Updates to the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is expanding to include non-visa nationals of additional countries. 

The ETA scheme requires visitors (and individuals who are transiting through the UK) to apply for an ETA (digital permission) to enter the UK before they travel to the UK. By 2 April 2025 all non-visa nationals (including European nationals) will need to ensure they have an ETA before they travel to the UK.

The scheme is intended to strengthen the security of the UK’s borders as it will allow for greater scrutiny over those travelling to the UK, specifically screening an individual’s criminal record before they are allowed to enter the UK.

What is the ETA scheme?

At the moment, many non-UK/Irish nationals (including European nationals) who visit the UK for short periods may enter without having applied for any prior authorisation as only nationals of certain listed countries have to apply for a visitor or transit visa before coming to the UK.

However, by 2 April 2025 all visitors who are not visa nationals and who do not need to apply for a prior visit visa will instead need to apply for an ETA before they travel to the UK. Similar to the schemes in the US and Canada, applicants will need to have the ETA issued before they can travel and all travellers need to apply, including children.

The ETA scheme was first introduced in October 2023 for Qatari nationals and it was subsequently extended in February 2024 to include other Middle Eastern nationals, including nationals of the UAE and Kuwait. The scheme will now be further extended in November 2024 and March 2025, as outlined in the table below.

How does it work?

It costs £10 to apply for an ETA. Applications can be made online or via the “UK ETA” App. As part of the application process, applicants must upload a copy of their passport and a photo and provide specific information about themselves, including any criminal convictions.

The individual will usually receive a decision by email within three working days although it could take longer. The ETA will be electronically linked to the passport used to make the application and will be valid for multiple journeys for up to two years or until the expiry of the passport used to make the application, if earlier. Where individuals obtain a new passport they will need to apply for another ETA or they are likely to be refused boarding and/or entry to the UK. 

We recommend that individuals also retain and travel with a copy of their email confirmation granting their ETA.

What happens if the application for an ETA is refused?

It is important for the applicant to ensure the information they provide for the ETA application is accurate as the application cannot be withdrawn or amended after it is submitted. There is no right to administrative review or to appeal against a refusal.

ETA applications can be refused on the grounds of serious criminal conviction, previous immigration breaches or where the individual’s presence in the UK is not considered to be conducive to the public good because of their conduct, character, associations etc. Where there are any particular risk factors, individuals are strongly recommended to seek further advice before submitting an ETA application.

If the ETA application is refused it is likely that a visitor entry clearance application would be required. Again, further advice should be sought at that stage.

Who does not need an ETA?

Individuals will not need an ETA if they are:

• a British or Irish national passport holder;
• a British Overseas Territories Citizen passport holder;
• an individual who holds another type of visa that allows them to travel to the UK (including those with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme); or
• an individual who is legally resident in the Republic of Ireland and is travelling to the UK from the Common Travel Area (which includes the Republic of Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man). It’s important to be aware though that if they are travelling into the UK from outside the Common Travel Area they do need to apply for an ETA

Practical implications of the ETA scheme

Travellers need to be aware of the scheme and check if and when it will apply to them in good time before making their UK travel plans. The additional cost and processing time will need to be factored into their plans.

Businesses will also need to ensure that their overseas staff coming to the UK for business visits are aware of the new requirements and factor in the timescale and costs involved.

The ETA scheme will also allow for additional government monitoring of trips to the UK. It is even more important that overseas staff are aware of the limitations of business visits to the UK, both in terms of the activities that are permitted and the length of time they can stay.

List of nationalities that require an ETA (correct as at 30 September 2024)