Planning to Travel to the UK? Get Your ETA Permission
- kjbinternational
- Apr 6
- 5 min read
What is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), and Who Needs It?
In recent years, countries around the world have been improving how they manage border security and monitor who is entering their borders. One of the latest changes is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is a new requirement for some people travelling to the UK. But what exactly is it, who needs it, and why is it important? Let's break it all down in simple terms.
What is the Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a system the UK is introducing that requires some travellers to get permission before coming into the country. It's a bit like a digital ticket that says, "Yes, you are allowed to travel to the UK." It is not a visa—it's just a way for the UK government to check that travellers don't pose a risk before they board their flights.
If you've travelled to the United States, you might be familiar with their ESTA system, which works in a similar way. Before you travel to the US, you fill out a simple form online, and they approve your travel. The UK is now doing something similar with the ETA.
Who Needs an Electronic Travel Authorisation?
Starting in April 2025, if you are traveling to the UK from certain countries, you will need to apply for an ETA before you can board your flight. This will apply to people who don’t need a visa to visit the UK but still need to get authorisation to travel.
Here’s who will need an ETA:
Tourists who are visiting the UK for a short stay (up to 6 months).
Business visitors who are coming to the UK for meetings or work events.
People traveling for short-term study.
Travelers passing through the UK (transiting) if they need to go through UK border control.
In the past, visitors from certain countries didn’t need a visa to travel to the UK, but starting in 2025, they’ll need to apply for an ETA instead. This includes citizens from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) countries, and Switzerland. Travelers from countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain have already been asked to apply for an ETA, and more countries will be added over time.
However, you don't need an ETA if you're a British citizen, an Irish citizen, or already have a UK visa or residence status.
What About UK Residents from Europe?
You might wonder how this affects you if you're a UK resident from Europe (whether you’re an EU or EEA national). Here's the important thing to know: Even though you're a UK resident, if you’re from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you’ll still need to apply for an ETA to travel to the UK if you're visiting from abroad after April 2025.
This change comes as part of the UK’s shift to a digital travel authorisation system, which will apply to European nationals just like other non-visa nationals. However, if you are a UK resident and entering the UK from Ireland or other Common Travel Area (CTA) countries like Guernsey, Jersey, or Isle of Man, you won’t need an ETA because of the special travel agreements within the CTA.
So, if you're a European national living in the UK and planning to travel back to the UK from another country, make sure to apply for an ETA beforehand unless you're coming from the CTA.
How Do You Apply for an ETA?
Applying for an ETA is simple. You can apply online or through an app on your phone. The process only takes a few minutes. You will need to provide some basic details, such as your name, passport information, and travel plans.
Once you've submitted your application, the UK government will review it and approve your request if everything checks out. You should receive an answer within three working days.
When you're approved, your ETA will be linked to your passport, and you can use it to travel to the UK multiple times for up to two years (or until your passport expires).
The cost for an ETA is £10, and the price will go up to £16 starting 9 April 2025.
What Happens If My ETA is Refused?
If your application is refused, you won’t be able to travel to the UK. However, you will be told why it was refused. Unfortunately, you can’t appeal a refused ETA, but depending on the reason, you may be able to apply for a visa to enter the UK instead.
Why Do We Need an ETA?
You might wonder, “Why do we need this extra step?” The reason behind the ETA is to help keep the UK safe by making sure that everyone who plans to travel there is properly checked out before they arrive. It’s part of the UK government’s plan to improve border security and reduce risks.
By asking people to apply for an ETA before they travel, the UK can better monitor who is entering the country, check people for security risks, and prevent people who might pose a threat from entering.
The ETA is also part of a larger movement happening worldwide, where many countries are moving towards digital travel authorisations. For example, the European Union will soon require travellers to apply for a similar system called ETIAS, which will be introduced in 2026.
Conclusion: Why is the ETA Important?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation is an important step for ensuring that the UK knows who is traveling to the country and can keep its borders secure. It makes the process of entry safer for everyone.
If you're planning to visit the UK from a country that requires an ETA, be sure to apply for it well in advance of your trip. It’s an easy and quick process that will help make your journey to the UK smoother and safer.
In short, the ETA is just another way to make sure everyone who wants to travel to the UK has the right permissions—whether you're visiting for tourism, business, or just passing through. And with the system expanding in 2025, it’s important to keep track of whether or not you need to apply before your next UK trip.
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