The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme (ETA)

The UK Government is slowly rolling out a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which will grant travellers digital permission to travel to the UK and operate in a similar way to the ESTA system in the US.

Once fully rolled out, the ETA requirement will apply to everyone visiting the UK (except British or Irish nationals) who does not normally need to apply for a visa prior to entry and will mean all travellers to the UK will need to either hold an ETA or hold a visa ahead of their travel to the UK.

As part of the next phase of the roll out, from 8 January 2025, the ETA will apply to all non-EU nationals (including individuals from the US, Canada and Australia) and, from 2 April 2025, it will be extended to EU nationals (other than Irish nationals). Each traveller (including children) will need their own ETA.

British or Irish nationals, anyone with a UK visa (e.g. a sponsored work visa), those with status under the EU settlement scheme, or lawful residents of the republic of Ireland where they are entering the UK from the Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man will not need to hold ETAs.

ETA applications must be submitted online or via the new "UK ETA" app. Individuals will need to apply before they travel to the UK. The fee is £10 each. The application is straightforward, and they will be prompted to upload or take photos of their passport and their face. The application portal can be accessed using the button below:

ETA Application Portal 

Individuals should receive the decision normally within three working days of submission unless further checks or additional information is required. They will receive an email confirming the decision.

An ETA will be issued valid for up to two years or in line with the passport validity (if valid for less than two years).