All visitors who were previously able to enter the UK on a visa-free basis will need to apply for an ETA (electronic travel authorisation) in 2025. Although the ETA was launched in November 2023, only citizens of a handful of countries have needed to apply for one up to now. But from January 8, 2025, it will be a requirement for non-European visitors, including those from the US and Australia; and from April 2, 2025, the rules will also apply to European visitors. If you’re planning a trip to the UK, here’s everything you need to know, including how much it costs, how long it’s valid for and who’s exempt.

Do I need a visa if I’m travelling to the UK?

Visa requirements for entering the UK will depend on your nationality, citizenship and residency status. It might also depend on how long you’re planning to stay in the UK, and the purpose of your trip (for example, if you’re planning to work or study). You should check on gov.uk for whether you need a visa for your trip.

If your nationality has a visa-free travel agreement with the UK, and you are travelling under those rules, then you will need an ETA instead. Under the terms of the ETA, you can visit the UK for:

• up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study
• up to three months on the Creative Worker visa concession
• a permitted paid engagement such as speaking at a conference

What is the UK ETA and who needs one?

The UK ETA, or electronic travel authorisation, was first launched in November 2023, and replaced the electronic visa waiver (EVW) scheme. It’s used by the UK government to enhance border security by building a picture of those planning to visit. Applicants will need to supply their contact details and biometric data, for example, and answer some security questions, all of which could be used for checks against security databases.

At first, only citizens of Qatar were required to apply for the ETA. Then, in February 2024, it was rolled out to citizens of other Middle Eastern states, including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan. Since then, Jordan has been removed from the list.

From certain dates in 2025, the ETA will be required for citizens of every country with a visa-free travel agreement with the UK. This includes the US, Canada, Australia and most European countries. For non-Europeans, an ETA is required for travel after January 8, 2025. For Europeans, the requirement kicks in on April 2, 2025. The full list of countries whose nationals need to apply for the UK ETA can be found on the gov.uk website.

Non-Europeans are able to apply for their ETA now, while the process opens to European applicants from March 5, 2025.

There are exemptions. You do not need to apply for an ETA if you:

• have a visa for your visit to the UK
• have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status, or right of abode)
• are a British or Irish citizen
• are travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport
• are legally resident in Ireland and you are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

US citizens will need to apply for an ETA if they are planning to visit the UK under the visa-free travel agreement from January 8, 2025. An ETA decision is usually received within three working days but can take longer, so it’s best to apply for one as early as you can.

You won’t need the ETA if you’re a US citizen but UK resident (with permission to live, work or study), or have dual US/British or Irish citizenship. If you’re visiting the UK on a visa, you won’t need an ETA. Similarly, if you’re a resident of Ireland and are visiting from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, you’re exempt from applying for the ETA.

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How to apply for an ETA and how long it takes

You can apply for your ETA on the gov.uk website. However, the government recommends applying via the official UK ETA app. It’s available from Google Play and the Apple App Store.

For your application, you’ll need to have your passport to hand. This needs to be the passport you’re planning to travel with, should you have more than one. You’ll also need access to your email, as well as a credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.