A new travel system for visitors to the UK comes into force from Wednesday for citizens of dozens of countries like the US and Australia. The government says electronic travel authorisation (ETA) will improve the immigration system.
What is an ETA and who needs one?
An ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK. From 25 February, most people who have been able to travel to the UK visa-free until now will need an ETA. The new rules apply to people from 85 different countries.
Once approved, your ETA will allow you to stay in the UK for up to six months. It will be valid for two years, or until your passport expires, and allows multiple journeys to the UK.
The visit can be for things like tourism, business or short-term study. It can also be for people who cross the border and travel through the UK as part of a journey, although people transiting through UK airports and who don’t need to go through border security will not need an ETA. Longer trips and visits for work or longer study will require a visa.
People who usually need a visa to travel to the UK will still need a visa to travel to the UK. They will not need to apply for an ETA as well. British or Irish citizens will not need an ETA or a visa to visit the UK or to travel through it. There are a few other exceptions, such as those with settled status or children travelling from France on a school trip.
The scheme was launched in October 2023 but the government says it was “not strictly enforced to give visitors ample time to adjust to the new requirement”.
However, in November, the government said ETAs would be mandatory from 25 February.
The government says ETAs will streamline the immigration system, speed it up and make it more secure.
How do I get an ETA and how much does it cost?
Getting an ETA costs £16, but the government has said it plans to increase the fee to £20 in the future.
To apply, the government recommends downloading the app from Google Play or the Apple App Store.
You will need to provide contact and passport details, provide a suitable photo, and answer a set of questions.
You must travel using the same passport you used when you applied for the ETA.
The government says most people will get an automatic answer in minutes when using the ETA app, but it recommends people apply at least three working days before travelling.
If a person’s ETA application is rejected, the government says they will be told the reason and can apply again.
However, if a person’s ETA application is refused, they cannot appeal and instead need to apply for a visa to visit the UK.