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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.
The UK Government is in the process of introducing a new scheme, called the ETA (electronic travel authorisation), which will allow overseas visitors to travel to and/or transit through the UK without needing to apply for a visa.
The scheme is being introduced in phases, and is currently only available to nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Nationals of all ages from these countries need an ETA, including children and babies.
The ETA costs £10, 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.
The next phase of the roll out to other visa-exempt nations, Australia, Canada and the United States, is due to start by the end of 2024. From 27 November, eligible non-Europeans will be able to apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025. 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.T
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, visit www.etauk.co.uk. These videos from the Home Office also explain what an ETA is and how to apply for one.
