Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) are being introduced worldwide for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status – an ETA is a digital permission to travel.
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement for people who do not need a visa to come to the UK.
It gives you permission to travel to the UK, and it is electronically linked to your passport.
Eligibility
British and Irish nationals, and eligible residents of Ireland, will not require an ETA.
Visitors who do not need a visa for short stays or who do not have any other UK immigration status prior to travelling will be required to apply for an ETA in advance of their travel. An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
An ETA is not a visa, it does not permit entry into the UK – it authorises an individual to travel to the UK.
All visitors arriving in the UK, including those crossing the land border into Northern Ireland, will continue to need to enter in line with the UK’s immigration framework, including the need to obtain an ETA if required.
Non-Irish residents of Ireland
People who are legally resident in Ireland and from a nationality that does not usually require a visa to visit the UK (e.g. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals), will not be required to obtain an ETA when travelling to the UK from within the Common Travel Area (CTA).
Individuals can check if they need a visa on GOV.UK.
Non-Irish residents of Ireland who are travelling to the UK from outside of the CTA will require an ETA before travel.
The Common Travel Area (CTA)
The CTA allows British and Irish nationals to move freely and live in either Ireland or the UK and enjoy associated rights and privileges.
As is the case now, the UK will not operate routine immigration controls on journeys from within the CTA, with no immigration controls whatsoever on the Ireland-Northern Ireland land border.
How to apply for an ETA
The video below, from the Home Office, explains the process of applying for an ETA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some FAQ's about the ETA scheme. You can also find out information on GOV.UK.
How much will an ETA cost?
An ETA costs £10.
How do I apply for an ETA?
You will be able to apply for an ETA either through the UK ETA app, or online on GOV.UK.
You should find out the decision on your ETA application within 3 working days.
To apply for an ETA, you will need to:
- Pay a fee
- Provide contact and passport details
- Provide a valid photo, complying with the rules for digital photos on GOV.UK
- Answer a set of questions
An ETA will permit multiple journeys and will be valid for two years or until your passport expires – whichever is sooner.
When will visitors need to apply for an ETA?
Eligible non-Europeans can apply in advance from 27 November 2024 and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025.
Eligible Europeans can apply from 5 March 2025 and will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.
Gulf Cooperation Council visitors already need an ETA to travel to the UK.
Visitors can apply in advance and find out when to do so on GOV.UK .
Will EU, EEA and Swiss nationals require an ETA?
Yes, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals (except Irish nationals and eligible residents of Ireland) will be required to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK.
Do children require a separate ETA?
Yes. Children must have their own ETA.
How will the ETA scheme work in the context of the Ireland-Northern Ireland border?
As is the case now, the UK will not operate routine immigration controls on journeys from within the Common Travel Area, with no immigration controls whatsoever on the Ireland-Northern Ireland land border.
All individuals arriving in the UK, including those crossing the land border into Northern Ireland, will continue to need to enter in line with the UK’s immigration framework, including the need to obtain an ETA if required.
How can eligible residents of Ireland prove their exemption from the ETA requirement?
Those who are legally resident in Ireland and from a nationality that does not usually need a visa to visit the UK do not need to obtain an ETA when travelling to the UK from within the CTA.
In order to benefit from this exemption, if required by a UK immigration official, non-Irish residents of Ireland will need to present physical evidence which demonstrates that they are legally resident in Ireland.
Eligible children under the age of 16 do not need to carry a document to demonstrate an exemption to the ETA requirements.
Full guidance on this exemption and acceptable evidence documents can be found at GOV.UK.
What will happen if someone is refused an ETA?
If an individual’s ETA application is refused, they will need to apply for a visa if they still wish to seek permission come to the UK.
When should someone apply for an ETA?
Individuals should apply for an ETA before booking travel.
Can individuals appeal an ETA refusal decision?
No. If an individual is refused an ETA and still wishes to seek permission to travel to the UK, they can apply for a visa.