Traveling to the UK: Do I need a UK ETA?
by | February 27, 2024
Since the end of 2023, the UK’s Home Office has begun implementing its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. Various visitors to the UK must apply for this travel permit to be legally allowed into the UK.
Currently, the scheme applies solely to nationals of Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan, with plans for extension to include citizens from the European Union. Eventually, the UK ETA scheme will be introduced globally for visitors who presently do not require a visa for short stays.
Who needs an ETA to enter the UK?
As of February 2024, only citizens from Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan need an ETA to travel to the UK. Other nationalities do not need to apply for the UK ETA yet. In fact, even if they attempt to get one, the system will not allow them to do so.
The UK ETA scheme has replaced the Electronic Visa Waiver scheme (EVW) for those nationals. Consequently, they are no longer required to pay £30, and they are permitted multiple entries into the UK.
n the near future, all travelers who have not previously required a visa for short stays will need an ETA to enter the UK. This includes individuals who presently do not need to undergo any form of application to visit the UK, such as citizens from the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe.
Visitors from the UK that come from countries that don't have visa-free entry agreements with the UK must still apply for the correct visa and an ETA.
How many times can I enter the UK with an ETA?
The ETA permits multiple journeys to the UK within the span of two years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner.
How much does an ETA for the UK cost?
An ETA costs £10 (approximately €12 or $13).
When will EU nationals need an ETA for the UK?
It is believed that EU travelers could need an ETA by the end of 2024, but the UK government has yet to confirm specific dates.
How do I apply for an ETA to enter the UK?
You will only be able to apply for an ETA for the UK once the scheme applies to your country. Then, you will need to fill in an online application form with biographic, biometric and contact details and answer a short set of suitability questions.
If you have a mobile phone, you can use the ‘UK ETA app’. If you prefer to do it with your computer, you can click here.
If you are granted permission to enter the UK (you have a valid ETA for the UK), you will receive confirmation via email.
As per documents, we know that you will 100% need a valid biometric passport from an eligible country, a valid photo, an email address and a credit or debit card to pay the fees. Additionally, you will need to give some travel details.
We advise you to apply at least one week before your planned trip to the UK. Nevertheless, the approval should be granted within 72 hours.
Why is the UK introducing the ETA scheme?
The UK is introducing the ETA scheme with two main goals: digitizing its borders by the end of 2025 and strengthening border control.
With this system, some visitors to the UK will be able to enter the UK without speaking to a border force officer or using an electronic passport gate. This will reduce queues at the border.
