The United Kingdom (UK) government is expanding its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme to all non-visa visitors by early 2025.
By April 2025, all travelers who can visit the UK without a visa must have an ETA before their trip.
The new system, which started its rollout in November 2023, is designed to enhance security and digitize border control processes.
Non-Europeans can apply for the ETA starting 27 November 2024. They will be mandatory for UK entry on 8 January 2025.
This includes non-visa travelers from the United States (US), Canada, and others outside of Europe.
The Home Office will then expand the ETA scheme for all European travelers. They can apply for their ETA starting 5 March 2025.
It will then be mandatory for them to have an ETA before their trip to the UK beginning on 2 April 2025.
What is the UK ETA scheme?
The ETA allows the UK government to pre-screen eligible non-visa nationals before they arrive. It will also enable them to track their entry and exit from the UK.
The UK ETA scheme is similar to the travel authorization systems already used by the US and Australia.
Non-visa travelers must apply and receive their ETA before their UK trip. The digital travel permit will be electronically linked to their passport.
This eliminates the need for physical documents and reduces the risk of document tampering.
The ETA is required for short-term visits to the UK for up to six months at a time. These include vacations, family visits, permitted business trips, and short-term study courses.
Those transiting through the UK, regardless of whether they are going through border control, and those working under the Creative Worker Visa Concession also need an ETA.
Once issued, an ETA will allow multiple entries into the UK for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra noted the importance of modernizing the immigration system to meet the demands of tourism and security.
“Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year,” she said via a news release.
Malhotra added, “The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system.”
ETA’s phased rollout timeline
This ETA scheme expansion follows the successful implementation of the scheme for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals and Jordanians.
The scheme initially opened for applications from Qatari nationals in late October 2023 for UK travels starting 15 November 2023.
The ETA scheme then opened to the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states–Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
They started applying for their ETA on 1 February for travels to the UK beginning on 22 February 2024.
The latest statistics showing entry requirement applications and grants reveal a significant rise in visa and ETA applications and grants.
As of June 2024, the British government received 393,253 UK ETA applications, with 388,021 granted.
So far, only 5,232 UK ETA applications have been denied travel authorization.
Travelers denied an ETA must apply for a UK visa to be allowed entry into the UK.
The UK government now extends this streamlined entry system to all non-visa travelers, enhancing the country’s immigration controls.
How to apply for a UK ETA
Non-visa travelers can apply for their ETA via the UK government website or the UK ETA app.
Travelers must provide personal and passport information and answer questions about their travel plans and background.
To submit the application, they must also pay the £10 ETA application fee online via credit or debit card or Apple and Google Pay.
The process is expected to be quick and efficient as it is entirely online.
Most applicants may receive their ETAs shortly after submitting their application or within three days.
Still, the Home Office advises ETA applicants to submit their ETA application well before their planned UK trip.
Exemptions to the UK ETA scheme
The UK ETA scheme is intended for all non-visa travelers to the UK or those who can visit the UK without a visa.
These are citizens of countries that have visa waiver agreements with the UK, including the US, Australia, and European countries.
Exemptions to the UK ETA scheme include citizens of the Republic of Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man.
Due to the Common Travel Area arrangement, these citizens will not be required to present an ETA when boarding their trip to the UK.
Those who hold British Overseas Territory passports are also exempt from presenting an ETA when traveling to the UK.
Individuals with UK visas that allow them to live, work, or study in the UK are also exempted from the UK ETA scheme.
However, it is important to note that the UK government is currently transitioning to its eVisa or digital proof of immigration status.
This helps prevent the occurrence of lost, stolen, or tampered physical immigration documents.
An eVisa means that people no longer have to wait for or travel to collect a physical document, streamlining their experience.
Those with UK visas and immigration status in the UK must have a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) account.
Then, they must link their passports to the UKVI account to avoid any issues or travel delays.
The UK government is working closely with airlines, ferry operators, and other transport providers to ensure a smooth ETA system rollout.