OVERVIEW

The UK Government has announced the next phase in the rollout of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). An ETA gives visitors permission to travel to the UK. An ETA for American visitors will be required to enter the UK for travel starting January 8th, 2025. Americans can apply in advance starting November 27, 2024.

The ETA will be linked to the traveler's passport and will last for two years or until the traveler's passport expires – whichever comes first. An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires. Travelers can apply online at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta or through the UK ETA app available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

WHAT IS AN ETA?:

APPLYING FOR AN ETA:

BACKGROUND

• Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) are being introduced worldwide for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status – an ETA is a digital permission to travel. 
• Eligible non-Europeans can apply in advance from 27 November 2024 and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025.
• An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner. 
• The introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia, and helps prevent the arrival of those who present a threat to the UK.

ELIGIBILITY FOR AN ETA

• All visitors, including children, who do not need a visa for short stays or who do not have any other UK immigration status will need an ETA to travel to the UK or transit through the UK.
• An ETA is not a visa, it does not permit entry into the UK – it authorizes an individual to travel to the UK. 

APPLYING FOR AN ETA

• Information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK is available on GOV.UK
• The easiest way to apply for an ETA is through the ‘UK ETA app’, which can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple App Store. People can apply on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone.
• The application process is quick and simple. Applicants usually get a decision within three working days but may get a quicker decision if they use the UK ETA app.
• To apply for an ETA, applicants need to:
• Pay a fee
• Provide contact and passport details
• Provide a valid photo, complying with their rules for digital photos on GOV.UK
• Answer a set of questions
• Visitors must travel using the same passport they used when they applied for an ETA.
• An ETA costs £10. The cost of an ETA is subject to change.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do travelers know if they need to obtain a visa instead of an ETA?

• If a person intends to visit the UK for longer than six months, they need to obtain a relevant visa. They may also need a visa for stays of less than six months for purposes other than visit, transit and some business visits.
• People can check if they need a visa by using the visa checking tool on GOV.UK

What happens if someone is not able to obtain an ETA?

• If an applicant’s ETA application is rejected, they will be told the reason and can apply again.
• If an applicant’s ETA application is refused, they cannot appeal and instead need to apply for a visa if they still wish to seek permission to come to the UK.