U.K. travel: Visitors from 48 countries must now apply, pay fee
In 2024, travellers rejoiced at the prospect of visa-free travel to Europe without the hassle of bureaucratic processes. However, as we move into 2025, the reality is setting in. The European Union’s ETIAS visa waiver, long-awaited, is finally on track to be implemented this year.
But before that, the United Kingdom is set to introduce its own ETA system on January 8th. ETA, which stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation, is a new digital registration scheme for travellers who do not require a visa to enter the UK. Gone are the days where travellers could simply arrive and present themselves at passport control upon landing. Now, pre-travel authorization is a must for flying to the UK.
So, who exactly needs an ETA? Anyone who does not require a visa to travel to the UK will soon need an ETA. This electronic travel authorization pre-clears you for entry into the country before your journey. The ETA is similar to the United States’ ESTA, a mandatory authorization for travel with security clearance conducted in advance.
Initially introduced to Gulf Cooperation Council nationals in 2024, the ETA will now be rolled out to other non-European travellers, including the six million visitors from the US, Canada, and Australia who visit the UK annually. The full list of 48 countries requiring the ETA can be found on the UK government website.
Travellers from these countries will need an ETA to enter the UK starting from January 8th. The only exception is for EU citizens, who will require an ETA from April 2, 2025. Residents of these countries already living in the UK do not need an ETA.
The ETA is required for short visits to the UK lasting less than six months for tourism and business purposes. There are also other categories of ETA for short-term study and permitted paid engagements, as outlined on the UK government website.
Despite some confusion, it’s important to note that the ETA is not a visa but a visa waiver. Travellers from countries requiring a visa to enter the UK will still need to apply for a visa, but an ETA is not necessary on top of that.
To obtain an ETA, applicants must pay a non-refundable fee of £10 and can apply through the official app or online. The application process takes around 20 minutes, and a decision is typically made within three days, although delays are possible. It’s important to use official channels to avoid extra fees and ensure the security of your data.
The ETA is valid for two years and allows for multiple entries. However, it is digitally linked to your passport, so if you get a new passport during this period, you must apply for a new ETA.
Each individual entering the UK, including children and infants, must have their own ETA. However, someone can apply on behalf of another person. The ETA is intended for short stays of up to six months and is required for all travellers entering UK soil, even for transit purposes.
As for entering Europe, travellers will need an ETIAS, the EU travel waiver, which is set to be implemented in 2025. Stay tuned for more details as the countdown to its launch approaches.
