ETA: A New Requirement for Travelers to the UK

If you're used to traveling to the UK with only your passport, the next time you visit could look very different.

Like the US's ESTA and the EU's impending ETIAS, the United Kingdom has launched a new authorization requirement for travelers, including those from the US and Canada.

For the majority of travelers, the new authorization goes into effect January 8, 2025.

But what is ETA? And do you need to apply for it before your trip to the UK? We'll tell you what we know.

What is ETA?

ETA, short for electronic travel authorization, gives travelers permission to visit the UK, which includes England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

It isn't a visa, and it isn't a substitute for a visa, it's simply a new policy that authorizes travelers to enter the country.

With that being said, ETA doesn't guarantee entry into the UK. Travelers with approved ETAs will still be required to go through border control (or an ePassport gate if eligible) for final approval.

Do I need ETA to go to the UK?

If you do not hold a British or Irish passport and do not need a visa to travel to the UK, you are required to apply for ETA. If you have a valid UK visa for any reason, you do not need to apply for ETA.

If your passport is from any of the following countries, and you don't have a visa, ETA is now mandatory:

Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Oman, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, and Uruguay.

Beginning April 2, 2025, all passport holders from the following countries will also be required to apply for ETA:

All EU Nationals, Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, and Vatican City.

Do babies and children need to apply for ETA?

Yes. There are no age exemptions. The process remains unchanged, regardless of age.

Who doesn't need ETA?

If you previously required a visa to travel to the United Kingdom, you will still need a visa. ETA doesn't affect the visa process. This includes citizens of India, China, South Africa, and others.

How do I apply for ETA?

The application process for ETA is entirely digital. You can apply online on their official website, or by downloading the UK ETA app.

When using either the official website or the app, applicants will need to take a photo of their original passport (not a photocopy or digital passport), as well as their own face, and upload it into the system.

You'll also need to pay a £10.00 fee with either a debit or credit card, Apply Pay, or Google Pay.

According to the UK government, you will not need to add any travel details.

After applying, you'll receive an email letting you know that your ETA has been approved. Conveniently, ETA approval is automatically linked to your passport, so you don't need to print out proof or any confirmations.

When passing through the border, your authorization will be visible to the necessary authorities.

When should I apply for ETA?

Processing time for approval usually takes 3 business days but can be shorter or longer occasionally. Make sure you apply before your trip.

Can I apply for ETA for someone else?

Yes, but each application must be done separately. If you're applying for someone else who isn't with you, you should apply online instead of through the app.

Keep in mind that even if everyone in your group or family applies on the same day, processing time may vary for each individual applicant.

How much does ETA cost?

The ETA application is £10.00 per person and nonrefundable.

How long is ETA valid for?

An approved ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. When you renew your passport, you'll need to reapply for ETA.

What can I do with ETA approval?

An approved ETA allows you to enter the United Kingdom. Once approved, you can enter the United Kingdom as many times as you like during its validity, so long as your stay is less than 6 months.

ETA doesn't allow you to travel to other countries in Europe, such as France or Italy for example. It also doesn't allow you to become a resident or work in the UK.

Key Takeaways

• ETA is now required for travelers from the US, Canada, and Australia when traveling to the UK.
• Beginning April 2, ETA will be mandatory for all EU-Nationals.
• The ETA application is £10.00 per person and nonrefundable.
• The ETA application process is entirely digital.
• ETA, when approved, is automatically linked to your passport.
• ETA isn't a visa; it's permission to enter the United Kingdom.