UK now offers expanded digital travel services for more visitors.
Starting in April 2025, non-visa visitors to the UK must obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA) for entry. The government is actively advancing its efforts to modernize the UK border and immigration system and has announced updated timelines for the implementation of the electronic travel authorization (ETA) scheme.
What is an ETA Scheme?
The ETA scheme, implemented by the UK Home Office, functions similarly to the US ESTA system. It mandates that most travelers to the UK obtain authorization to enter the country before their journey. The Home Office has stated, “Everyone wishing to travel to the UK—except British and Irish citizens—will need permission to travel in advance of coming here’. Remember that you can obtain this permission through an ETA or an e-Visa.
Don’t forget that the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a digital permit that is electronically linked to your passport. It costs £10 and allows you to make multiple entries into the United Kingdom for periods of up to six months each, within a two-year timeframe. The application process can be initiated through the UK ETA app and is contingent upon the traveler’s nationality.
Who will need an ETA Scheme?
The requirement for an ETA applies to nationals of specific countries. In November 2022, Qatar mandated its nationals to obtain an ETA, followed by travelers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. It’s worth noting that even children and infants from these countries must apply for an ETA.
Non-British and non-Irish citizens planning to travel to the UK must obtain permission to enter the country in advance. They can do this by applying for either an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or an e-Visa.
Who is exempt from the ETA scheme?
Citizens holding British and Irish passports, as well as those with passports from British Overseas Territories, do not need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Individuals who already have a visa or have been granted permission to reside, work, or study in the UK, including those who qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme post-Brexit, are also exempt from the requirement.
ETA Restrictions
The ETA permits individuals to stay in the UK for up to six months for purposes such as tourism, business, short-term studies, or visiting friends and family. However, there are several restrictions, including the inability to get married, claim benefits, reside in the country through frequent visits, or engage in self-employed work.
Remember that starting on 27 November 2024, non-Europeans who are eligible will be able to apply for an ETA. They will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025. Later on, from 5 March 2025, eligible Europeans will also need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.
ETAs electronically link to a traveler’s passport and enable more rigorous security checks before individuals start their journey to the UK, helping to prevent abuse of the immigration system. An ETA costs £10 and allows for multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time over 2 years or until the expiration of the holder’s passport – whichever comes first.
As of today, comprehensive information regarding ETA eligibility is accessible on the official UK government website, GOV.UK. Individuals requiring an ETA are now able to initiate the application process through the user-friendly UK ETA app. It is noteworthy that visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council are currently mandated to obtain an ETA for travel to the UK.
The implementation of ETAs aligns with the border security strategies adopted by several other nations, such as the United States and Australia.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, said:
“The digitization process aims to enhance the experience for the millions of individuals crossing the border annually, including the esteemed visitors welcomed to the UK. These visitors are expected to make a significant contribution of over £32 billion to the tourism economy this year.”
“The global extension of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) underscores our dedication to reinforcing security through innovative technology and integrating a contemporary immigration system.”
Note: Individuals who need a UK visa for residency, employment, or education now have an eVisa. This e-Visa provides digital validation of their immigration status, instead of relying on physical immigration documentation, which can be lost, stolen, or tampered with. e-Visas removes the need for individuals to wait or travel to get physical documents, making the process much more streamlined.
Summary
The government urges migrants in the UK currently utilizing physical immigration documentation, such as a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or a passport with ink stamps or visa vignette stickers, to promptly establish an online account for accessing their e-Visa.
Remember that most Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) will expire on 31st December 2024, so it’s important for BRP holders to take necessary steps before their permits expire.
The establishment of an account provides individuals with access to online services for the verification of their rights and management of their personal information and passport details, without affecting their underlying immigration status. The government is funding additional assistance for vulnerable individuals to help them transition from physical documents to an eVisa.
The government remains in close collaboration with international airline, maritime, and rail carriers, pivotal in ensuring the seamless implementation of our digitalization initiative.
