Electronic Travel Authorisation update
- The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a universal ‘permission to travel’ requirement which is now fully rolled out in the UK. The ETA is similar to the ESTA system in the United States.
- The ETA has been in effect for all relevant nationalities, including EU nationals since April 2025 and full details on how to apply can be found here.
- Everyone wishing to travel to the UK (except British citizens, Irish citizens and legal residents of Ireland who are travelling to the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man) must apply for an ETA in advance unless they hold a UK visa or UK residence status. The application fee is £16 and the ETA is issued for a two-year duration or until the expiry date of the passport used to apply if this is shorter.
- The Government has announced that from 25 February 2026 the ETA will be 'strictly enforced', meaning individuals travelling to the UK who require an ETA but do not hold one may not be permitted to travel to the UK.
- British and Irish citizens, including dual citizens, do not require an ETA. Dual British citizens need to ensure they are able to travel to the UK on either a valid British passport or a certificate of entitlement to right of abode to prove their status.
We are here if there are any questions or issues with the applications so please do not hesitate to contact our immigration specialist, Katie Good.
