Starting on January 8th, 2025 the United Kingdom will be implementing a new electronic travel authorization (ETA) travelers will have to apply for before arrival. Here’s everything you need to know about the UK’s new ETA.
What Is The ETA?
The ETA is required for visitors who do not need a visa and will be traveling to England, Scotland, Wales, or northern Ireland. It is a security screening method that’s been newly implemented. You also don’t need an ETA if you have permission to work or study in the UK, are a British or Irish citizen, have a British overseas passport or are an Irish citizen (or dual citizen) traveling from Ireland to Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
In short, if you can travel to the UK without having to apply for a visa, you will now need an ETA. (Here’s where you can check whether or not you need an actual visa.)
How To Get An ETA
You can apply for the ETA using the UK ETA app available for Android and iOS, or directly through the ETA webpage. No matter the method you use the process is the same and takes around 10 minutes to complete. You’ll first enter your email address and be sent a verification code. Once verified you’ll have to snap a photo of your passport’s ID page and upload it to the site. Then you’ll either be asked for a face scan using the camera on your phone or laptop or be asked to upload a recent passport photo.
Next you’ll answer several security questions including whether you have any criminal conviction, if you have a job, and if you’ve ever been denied prior entry to the UK. Finally you’re presented with all of your responses and passport information (that was automatically parsed from the photo you uploaded) to review.
Make sure the information, especially your name and passport number are correct and edit them if needed. After verification you have to pay the ETA fee, which is 10 British pounds (GBP).
Approval Times
Getting your ETA approved can take up to 3 business days but is often much faster. Once approved, you don’t need to print or bring any additional documentation with you, it will be available to passport control once you arrive. (You’ll also receive a confirmation email for your own records.) The ETA is good for 2 years and unlimited entries and is a new, small step for all visitors to the UK.
Great Post!
This is a really helpful overview of the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for travelers heading to the UK. It’s good to see that the process seems straightforward, but I think it’s important to emphasize just how much easier the application is compared to a full visa. The fact that it’s entirely online is a huge plus!
I do have a question about the 9-month validity of the ETA. Does it mean travelers can make multiple entries to the UK during this period, or would they need to apply again for each trip?
Also, it’s reassuring to know that the ETA doesn’t replace the need for a visa for longer stays or for those in specific categories (like workers or students). That’s something people definitely need to be aware of.
Overall, the new system should help streamline travel for tourists, business travelers, and short-term visitors, and it’s great to see more countries adopting tech to simplify entry procedures!
The validity is for 2 years and you can make as many entries as you like during that time.