Millions of visitors who didn’t need a visa before will now need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK. Whether you’re planning a short visit, a business trip, or just transiting through the UK, the ETA could soon apply to you. This article explains what the UK ETA is, who it affects, how it works, and why it’s becoming an essential part of border control for many travellers.
What is the UK ETA?
The UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a new digital system introduced by the British government to manage entry for visitors who don’t currently need a visa. It’s a form of pre-screening that checks who is planning to enter the country before they travel. If approved, the ETA is electronically linked to your passport and grants you permission to travel to the UK for short visits, such as holidays, business meetings, or layovers.
It’s important to note that the ETA is not a visa. You don’t need to visit an embassy or attend an interview. Instead, the entire process happens online, and it’s designed to be faster and simpler than traditional visa applications. The goal is to strengthen border control while making travel easier and more predictable for eligible travellers.
Was Your Flight Disrupted?
Turn your delayed, cancelled or overbooked flight into a compensation up to €600!
Who needs to apply for an ETA?
Not everyone needs to apply for a UK ETA, only travellers from countries that currently enjoy visa-free access for short stays. This includes citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and, since 2025, most EU countries, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. If you’re from one of these countries and planning to visit the UK for up to six months, you’ll need an ETA before you travel.
There are some important exceptions. British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA. The same applies if you already hold a valid UK visa or have permission to live, work, or study in the UK. In these cases, the UK government already has your details and clearance, so additional authorisation isn’t necessary.
If you’re unsure whether your nationality requires an ETA, it’s always best to check the official UK government website. The list of eligible countries is expanding, and the rules may vary depending on your travel plans.
Which countries are affected by the UK ETA and when?
The UK ETA scheme has already been launched for several countries and is now fully in place for many visa-free travellers. It first became mandatory for citizens of Qatar in November 2023, followed by Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates in February 2024.
Since 8 January 2025, travellers from the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand must also obtain an ETA before arriving in the UK. Then, as of 2 April 2025, the requirement was extended to most EU countries, as well as Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
The system is expected to expand further, so travellers from other visa-exempt countries may be added in future updates.
How is the ETA different from a visa?
At first glance, the ETA might seem like a visa after all – you need to apply, get approved, and carry it digitally while travelling. But in reality, it’s a much lighter process. The ETA is not a visa and doesn’t replace one. Instead, it acts as a quick security check for travellers from countries that normally don’t need a visa to enter the UK.
Getting a visa usually involves scheduling an appointment, going to an interview, gathering paperwork, and waiting for approval, which can take several weeks. The ETA, by contrast, is fully digital, takes only minutes to apply for, and usually gets processed within a few days. It doesn’t give you any special immigration rights – it just confirms that you’re cleared to travel to the UK and request entry at the border.
It’s also important to know that having an ETA doesn’t guarantee you’ll be allowed into the UK. Like with any travel authorisation, border officers still have the final say when you arrive. The ETA only means you’ve passed basic checks before your trip.
Was Your Flight Disrupted?
Turn your delayed, cancelled or overbooked flight into a compensation up to €600!
How can travellers apply for an ETA?
Travellers can apply online through the UK ETA app or the government website. The application is digital, simple, and usually takes just a few minutes.
To apply, you’ll need:
- The passport you’ll travel with
- An email address
- A credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay
- A clear photo of your face (you can upload or take one during the application)
Most applications are processed within 72 hours. Once approved, your ETA is automatically linked to your passport and verified before boarding.
How much does the ETA cost and how long is it valid?
An ETA costs £16 per person. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
Once approved, your ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can enter the UK multiple times during this period, but each visit must follow the rules for short stays, usually limited to up to 6 months.
If you get a new passport or your ETA expires, you’ll need to apply again.
Do I need an ETA if I’m transiting through the UK?
Yes, in many cases. If your transit involves passing through UK border control (for example, changing airports or collecting luggage), you’ll need an ETA even if you’re only staying a few hours.
However, if you remain airside, meaning you don’t go through passport control and stay within the international transit area of the airport, you don’t need an ETA. This applies only to certain routes and airlines.
If you’re unsure whether your connection counts as a “landside” or “airside” transit, it’s safest to check with your airline or the airport in advance.
What happens if I arrive without an ETA?
If you need an ETA and don’t have one, you won’t be allowed to travel to the UK. Airlines and ferry operators are required to check your ETA status before letting you board. If you can’t show approval, you’ll likely be denied boarding.
Even if you somehow arrive in the UK without a valid ETA, you may be refused entry at the border and sent back at your own expense. The system is strict, and there are no exceptions once the requirement applies to your nationality.
Was Your Flight Disrupted?
Turn your delayed, cancelled or overbooked flight into a compensation up to €600!
How do I check if I need an ETA?
Whether you need an ETA depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. The easiest way to check is to use the official tool on the UK government website. You select your country, and it tells you whether you need an ETA, a visa, or nothing at all.
The rules are different for tourists, business travellers, transit passengers, and people with existing UK visas. If your travel plans are unusual, for example, multiple short stays or an extended visit, it’s especially important to check before booking.
What does the ETA mean for travellers from Europe and beyond?
For many travellers who previously entered the UK without any formalities, the ETA introduces a significant change. Showing a passport is no longer enough – now, even short visits require pre-authorisation through a digital application. For example, a traveller from Germany flying to London for a weekend now needs to complete the ETA process before departure, even if their stay is just two days.
This doesn’t mean a visa is required, but it does add a new step. Travellers must plan ahead, apply in advance, and be aware that without ETA approval, their trip may be disrupted before it even begins.
The ETA system has become a standard part of travelling to the UK for many visitors. While the application process is simple, planning ahead is essential. Understanding how the ETA works helps ensure your journey goes smoothly without delays or last-minute surprises.
