What Is the UK ETA and How Will It Impact Your Travel?
Are you planning a trip to the UK? Before booking your flight, make sure you know the new entry requirements that will take effect on April 2, 2025.
Travelers from visa-exempt countries – those whose citizens usually don't need a visa for short stays – will need to apply for a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the UK. This applies to all short visits of up to six months, whether you’re heading there for tourism, business, or simply passing through.
Without the ETA, travelers will not be allowed to board their flight to the UK. So, to ensure your trip goes smoothly, read on to learn more about the UK ETA, who needs one, and how to apply ahead of time.
Are you planning a trip to the UK? Before booking your flight, make sure you know the new entry requirements that will take effect on April 2, 2025.
Travelers from visa-exempt countries – those whose citizens usually don't need a visa for short stays – will need to apply for a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the UK. This applies to all short visits of up to six months, whether you’re heading there for tourism, business, or simply passing through.
Without the ETA, travelers will not be allowed to board their flight to the UK. So, to ensure your trip goes smoothly, read on to learn more about the UK ETA, who needs one, and how to apply ahead of time.
What Is the UK ETA?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a pre-screening travel authorization that certain travelers must apply for before entering the United Kingdom.
It works similarly to other travel authorization systems, such as the ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) used by the United States and the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) for the European Union, which will come into effect in late 2026. Like these systems, the UK ETA helps the UK pre-screen travelers before they arrive.
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The ETA aims to enhance UK border security while ensuring smooth, hassle-free entry for visa-exempt travelers. It ensures that only those who meet the required criteria are allowed entry.
Importantly, the ETA is only for short stays of up to six months and is not a long-term work or residency visa. So whether you're planning a brief visit or a transit through the UK, you must apply for this ETA before your trip.
Fortunately, the UK ETA application process is quick and straightforward. Travelers can apply online and will typically receive approval within a matter of minutes. Once approved, the ETA will be linked to your passport, so you won’t need to undergo a lengthy visa process.
Read More: Travel Insurance for the UK
Who Needs the UK ETA?
Citizens from visa-exempt countries – including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and most European Union countries – must apply for the UK ETA before entering the United Kingdom.
Below is a list of countries and territories whose citizens can currently apply for the UK ETA:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Macao Special Administrative Region
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Oman
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Qatar
- Samoa
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Taiwan*
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
* Note: You are eligible to apply for the UK ETA if you hold a Taiwanese passport that includes an identification card number issued by the competent authority in Taiwan.
You can check if you can get an ETA on the official UK Government website. If you're unsure whether you need an ETA, it’s always a good idea to check the UK Government website or consult with your local embassy to confirm the current requirements before you travel.
Don't get caught out! If you're traveling to the UK for tourism, business, or study (for up to six months), you must apply for the UK ETA before you can board your flight. Airlines will not allow you to fly to the UK without it, so be sure to get your ETA approved well in advance for a smooth journey.
Who Does NOT Need an ETA?
While most travelers from visa-exempt countries need to apply for the UK ETA, there are a few exceptions.
You do not need an ETA if:
- You are a British or Irish citizen (or a dual citizen of the UK or Ireland traveling on a valid British or Irish passport)
- You have a valid UK visa or permission to live, work, or study in the UK
- You are exempt from immigration control (this could include certain diplomats, military personnel, etc.)
- You are traveling on a diplomatic or official passport
- You are traveling with a British Overseas Territories citizen passport or a British National (Overseas) passport
- You are transiting through a UK airport without passing through border control (check with your airline if you're unsure)
- You are a child traveling on the 'France-UK school trip travel information form'
- You live in Ireland and are traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man
- You are traveling to a British Overseas Territory (check specific requirements for these)
Read More: How to Get Irish Citizenship
How Long Is the UK ETA Valid For?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is typically valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This means that if your passport has less than two years of validity remaining, the ETA will expire when your passport does.
If needed, you can renew your UK ETA once it expires as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.
The ETA allows multiple visits to the UK within this validity period for stays of up to six months at a time. However, each visit is subject to meeting the entry requirements and approval by UK immigration officials upon arrival.
How to Apply for the UK ETA
Luckily, the UK ETA application process is quick and simple for those who need to apply.
The fastest way to apply is by using the UK ETA app, which you can download from the Google Play or Apple App Store.
If you prefer not to use the app, you can follow these easy steps to apply online:
- Visit the Official UK ETA Website
Go to the official UK government website to start your application. - Fill Out the Application Form
You will need to provide basic personal information, including:
– Passport details (passport number, issue and expiry dates)
– Travel plans (dates and purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, or transit
– Security questions (related to your health, criminal record, and other background checks) - Submit Your Application
After filling in your details, submit the application. The process is typically fast, and you will usually receive approval within minutes. That said, it's best to apply at least a few days before your trip to allow for any potential delays. - Pay the Application Fee
From April 9, 2025, the fee for the UK ETA will be £16 (around $20, depending on the exchange rate at the time). You will need to pay for it via credit or debit card before submitting your application. - Receive Your ETA
Once approved, your UK ETA will be linked to your passport electronically. Your approval will be stored digitally, so you don't need to print anything. That said, it's a good idea to keep a copy of the confirmation for your records.
Make sure you apply for the ETA on the official UK ETA Website and avoid third-party services that may charge extra fees. Also, check that all your information is accurate to avoid delays or issues at immigration.
How Long Does it Take to Get an ETA for the UK?
The UK ETA application process typically takes about 10 minutes to complete. Most applications are processed within 48 to 72 hours, but in many cases, you'll receive approval within minutes. The UK ETA system is designed to be quick and efficient, so it’s generally faster than traditional visa applications.
However, to be safe, it’s always best to apply at least a few days before your trip in case of any unforeseen delays or complications. If you'd prefer, you can apply for the UK ETA well in advance – even months ahead of your trip.
Protect Your UK Trip: Don’t Overlook Travel Insurance!
As you prepare for your trip to the UK, remember that applying for the ETA is just one important step. Once your flight is booked, consider purchasing travel insurance to safeguard your journey.
The right coverage offers peace of mind by protecting you against various situations, including trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage.
If you're an EU resident with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you can access certain healthcare services in the UK on the same terms as a UK resident. However, the EHIC does not cover all healthcare needs, such as private healthcare or non-emergency treatments.
For complete protection, it's essential to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers unexpected medical expenses, repatriation, and any additional needs that may arise during your trip. This ensures you're fully covered, especially in emergencies.
Find the Best International Travel Insurance
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- Travel Medical, Trip Cancellation & more options available
- Find the best plan for your needs and budget
Given that the UK’s healthcare system may differ from what you're used to, having the right medical coverage is particularly important. Additionally, travel disruptions, such as flight delays or cancellations, are common, and insurance can help mitigate their impact.
Be sure to compare travel insurance plans and choose a policy that aligns with your specific needs and travel plans. If you're looking to explore multiple cities or regions within the UK, you may want to opt for a policy that covers travel delays and cancellations, as well as protection for your belongings.
To help you make an informed choice, check out our detailed article on Travel Insurance for the UK, where we break down coverage options and provide tips on finding the best plan for your trip. Safe travels and enjoy your time in the UK!
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About the Author:Sophie Pettit, Head of Content at International Citizens Insurance, brings a wealth of experience in content creation, strategy, and management within the expat and travel industries. Originally from the UK, she worked as a lifestyle journalist in Hong Kong and now resides in the Netherlands, supporting the team in creating compelling content for fellow global nomads.