UK ETA System: Everything You Need to Know About the New Travel Requirements

If you’re planning to visit the UK, there’s a crucial new requirement you need to know about: the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This digital permission system has revolutionized UK border control and affects millions of travelers worldwide.

What is an ETA and Why Do You Need One?

An ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK – think of it as advance clearance before you board your flight. It’s not a visa, but it’s now mandatory for most visitors who previously could travel visa-free to the UK.

The system enhances border security by pre-screening travelers against security databases before they arrive. If you don’t have an ETA when required, you won’t be able to board your flight to the UK.

Who Needs an ETA?

Since January 8, 2025: Nationals from 49 non-European countries, including:

United States
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
Japan
South Korea
Singapore
Brazil
And many others

Since April 2, 2025: European nationals from 34 countries, including:

All EU member states (except Ireland)
Switzerland
Norway
Iceland

Who DOESN’T Need an ETA?

You don’t need an ETA if you:

Are a British or Irish citizen
Hold a valid UK visa
Have UK settled or pre-settled status
Are transiting airside without passing through border control
Hold diplomatic status or are exempt from immigration control

Important for Dual Citizens: If you hold British or Irish citizenship alongside another nationality, you don’t need an ETA – but you must travel on your British/Irish passport or obtain a certificate of entitlement.

How Much Does an ETA Cost?

The ETA fee increased from £10 to £16 on April 9, 2025. Each traveler needs their own ETA, including babies and children. The fee is non-refundable, even if your application is refused.

What Can You Do with an ETA?

An ETA allows you to:

Visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism
Conduct business activities (meetings, conferences)
Visit family and friends
Undertake short-term study (up to 30 days)
Transit through the UK (if passing through border control)

What You CAN’T Do:

Work (unless specifically permitted)
Study long-term courses
Get married (you need a Marriage Visitor visa)
Access public funds
Live in the UK permanently

How to Apply for an ETA

The application process is straightforward:

Option 1: UK ETA App (Recommended)

Download from Google Play or Apple App Store
Use your phone to scan your passport and take a selfie
Answer suitability questions
Pay the £16 fee
Receive decision usually within 24 hours

Option 2: Online Application

Apply through GOV.UK
Upload passport photo and facial photo
Complete application form
Pay online
Await email decision

What You’ll Need to Apply

Valid passport (with at least 2 years remaining)
Email address
Credit/debit card or digital payment method (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
Digital photo of yourself
Answers to suitability and criminality questions

How Long Does an ETA Last?

Once approved, your ETA is valid for:

2 years from the date of approval, OR
Until your passport expires (whichever comes first)

You can make multiple trips to the UK during this period, with each visit lasting up to 6 months.

Common ETA Mistakes to Avoid

Wrong Passport: Your ETA is linked to the specific passport you used in your application. You must travel with the same passport.

Late Application: While most ETAs are approved quickly, allow at least 3 working days before travel. Don’t risk being denied boarding.

Assuming You Don’t Need One: Check the official list – many travelers are surprised to learn they need an ETA.

Using Third-Party Sites: Only apply through the official UK ETA app or GOV.UK website. Other sites may charge extra fees but can’t provide faster decisions.

What if Your ETA is Refused?

If your ETA application is refused:

You’ll be told the reason
You can apply again if circumstances change
You cannot appeal the decision
You may need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa instead

Common refusal reasons include:

Previous UK immigration violations
Criminal convictions
Providing false information
Being subject to immigration restrictions

ETA vs. Standard Visitor Visa: Which Do You Need?

Choose ETA if:

Your nationality is eligible
You have no criminal record
You haven’t been refused UK entry before
You want quick, simple processing

Consider a Standard Visitor Visa if:

You have a criminal record
You were previously refused UK entry
Your ETA was refused
You want more certainty before travel

Important Updates and Changes

Recent Changes:

Fee increased to £16 (April 2025)
Airside transit exemption introduced
Trinidad and Tobago nationals removed from ETA eligibility

Future Considerations: The ETA system continues evolving. Stay updated through official government channels and avoid unofficial sources that may provide outdated information.

Planning Your UK Trip

For Business Travelers: The ETA streamlines short business trips, but ensure your activities are permitted. Complex business arrangements may require different visas.

For Tourists: The ETA is perfect for holiday visits up to 6 months. Remember, it doesn’t guarantee entry – immigration officers still make final decisions at the border.

For Frequent Visitors: With 2-year validity, the ETA is cost-effective for regular UK visitors. One application covers multiple trips.

Professional Advice: When to Seek Help

Consider professional immigration advice if:

Your ETA application was refused
You have a complex travel history
You’re unsure whether you need an ETA or visa
You have criminal convictions or immigration violations
You’re planning business activities that might require work authorization

How We Can Help

At Javed Immigration Associates, our IAA-regulated advisers assist with:

ETA eligibility assessments
Standard Visitor visa applications when ETAs aren’t suitable
Appeal alternatives for refused ETAs
Comprehensive UK immigration planning

The ETA system represents the future of UK travel authorization – digital, efficient, and secure. While it adds an extra step to your travel planning, the process is designed to be quick and straightforward for genuine visitors.

Need help determining whether you need an ETA or advice on UK visitor requirements? Contact our experienced team of IAA-regulated immigration advisers for professional guidance tailored to your circumstances.