The United Kingdom (UK) expects a surge in Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) applications as it fully rolls out in 2025. This new digital travel permit scheme affects all UK-bound non-visa nationals.
Millions of UK visitors and transit passengers must apply and pay for an ETA. The application process can be done entirely online. This involves submitting personal and passport details and answering security questions.
What information and questions should travelers expect to answer? This article gives an overview of the ETA application questions.
The UK ETA
The UK ETA is a pre-travel authorization scheme mandatory for all non-visa nationals visiting the UK. This includes visitors from the United States (US), Canada, Europe, and more.
Those visiting the UK for leisure, such as tourism and visiting family and friends, permitted business activities, and short-course study must have an ETA. It is also required for transit passengers and those under the Creative Worker visa concession.
The ETA is digitally connected to a traveler’s passport. It is valid for two years or until the linked passport expires, whichever occurs first. It permits multiple entries for short stays of up to six months in the UK for each visit.
How to apply for a UK ETA
To apply for an ETA, applicants must complete an online application form on the UK Government website or the UK ETA app. It is a straightforward process, which can be done in about 20 minutes if all the requirements are ready.
ETA application requirements
- Personal details (e.g., full name, date of birth, gender)
- Information found on the traveler’s biometric passport that is valid for the entire duration of stay in the UK
- Recent passport-size photo
- Contact details, such as email or phone number for communication
- Online payment options such as credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay to pay for the £10 ETA application fee
- Answers to questions about criminal history and other security-related topics
Criminal record and security questions
The UK ETA is part of the government’s efforts to enhance border security. It allows them to pre-screen non-visa travelers and identify potential threats before they arrive.
The new digital travel permit system cross-checks information and answers submitted in the ETA applications against the UK and international databases. Here are some of the possible ETA application questions that might be asked.
- Minor offenses: Past minor offenses, such as traffic violations, including penalties received.
- Serious crimes: Convictions or time served for terrorism, human trafficking, exploitation of minors, drug-related crime, murder, rape, and other major crimes.
- Travel to conflict zones: Recent visits to conflict areas.
- Pending legal cases: Ongoing legal proceedings or disputes in the UK or elsewhere, including civil cases
- Immigration or deportation history. Previous visa approvals or denials, past overstays or deportations.
Minor past offenses are unlikely to result in an ETA refusal. However, serious convictions and immigration breaches may most likely lead to denial. A criminal past does not mean automatic refusal; each ETA application is assessed individually.
Answers to other ETA application questions, such as travel history and pending legal cases, may place an application under review. This means the applicant may be asked for more information to help the Home Office arrive at a decision.
ETA processing times
The UK Home Office estimates that ETA decisions will be ready in three days. Many applicants will receive their ETA minutes after applying. Still, there will be cases where processing can take more than three days if additional background checks are required.
Non-visa travelers are advised to apply for an ETA well before their planned travel dates. Those denied an ETA must apply for a UK visa to be allowed entry into the UK.
It’s also important to remember to use the passport linked to their ETA when entering the UK.
ETA implementation timeline
The UK ETA enhances security while streamlining entry processes for low-risk travelers. However, it’s important to note that having an ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK. Travelers must still clear border control, where immigration officers have the final say.
Travelers from the Gulf countries Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have already been using the ETA for their UK trips.
Below is the phased rollout timeline for the UK’s new digital travel permit.
- 27 November 2024: ETA applications have opened for non-European visa-exempt nationals.
- 8 January 2025: Non-visa travelers from outside of Europe must have an ETA for their UK travels beginning this date
- 5 March 2025: European nationals, except Irish citizens, can begin submitting ETA applications.
- 2 April 2025: the ETA becomes mandatory for all non-visa travelers, including Europeans.
Travelers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the application process and timelines to avoid travel disruptions or any issues at the border.
Final thoughts
The new ETA system is separate from and does not affect the UK visa system. Travelers from countries whose citizens require a visa to come to the UK must still apply for one. Those seeking employment and long-term study or residence in the UK must also apply for the appropriate UK visa.