UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Key Information for Travellers

Navigate the UK's New Travel Protocol

What You Need to Know About the ETA for Trips from 1 Day to 6 Months

The United Kingdom has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a digital entry requirement for visitors from visa-exempt countries. Whether you’re visiting for a single day or staying for up to six months, this new system ensures that all travellers have valid permission before arriving in the UK.

What Is the UK ETA?

A Simplified Entry System for Short-Term Visits

The UK ETA is a digital authorisation linked to your passport, permitting stays in the UK for tourism, business, short-term study, or even brief stopovers. It is valid for up to six months per visit and remains active for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

• Duration of Stay: From 1 day to 6 months.
• Purpose of Visit: Tourism, business, short study, or transit.

The application process is straightforward, with most approvals granted within three working days, and costs £10.

Who Needs an ETA?

The UK ETA applies to citizens of visa-exempt countries. The rollout schedule includes:

• From 15 November 2023: Nationals of Qatar.
• From 22 February 2024: Nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
• From 8 January 2025: Nationals from numerous countries, including the United States and Canada.
• From 2 April 2025: Most European countries.

Travellers can apply for an ETA up to three months before their travel date. Remember, an ETA is also required for those transiting through the UK.

Who Does Not Need an ETA?

Certain groups are exempt from the ETA requirement, including:

• British or Irish passport holders.
• Individuals with permission to live, work, or study in the UK.
• Holders of a valid UK visa.
• Irish residents entering the UK from within the Common Travel Area (those travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man).

How to Apply for an ETA

Travellers can apply for an ETA online or through the UK ETA app, providing:

• Passport details.
• Contact information.
• Answers to basic security questions.

Once approved, the ETA is electronically linked to the traveller's passport. Most applications are processed within three working days.

What Does the ETA Mean for Operators?

Compliance Requirements and Responsibilities

Operators are required to verify that passengers have valid travel authorisation before boarding. Failure to do so can result in significant fines, up to £50,000. This necessitates submitting Advance Passenger Information (API) interactively to check ETA status, ensuring compliance with the UK's Universal Permission to Travel scheme.

Conclusion

Streamlining Travel to the UK

The UK's ETA system represents a significant shift in travel protocols, aiming to streamline entry processes and enhance security. Travellers and operators alike should familiarise themselves with these requirements to ensure seamless journeys to the United Kingdom.