What is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme?
Electronic Travel Authorisation is digital permission to travel. This has been introduced to strengthen security at the United Kingdom border. The ETA Scheme has already been rolled out for some nationalities travelling to the UK, but will apply to the vast majority of overseas arrivals by the 2nd April 2025. If you are required to hold an ETA before travelling to or transiting through the UK, you will not be permitted to travel if you haven’t obtained one.
Who is the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme for?
This scheme has been designed for visitors who do not require visas for short stays to the UK or for those who do not hold UK immigration status prior to travelling. It will also apply for those transiting through the UK even if you are not going through UK Border Control.
As this scheme is being rolled out in phases countries have different dates from which they can start applying. The next roll out of countries to apply for an ETA from 27 November 2024 and travel using this from 8 January 2025 can be found here.
Currently the only nationalities that can apply are; Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.Who does not need an Electronic Travel Authorisation?
You will not require an ETA if you have a British or Irish passport, a British Overseas Territories citizen passport, a visa or if you have permission to live, work and study in the UK.
How to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation?
You can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation through the ‘UK ETA app’ using a smart phone or apply online by following the link. It costs £10 to apply, which if granted will be valid for two years, unless your passport expires prior to this date. Please note you cannot get a refund after you apply.
When applying you will need provide your contact and passport details, a valid photograph and answer a set of questions. The guidance reflects that you should receive a decision within 3 working days. You will receive an email confirming the decision and if positive will link the ETA to the Passport you applied with – so it is important to travel with the same passport.
How OTB Legal can help?
OTB Legal offers a free initial assessment, and members of our Personal or Business Immigration Team would be happy to advise you. If you would like advice on an immigration related matter please schedule an appointment to talk to one of our advisors: