Corporate Immigration — United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation update

The U.K.’s new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a mandatory digital permit for travellers from many countries, including the U.S. and the EU, who wish to visit the U.K. for short stays of up to 180 days.

From 2 April 2025, it will be live to all countries meaning that most non-UK and non-Irish passport holders will need a U.K. ETA to enter the country, whether for tourism, work, or family visits.

What Is the U.K. ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)?

An ETA is a digital permission for Americans and others to travel to the U.K. for any trip—short stays, work, family holidays, the weekend away—for up to 180 days (6 months).

If you do not have one upon arrival at a U.K. airport, train station, or port, you cannot enter unless you fall into the exempt category.

Who Needs A U.K. ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)?

Most people who are not holders of U.K. will need an ETA to travel to the U.K. from April onwards.

You do not need an ETA if you have a visa to enter the UK, if you are passing through an airport and do  not need to  clear border control (in transit) or are exempt from immigration control.

British and Irish nationals do not also need an ETA, nor do French schoolchildren traveling on a school trip (but the school must organize a group form) nor if you have permission to live, work or study in the U.K. in another way.

Dual citizens do not need one either, providing they travel on their U.K. or Irish passports, and travellers from Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man are also exempt.

Under 18s and over 70s need a U.K. ETA, as do those traveling with spouses or other family members holding British or Irish passports.

How Does The U.K. ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) Work?

An ETA costs  (£10) per applicant and is linked to your passport. It is valid for two years, so you can travel as much as you need without renewing it except if your passport expires, and then you would need to get a new ETA linked to your new passport. The U.K. government may increase the cost to  (£16) shortly.

When Will The U.K. ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) Start?

An ETA will be compulsory for everyone who isn’t exempt from 2 April 2025.

Since 2024, nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have needed an ETA. Since January 2025, most countries outside of the EU/EEA have had to use one. From April, everyone will need one, including Europeans.

Where Do I Apply For A U.K. ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)?

You must apply for an ETA before traveling online or through the app.

The U.K. ETA program will operate much like the ESTA scheme in the U.S., where travellers need to register before entering the country.

What you can do with an ETA

You can:

• come to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study
• come to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
• come to the UK for a permitted paid engagement
• transit through a UK airport if you will pass through border control – check with your airline if you are not sure

If you are coming to the UK for another reason, check if you need a visa instead.

An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. You still need to either:

• see a Border Force officer
• use an ePassport gate

Santa Fe Analysis:

For expert advice and assistance with the future applications contact our immigration experts. However, we notify our clients that there are number of changes in the immigration rules.

If you are considering applying for a UK visa, you may therefore wish to submit your application sooner rather than later. And, whenever you apply, professional advice from an immigration experts will help to ensure that your application is approved first-time.