UK Introduced Electronic Travel Authorisation for Visa-Exempt Visitors

The UK government plans to fully digitise border control and the immigration system by introducing Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a new digital entry requirement for foreign visitors who do not currently require a UK visa. The ETA requirement took effect for non-EU applicants on January 8, 2025, and was extended to EU applicants on April 2, 2025.

ETA requires anyone visiting the UK from a visa-exempt nation, except British and Irish citizens, to secure permission to travel in advance via an ETA or an eVisa. A phased rollout will see:

• Non-European travellers require an ETA from January 8, 2025
• European travellers require permission from April 2, 2025. 

Any countries that previously required a UK visa to enter the UK will still need to apply for the relevant permissions suited to their purpose of visit, such as a Visitor Visa.

What is the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?

• The ETA offers permissions similar to the Standard Visitor Visa in the UK. It is required for any visa-exempt national who is not a British or Irish citizen. 
• It allows multiple entries to the UK for visits of up to six months over two years or until your current passport expires – whichever is sooner. 
• The ETA fee is £10, and the application must be made online. Applications are expected to be processed quickly, within 24 hours, but the UK Home Office advises 2-3 business days.

Why is the ETA coming into effect?

This system is part of the UK’s efforts to enhance security by conducting more thorough checks on incoming travellers. The ETA will be linked to the traveller’s passport, allowing the government to digitise and streamline border control and immigration procedures. It follows countries like Australia and the USA operating a digital entry system and Europe’s announcement of ETIAS, where foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries will require a visa to visit 30 European countries. ETIAS was scheduled for mid-2025. 

When can you first apply?

Non-European travellers can first apply for the authorisation on November 27, 2024, and European travellers were eligible to apply on March 5, 2025. 

What if I’m having problems entering the UK with or without an ETA?

The UK’s new 24/7 Passenger Support Helpline launched on 31 December 2024, to assist international travellers with imminent travel plans. The main contact number is 0800 8766921 (free of charge), with an alternative number 0203 337 0927 (charges may apply) for those unable to use 0800 numbers.

Do You Need Both an ETA and a Visitor Visa for the UK?

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and visitor visas serve different purposes. Which one you are required to apply for depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip. Here’s how it works:

ETA for Visa-Exempt Travellers

If you are from a visa-exempt country, you must apply for an ETA to enter the UK started in 2025. An ETA will allow you to stay for up to six months for tourism, short-term study, family visits or business.

Do you need an ETA and a visa?

You do not require an ETA if you are from a country requiring a visa for UK entry clearance. You must still apply for a UK Visitor Visa or another visa that is consistent with your reason for travel. 

Visa-Exempt countries that already require an ETA (Middle Eastern countries, and all non-European visa-exempt nations required ETA)

Visa-exempt countries in Europe need to apply for an ETA for entry: 

Countries that will still need to apply for a UK Visitor Visa or other permission to enter the UK, and will not require an ETA:

European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS)

In parallel with the UK’s ETA, European countries are also introducing their own travel authorization system, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). Travellers from 60 visa-exempt countries, including the US, need an ETIAS authorisation to enter 30 European countries for short stays.

ETIAS will be linked to the traveller’s passport and will remain valid for three years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner. The authorisation will cost 7 euros and allow visitors multiple short-term entries of up to 90 days within 180 days.

Do You Need Both an ETA and ETIAS for Europe?

When travelling to the UK and onward to Europe, you will require an ETA and ETIAS (when effective). These are separate permissions and systems that require applications to each individually. 

Expert Support for Your Immigration Goals

At IAS, our experienced and expert immigration lawyers have helped secure over 9000 successful applications globally for our clients. With a professional, personal service, we offer bespoke guidance, advice and application support for any circumstance. 

We can help you establish your eligibility to travel or immigrate to the UK, Europe or elsewhere in the world. No matter your immigration goals, we tailor our services to your unique requirements.

We can help you apply for an ETA or UK Visitor Visa and make complex applications on your behalf. Get in touch with our team today to start your UK immigration journey. Call us on +44 (0)333 414 9244 or reach out online.