The United Kingdom (UK) is now open to receiving more applications for its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.
Starting 27 November 2024, non-European nationals who do not need a visa to enter the UK can apply for an ETA.
The new digital permit will be mandatory for their travels to the UK on or after 8 January 2025.
This includes short visits, such as tourism, visiting family and friends, permitted business activities, and short-term study.
The ETA is also required for transit travelers and those coming to the UK under the Creative Worker visa concession.
Whether a traveler comes to the UK by land, sea, or air, carriers will check for UK-bound travelers’ ETAs before being allowed to board.
What is the UK ETA?
The new ETA scheme is designed to enhance border security while streamlining the entry process for low-risk travelers.
It allows the government to vet and pre-screen travelers who do not undergo the thorough visa application process before visiting.
All non-visa nationals, including citizens of countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, will need an ETA to enter the UK.
By screening travelers before arrival, officials can identify potential risks earlier and ensure a smoother entry process for millions of visitors.
Seema Malhotra, the UK’s Minister for Migration and Citizenship, explained the government’s goals:
“Digitization enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year.”
The British government views the ETA as necessary to balance security with convenience in today’s travel environment.
It started to roll out the new digital travel permit scheme in November 2023.
Nationals of Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC), Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) already use it.
On the other hand, European nationals traveling to the UK can apply for an ETA beginning 5 March 2025 for trips to the UK on and after 2 April 2025.
The complete list of countries requiring an ETA and specific rules are available here.
How to apply for a UK ETA
Non-visa travelers must apply and pay for the digital travel authorization before their trip to the UK.
The UK ETA application process is straightforward and can be completed online through the UK Government website or the UK ETA app.
Applicants must provide personal information, passport details, recent photos, and answers to security and travel-related questions.
They must also pay the ￡10 ETA application fee online via a credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.
Most applicants will receive a decision within three working days, but it is recommended to apply well in advance to account for any delays.
Once approved, the ETA is automatically linked to the traveler’s passport, meaning there’s no need for a physical document.
It is valid for multiple trips for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
During this time, travelers can make multiple trips to the UK, with each visit lasting up to six months.
Preparing for the transition
Next year, 2025, marks the UK’s transition to a “digital by default” immigration system to improve security.
Travelers without an ETA will be denied boarding or entry into the UK, so advance preparation is crucial.
It’s essential to understand and comply with the ETA requirements. Here are some tips:
1. Check the official UK Government website for the most up-to-date eligibility information.
Those who travel on British, Irish, or British Overseas Territory Citizen passports are exempt from the ETA scheme.
Non-Irish citizens residing in the Republic of Ireland who can travel to the UK without a visa via the Common Travel Area may be exempt.
Those with an immigration status in the UK are not required to present an ETA.
These include those with long-stay visas for work and study and settled or pre-settled status under the UK’s European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS).
However, they must be able to prove their immigration status at the border by showing their physical immigration document.
Those who can verify their UK immigration status digitally should ensure that their UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) accounts are updated and linked to their travel passport.
Travelers who need a visa to visit the UK will still need one. The ETA scheme does not affect the UK visa application process.
2. Ensure that all ETA application requirements and answer security questions truthfully.
The passport used to apply for an ETA should be valid for the entire duration of the traveler’s UK trip.
Furnish the ETA application form correctly to avoid getting denied due to minor errors. Otherwise, applicants must pay the fee again to re-apply.
While the ETA application process may be easy, travelers can easily make mistakes that could lead to ETA refusals.
3. Apply for the ETA well before the intended travel date to avoid any last-minute issues.
Most travelers may receive their ETA decision minutes after submitting their application, but some can take more than three days.
When an ETA application is denied, travelers are advised to apply for a UK visa, which takes longer due to the more complex process.
Potential concerns about the UK ETA implementation
Some industry leaders have expressed concerns about the new ETA scheme despite its potential benefits.
Travel industry experts have raised the potential adverse effects of imposing the permit and its cost.
They argue that it could discourage travelers from visiting the UK for tourism or transiting through the country due to the ETA.
It has also been noted that the ETA’s widespread rollout coincides with the EU’s potential Entry/Exit System (EES).
The EES is a new automated border check system for tracking travelers in Schengen countries.
If the ETA and the EES are introduced simultaneously in 2025, experts worry about potential disruptions and confusion for many travelers.
Industry leaders urged the UK to delay the ETA launch, which has been problematic since the EU has not announced a new EES rollout date.
Moving forward
The ETA enforcement date of 8 January 2025 is rapidly approaching for many non-visa travelers from outside Europe.
The new scheme could improve the travel experience for millions while maintaining robust border security.
The ETA system’s goals are welcome, but challenges like public awareness and coordination with other systems remain to be addressed.
Still, other countries with similar digital travel authorization systems have overcome the challenges of adapting to a new system.