Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme

Home Office expands ETA Scheme

Last Autumn, the Home Office launched the Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme (ETA Scheme). This is a new system affecting people who previously did not need to apply for permission to visit the UK, known as 'non-visa nationals'.

The ETA Scheme has been rolled out to different nationalities in stages. On 10 September 2024, the Home Office announced that the ETA Scheme will be further expanded to cover all non-visa nationals, including European nationals, by Spring 2025.

This represents a significant change in the UK's immigration system, as it means that, going forward, everyone wishing to travel to the UK (except British and Irish citizens) will need to obtain permission before they travel.

Who is a ''non-visa national''?

Nationals of countries who are required to apply for visitor visas before travelling to the UK are known as ''visa nationals''. A list of ''visa national'' countries can be found here. 

Any nationality not included in the visa national list (except for British and Irish citizens) is known as a ''non-visa national''. Individuals from non-visa national countries do not ordinarily require a visa to come to the UK as short-term visitors. It is to this group of people that the ETA applies.  

Why is the ETA being introduced?

The Home Office wants to digitalise the UK's immigration system and enhance UK border security. The ETA Scheme allows the Government to assess individuals planning to enter the UK, with the aim of preventing individuals who pose a threat to the UK or who are otherwise unsuitable, from being able to travel here.

The ETA Scheme is not a new concept, and similar schemes operate in many other countries. For instance, visitors to the US must apply for permission to travel to the US under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization ("ESTA") visa waiver programme, and in Australia, New Zealand and Canada, visitors must already obtain an ETA prior to arrival. The EU is also launching a similar scheme called the European Travel Information and Authorisation System ("ETIAS"), reportedly being rolled out this year.

It is important to note that the ETA grants permission to travel to the UK but does not guarantee that entry to the UK will be granted. Non-visa nationals may still be required to demonstrate to UK Border Force that they are genuine visitors to the UK upon arrival at a UK port.

Who will need to apply?

Currently, only nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can apply for an ETA. However, from 27 November 2024, the ETA application process will open up to a further list of nationalities*1 intending to travel to the UK on or after 8 January 2025. It will then open up to the remaining non-visa national countries*2 on 5 March 2025, for those intending to travel to the UK on or after 2 April 2025. This later cohort includes European countries.

Of those affected, every traveller, including children of any age, will be required to apply for an ETA if they want to come to the UK as a visitor for up to six months for the purpose of for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study.   

It does not apply to British or Irish nationals (provided they are traveling to UK on those passports) or to non-visa nationals who have a valid visa for the UK. It is important to note that ETA holders will need to travel to UK on the passport through which they made their ETA application.

Additionally, any non-visa nationals who are transiting through the UK will also need to have ETA authorisation, even if the transit period is short.

How do I apply and what are the costs?

Applications can be made online through the UK Government website, or using the UK ETA app. It costs £10 to apply and it is possible for a third party to apply on behalf of others.

It is advisable to apply for an ETA well before booking any travel. The Home Office aims to process applications in three working days. However, there may be circumstances whereby the application will take more than three working days.

As such, applicants should apply for ETA authorisation in good time, giving sufficient leeway to apply for a visitor visa in case ETA authorisation is refused. 

How long are ETAs valid?

ETAs will be valid for two years and will be linked to the passport of the applicant. During the two-year validity period, the holder may travel to the UK any number of times, provided their travel meets the wider requirements of the UK immigration rules including those in relation to visitors. 

If anyone who has been granted an ETA subsequently renews or changes their passport, they will need to apply for a new ETA to be linked to their new passport.

Please contact us for further information.