If you are a business inviting visitors to the UK or an
individual visiting (or transiting through) the UK, you may be
affected by the UK’s expanded electronic travel authorisation
(ETA) scheme for non-visa nationals.
From April 2025, an ETA will be a pre-entry requirement for
everyone who doesn’t require a visa to enter the UK and who
doesn’t have any existing UK immigration permission (or
exemption from immigration control). The UK government refers to
this group as ‘non-visa nationals’.
If you are a non-visa national, you will need to have an ETA if
you are coming to the UK to:
There is an exception for non-visa nationals who are
legally resident in Ireland and are entering the UK from Ireland,
Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
What is the ETA application process?
You should make your application via the ‘ETA App’ or
online. The process applies to adults and children. For further
information, see here.
You must have a valid chipped passport, take a digital photo and
enrol your biometrics. You will also need to answer a short set of
‘suitability’ questions.
An ETA costs £10 and last for two years or until your
passport expires, whichever happens first.
What are the main impacts of this development?
For businesses:
If you finance the expenses of business visitors to your
organisation in the UK, you may need to adjust your budget to
reflect the £10 cost of ETAs.
For travellers:
If you are a non-visa national, you should:
- Understand when the ETA requirement applies to you;
- Factor the additional process and cost into your UK travel
plans; - When required, make sure that you get (or, during the
implementation period, at least apply for) an ETA in good time
before travelling to the UK; - Be aware that the rollout of the new system may initially cause
some queuing delays when visiting the UK, and consider packing
additional food, water and medications; - Be aware that you may be refused an ETA in certain
circumstances, for example if:
- You have a current UK deportation or exclusion order:
- You have a significant criminal history;
- You have previously overstayed in the UK or breached your
immigration conditions; or - You have outstanding debts to the UK; and
- Be aware that if you are not eligible for an ETA or have one
refused, you may need to apply for a visa to visit the UK. This can
take around three weeks to process.
Who needs an ETA?
Non-European nationals (ETA currently
required)
Non-European countries whose citizens are non-visa nationals
include:
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European nationals (ETA required from 2 April
2025)
European nationals need an ETA to enter the UK from 2 April 2025
and can apply from 5 March 2025.
European countries and micro-states whose citizens are non-visa
nationals include:
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When should I apply, and what happens if I forget?
If the ETA requirement applies to your nationality on the date
you intend to enter the UK to visit, transit or use the Creative
Worker visa concession, you should ensure you apply for one before
you travel to the UK. Current government guidance suggests ETAs are normally
processed within three working days, however can take longer three
working days.
During an initial ‘implementation period’, it will be
possible to travel to the UK with a pending ETA application, even
if this has not yet been decided. Once this has ended, it will be
necessary to have an approved ETA before travelling.
Before you travel, check your carrier’s requirements for
ETA.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general
guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought
about your specific circumstances.
