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The UK’s new ETA scheme (electronic travel authorisation) will give non-UK nationals permission to visit and/or transit through the UK without a visa.
Updated 17 January 2025
The UK Government is in the process of introducing a new scheme, called the ETA (electronic travel authorisation), which will give eligible non-UK nationals permission to visit and/or transit through the UK without a visa.
The scheme is being introduced in phases, and is now available to nationals of many non-European visa-exempt nations, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States (visit GOV.UK for the full list). Nationals of all ages from these countries need an ETA, including children and babies.
The ETA currently costs £10 (there are proposals to raise this to £16), is electronically linked to the applicant’s passport and lasts for two years, or until the passport expires. Visitors can apply online at GOV.UK or via the UK ETA app with decisions expected to be made within three working days.
Passengers transiting airside (not passing through UK border control) are temporarily exempt from applying for an ETA. This primarily affects those travelling via Heathrow or Manchester Airport as these are currently the only UK airports which offer transit facilities.
From 5 March 2025, eligible Europeans will be able to apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.
Anyone returning to the UK from a holiday or trip overseas who already has a visa, has permission to live, work or study in the UK, or has a British or Irish passport will not need to apply for an ETA.
For more information, click here. These videos from the Home Office also explain what an ETA is and how to apply for one.
