The UK Government Announces New Fee to Enter the Country

Details of the new Electronic Travel Authorisation System

In 2025, the UK government officially announced the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) program, after a phased rollout saw countries including Qatar in 2023, as well as Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE require an ETA to visit the UK in 2024.

In 2025, the system will be effective for every visa-free national who enters the UK this includes:

• Previously visa-exempt nationals from outside of the EU require an ETA. This came into effect on 8th January 2025.
• Visa-exempt nationals from European nations will require an ETA from 2nd April 2025 onwards.

The ETA costs £10, and making an application is straightforward. It is typically processed within 3 working days. An ETA is not a traditional visa application therefore, it is usually fast and most ETAs are successful. Anomalies can include not revealing pertinent information. E.g., criminal convictions or visa refusals might mean you face delays or refusals.

Why the ETA?

The ETA program replaces the current Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) system. It is part of a larger plan to modernise the UK border in 2025, with the goal of enhancing both border security and the visitor experience. The ETA acts as a virtual permit for individuals who are visiting or passing through the UK for short stays and don’t require a visa.

Modelled after the United States’ ESTA system, the fully digital process greatly reduces the need for traditional paperwork. Much like how UK citizens must complete an online ESTA application before going to the US, the ETA follows a similar process for foreign travellers coming to the UK.

Though the exact requirements for obtaining an ETA haven’t been officially revealed by the UK government yet, potential international visitors should be ready to provide their passport details, biometric information, and answer security questions online to secure their ETA. Upon a successful review, permission to travel to the UK will be granted.

Quick Facts about the new ETA scheme

• The ETA, which costs £10 to apply for (approximately $12.75 or €8.50), offers pre-authorisation for entry into the UK.
• Approval for the ETA may take up to 72 hours, and once granted, it remains valid for up to 2 years.
• It’s important to note that the ETA is specifically valid for UK entry only; it is not applicable for any other purpose.
• The ETA operates as a pre-authorisation system and should not be confused with a traditional visa.

Who will need an ETA to enter the UK?

The ETA applies to individuals eligible to travel to the UK without a visa. This includes tourists, those visiting family or friends, individuals coming for business or studies within a six-month period, those with the Creative Worker visa concession, and those transiting through the UK. Irish citizens are exempt from the ETA requirement.

The following countries need an ETA:

Middle East – Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan

North America – Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Cayman Islands, Curacao, Grenada, Guatemala, Mexico, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sint Maarten, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, USA

South America – Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Falkland Islands, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay

Oceania – Australia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Island, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu

Asia – Brunei, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan

Africa – Botswana, Mauritius, Seychelles, Togo

British Overseas Territories – Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

(From 8th April 2025)

Europe

Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City, San Marino

Phased Implementation for Global Travellers

The UK is introducing this new system gradually. Commencing in October 2023, it was first applicable to travellers from Qatar. Following that, from February 2024, it was expanded to citizens of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. By 2nd January 2025, all foreign visitors (Non European) who previously enjoyed visa-free access to the UK required an ETA. European travellers are the last group to join and will be required to obtain an ETA from 2nd April 2025.

For more information and updates on the ETA system’s implementation, reach out to an adviser at IAS today on 0333 305 9375, and stay up to date with official government announcements.