Currently, the United Kingdom requires an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to be completed by anyone entering the country from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The ETA scheme will soon apply to all nationals who do not currently require a visa to travel to the UK and who do not hold any other UK immigration status. The aim of the ETA scheme is to tighten immigration controls by having a better understanding of who is travelling to and via the UK.

Quick Hits

• The UK’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA) will soon apply to all nationals who do not currently require a visa to travel to the UK and who do not hold any other UK immigration status.
• From 27 November 2024, the scheme will initially be applicable to a number of non-European travellers, including those from the United States, Singapore, and Canada.
• On 5 March 2025, ETAs will be rolled out to a number of European countries and will be required for travel from 2 April 2025.

From 27 November 2024, the scheme will initially be applicable to a number of eligible non-European travellers, including those from the United States, Singapore, and Canada. These nationals will need to apply for an ETA for travel made after 8 January 2025.

On 5 March 2025, ETAs will be rolled out to a number of European countries, including France, Germany, and Spain, and will be required for travel from 2 April 2025. A full list of countries is available in guidance published on the government’s website.

An ETA enables the above nationals to:

• come to the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study;
• come to the UK for up to three months on the Creative Worker visa concession;
• come to the UK for a permitted paid engagement; and
• transit through the UK.

The following are prohibited under an ETA:

• staying in the UK for longer than six months;
• performing paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless the traveller is visiting the UK for a permitted paid engagement or event, or is working on the Creative Worker visa concession;
• claiming public funds (benefits);
• living in the UK through frequent or successive visits; and
• marrying or registering a civil partnership, or giving notice of marriage or civil partnership.

When the ETA scheme takes full effect, all passengers except British and Irish nationals will require a permit to enter the UK—even if they are switching airlines. Applications must be made in advance of travel. Applications cost £10 per person, and each traveller—including children—must apply separately. The ETA is valid for multiple entries to the UK for two years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. Applications can be made via the UK government’s Home Office website or app—“UK ETA.” Decisions should be made within seventy-two hours.

Beejal Nathwani-White is an immigration manager in the London office of Ogletree Deakins.