Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme
We have some information on the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme which is a new requirement for people who do not need a visa to come to the UK.
An ETA will give you permission to travel to the UK, and it is electronically linked to your passport.
The table below outlines who will require an ETA in the first phase of the scheme.
Nationality | Can apply for an ETA from | Will need an ETA from |
Qatar | 25 October 2023 | 15 November 2023 |
Saudi Arabia Oman Bahrain Kuwait United Arab Emirates Jordan |
1 February 2024 | 22 February 2024 |
By the end of 2024, ETAs will be a requirement worldwide for visitors who do not currently need a visa for short stays, including those visiting from Europe.
You will not need an ETA if you have:
- a British or Irish passport.
- permission to live, work or study in the UK.
- a visa to enter the UK.
We have more details about the scheme on our Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) page, including answers to frequently asked questions, and information specific to Ireland and Northern Ireland.
You can also get an overview of the ETA scheme by watching the video below:
*Main image attribution: dannyman, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons / Cropped from original