UK Electronic Travel Authorisation: How to Apply and What to Know

Key Takeaways

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) begins March 5, 2025, for specific European nationals and applies from April 2, 2025.
Applications require a UKVI account, basic personal/travel information, a £10 fee, and may process in under three days.
British and Irish citizens, UK visa holders, and certain travelers are exempt from needing a UK ETA.

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system is an important new development in how people travel to the United Kingdom 🇬🇧. With this system, travelers from certain countries will need to secure electronic permission before entering the UK. This guide gives you all the information you need about eligibility, the application process, fees, and other essential points relating to the UK’s e-visa system.

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation: How to Apply and What to Know

What is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital system that will soon be necessary for many visitors to the UK 🇬🇧, excluding those who already have certain types of immigration permissions. The UK Government plans to fully implement this system by the end of 2025 as part of its broader efforts to modernize its border security policies. According to the UK Government, the ETA will serve as a vital measure to track and screen visitors effectively, helping enhance safety measures at the nation’s borders.

This new process doesn’t replace all visas; it applies primarily to travelers who do not currently need a visa to visit the UK for a short stay. The ETA will act as an additional layer of authorization for such individuals. Travelers should note that the ETA does not grant permission to work or settle in the UK but is meant for temporary visits.

Who Needs to Apply for a UK ETA?

Eligibility for the UK ETA depends on your nationality and travel plans. The implementation of the ETA system follows a phased approach:

Beginning from March 5, 2025, nationals from various European countries, including Andorra 🇦🇩, Belgium 🇧🇪, France 🇫🇷, Finland 🇫🇮, Spain 🇪🇸, and others, will need to obtain an ETA before traveling to the UK starting April 2, 2025.
Nationals from several other visa-exempt countries will be incorporated into the system later, but the exact dates for their inclusion are still to be announced.

Who Doesn’t Need an ETA?

Certain categories of individuals are not required to apply for a UK ETA. These include:

British or Irish citizens.
Those with a valid UK visa, which already allows their entry.
Individuals already living, working, or studying in the UK on a long-term basis.
Residents of Ireland 🇮🇪 traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
Minors traveling under the France-UK school trip travel program.

If you fall into any of these categories, you will not need an ETA.

How to Apply for a UK ETA

The UK ETA system is designed to be simple and efficient. Travelers can complete their applications using the UK ETA app or through the official GOV.UK website. Below is the step-by-step application process:

Step 1: Access the Application Portal

Download the UK ETA app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, or visit the official GOV.UK website.

Step 2: Create a UKVI Account

You must set up a UKVI account, which will require an active email address. This account allows you to submit and monitor your application.

Step 3: Fill in the Application Form

Provide your personal information, such as full name, date of birth, and address.
Include your passport details.
Input travel information, including your planned arrival and departure dates and where you’ll stay while in the UK 🇬🇧.
Upload a recent passport-style photograph.

Step 4: Complete Suitability and Security Questions

Answer several questions aimed at assessing your eligibility and suitability for a UK ETA.

Step 5: Pay the £10 Fee

The £10 application fee is non-refundable regardless of whether your application is successful or declined.

Step 6: Submit Supporting Documents

You may be required to upload additional documents, such as:
- A scanned copy of your passport.
- Accommodation reservations.
- Financial proof to show you can support yourself during your stay.
- Employment verification if relevant.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Applications submitted through the app are often processed automatically, with decisions made in just a few minutes.
To be safe, it’s recommended you allow three working days for the final decision to be made.

Approved ETAs: What Happens Next?

Once your UK ETA application is approved, the document will be electronically linked to your passport. You don’t need to carry a physical copy of it. To manage your approved ETA, you can:

Log in to your UKVI account to review or update any details related to your ETA.
Ensure your passport information is always up-to-date in the system, as the ETA is directly tied to your passport.
Use your UKVI account when future interactions with UK immigration authorities are needed.

ETA Fees and Associated Costs

The fee to apply for a UK ETA is £10. This fee applies to each traveler and needs to be paid digitally during the application process.

While the ETA comes with a relatively low fee, travelers should be aware of other visa fees if they are required to apply for a different visa. Some common visa fees include:

Short-term visit visa (6 months): £115
Visit visa (up to 2 years): £432
Visit visa (up to 5 years): £771
Visit visa (up to 10 years): £963

It’s crucial to confirm which type of visa or authorization you may require for your trip.

Common Questions About the UK ETA

1. How long is the UK ETA valid for?
Details about ETA validity have not been fully outlined yet. Check the official UK Government website for updated information.

2. Can I apply without a smartphone?
Yes, applicants can also use the official GOV.UK website if they do not have a smartphone.

3. Can I enter the UK multiple times with an ETA?
Information on multiple entries is not currently available. Consult the GOV.UK website or official sources for updates.

4. What happens if my ETA application is rejected?
If your application is denied, you may not be able to travel to the UK unless you secure a different type of visa. Appeal options may vary depending on the reasons for denial.

5. How far in advance do I need to apply?
Although many decisions are made quickly, it’s best to apply at least three working days before your travel date.

6. Do transiting passengers need an ETA?
You don’t need an ETA for airport transits, provided you will not pass through border control.

Final Thoughts

The UK’s move to introduce the Electronic Travel Authorisation is part of a more modern and automated visa system. It’s essential to understand whether you qualify for an ETA and what other options you might have for your travel. Always stay up-to-date with the latest requirements by checking trusted sources, such as the official GOV.UK website.

For those navigating their travel plans, platforms such as VisaVerge.com provide insightful updates and reliable analysis, ensuring travelers are well-prepared for their trips. With these changes, travelers will likely benefit from smoother entry processes while also ensuring the UK’s border security remains strong.

Learn Today

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) → A digital permit required for travelers from specific countries to enter the UK temporarily without a visa.
UKVI Account → An online account used for managing UK visa and travel authorization applications, including tracking and updating personal details.
Visa-Exempt Countries → Nations whose citizens can enter certain countries, like the UK, without acquiring a traditional visa for short visits.
Suitability and Security Questions → Questions designed to assess an applicant’s eligibility and security risks when applying for travel authorization or a visa.
Non-Refundable Fee → A payment that cannot be returned, even if the application for travel authorization is declined or unsuccessful.

This Article in a Nutshell

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), launching by 2025, modernizes UK border control. Required for visa-exempt travelers, it ensures security while simplifying entry. Applications cost £10 and link digitally to passports. Plan three days ahead to apply via app or GOV.UK. Stay informed for a seamless journey to the UK!
— By VisaVerge.com