Starting January 8, 2025, tourists from the United States, Canada, and several other countries will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter or transit through the United Kingdom, even if they are travelling visa-free. This new requirement applies to citizens of over 40 countries, including Australia, Japan, Israel, Mexico, Argentina, and more than thirty others.
The ETA is a digital travel authorization that must be obtained in advance of travel. It is not a visa but a preliminary agreement to enter the UK for short stays, typically up to six months, for purposes such as tourism, business, visiting family and friends, or short-term study. The ETA does not replace a visa for situations where a visa is required, such as for work, long-term study, or other extended stays.
The obligation to have an ETA will initially apply to non-European travellers from January 8, 2025. For European Union citizens, the requirement will come into effect on April 2, 2025, with applications available from March 5, 2025. This phased rollout is part of the UK’s effort to modernize its border control system and enhance security by pre-screening travellers before their arrival.
To obtain an ETA, travellers must apply online using the UK ETA website or the UK ETA mobile app available for both Android and iPhone. The application process requires a valid passport, a digital photo of the passport and the applicant, and payment of a non-refundable fee of £10 (approximately $13). The processing time typically takes up to three working days, and the authorization will be sent via email once approved.
The ETA is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. It is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and must be obtained by all travellers, including children and infants, regardless of whether the UK is their final destination or just a transit point. This means that anyone passing through a UK airport, even for a brief stopover, will need to present an ETA document.
The cost of the ETA is £10, payable by credit or debit card. The application process is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, with the option to apply through a third-party processor for an additional fee if desired. It is advisable to apply for the ETA well in advance of travel to avoid any disruptions to travel plans.
This new system aligns the UK with global practices in travel security and immigration management, similar to the U.S. ESTA and Canada’s eTA. The ETA is part of the UK’s broader post-Brexit immigration reforms aimed at better managing who enters the country and improving border security.
