Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
If you do not currently need a visa to travel to the UK, you may require an Electronic Travel Authorisation in the future.
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement for people who do not need a visa to come to the UK.
It gives you permission to travel to the UK, and it is electronically linked to your passport.
Eligibility
British and Irish nationals, and eligible residents of Ireland, will not require an ETA.
Visitors who do not need a visa for short stays or who do not have any other UK immigration status prior to travelling will be required to apply for an ETA in advance of their travel for a competitive fee. An ETA is not a visa, it does not permit entry into the UK – it authorises an individual to travel to the UK.
All visitors arriving in the UK, including those crossing the land border into Northern Ireland, will continue to need to enter in line with the UK’s immigration framework, including the need to obtain an ETA if required.
Non-Irish residents of Ireland
People who are legally resident in Ireland and from a nationality that does not usually require a visa to visit the UK (e.g. EU, EEA and Swiss nationals), will not be required to obtain an ETA when travelling to the UK from within the CTA.
Individuals can check if they need a visa on GOV.UK.
Non-Irish residents of Ireland who are travelling to the UK from outside of the CTA will require an ETA before travel.
The Common Travel Area (CTA)
The CTA allows British and Irish nationals to move freely and live in either Ireland or the UK and enjoy associated rights and privileges.
As is the case now, the UK will not operate routine immigration controls on journeys from within the CTA, with no immigration controls whatsoever on the Ireland-Northern Ireland land border
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some FAQ's about the ETA scheme. You can also find out information on GOV.UK.
How much will an ETA cost?
The cost of an ETA has not been released yet.
How do I apply for an ETA?
You will be able to apply for an ETA either through the UK ETA app, or online on GOV.UK.
You should find out the decision on your ETA application within 3 working days.
To apply for an ETA, you will need to:
- Pay a fee
- Provide contact and passport details
- Provide a valid photo, complying with the rules for digital photos on GOV.UK
- Answer a set of questions
An ETA will permit multiple journeys and will be valid for two years or until your passport expires – whichever is sooner.
When will visitors need to apply for an ETA?
| Nationality | Can apply for an ETA from | Will need an ETA from |
| Qatar | 25 October 2023 | 15 November 2023 |
|
Saudi Arabia Oman Bahrain Kuwait United Arab Emirates Jordan |
1 February 2024 | 22 February 2024 |
By the end of 2024, ETAs will be a requirement worldwide for visitors who do not currently need a visa for short stays, including those visiting from Europe.
Will EU, EEA and Swiss nationals require an ETA?
Yes, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals (except Irish nationals and eligible residents of Ireland) will be required to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK. Information on when EU, EEA and Swiss nationals will need an ETA is yet to be released.
How will the ETA scheme work in the context of the Ireland-Northern Ireland border?
As is the case now, the UK will not operate routine immigration controls on journeys from within the Common Travel Area, with no immigration controls whatsoever on the Ireland-Northern Ireland land border.
All individuals arriving in the UK, including those crossing the land border into Northern Ireland, will continue to need to enter in line with the UK’s immigration framework, including the need to obtain an ETA if required.
What will happen if someone is refused an ETA?
If an individual’s ETA application is refused, they will need to apply for a visa if they still wish to seek permission come to the UK.
When should someone apply for an ETA?
Individuals should apply for an ETA before booking travel.
Can individuals appeal an ETA refusal decision?
No. If an individual is refused an ETA and still wishes to seek permission to travel to the UK, they can apply for a visa.
Do children require a separate ETA?
Yes. Children must have their own ETA.