual must apply for an ETA before he or she travels to the United Kingdom. However, an individual can travel to the U.K. whilst awaiting a decision (if he or she is required to travel urgently), but ultimately any entry to the U.K. is at the discretion of U.K. immigration officers at the port of entry. U.K. Border Force officials reserve the right to ask supplementary questions if they deem this necessary.
An application can be made via an online form or an app (individuals can search for “UK ETA” on the Apple app store or Google Play), and a valid biometric passport will be required (this is the passport that the individual will travel with). A fee of £10 per application is payable.
It can be expected that the process will be relatively quick, with an ETA being granted for two years or until the applicant’s passport expires (whichever is sooner). If granted, an ETA is issued as a digital permission to travel, and it allows for multiple trips to the United Kingdom. If an individual gets a new passport, he or she will need to get a new ETA.
Conditions in the U.K.
The following points should be noted:
- An ETA does not grant any working rights in the U.K. and would not allow an individual to work in the country.
- An ETA does not allow an individual to remain in the U.K. for longer than six months.
- An ETA does not allow an individual to claim public funds.
- An individual cannot live in the U.K. through frequent or successive visits.
