From 8th January 2025, visitors from more than 48 visa-exempt Non-European countries will need to apply and pay for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK.
What is it?
An ETA is a digital permission to travel for travellers whose citizenship does not require them to have a valid visa to travel to the UK. Countries include USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Kuwait, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates. Here is the full list.
The ETA is not a visa and does not permit entry to the UK. Travellers whose citizenship still requires them to apply for a visa, must do so separately and need not apply for an ETA on top of that.
It is linked to your passport automatically, without any physical document.
The ETA does not replace the need for passports to enter the UK.
How much does it cost?
ETAs cost £10 per application and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays up to 6 months over two years. It usually takes about 3 working days to get a decision.
How to apply?
You can apply for one on the UK government website here. You can apply online via the ETA App.
You need a digital photo, your passport and a credit card.
European Countries
This will extend to Europeans, who can apply for an ETA from the 5 March 2025 to travel from 2 April 2025.
Transit travel
Even if you are transiting through the UK, you will need an ETA. You will not be allowed through passport control to the transit area without one.
