Similar to the ESTA, the UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) will be a mandatory requirement for travelers from countries that do not need a visa to enter the UK. This includes all EU member states and the US, Canada, Australia, and others.
Key details about the ETA:
Affected travelers: Citizens worldwide, with varying start dates for the ETA requirement (see below).
Cost: £10 (approximately €11.85)
Validity: Two years from the date of issue
Starting from November 27th, the following nationalities can start to apply for the UK-ETA:
The UK-ETA is mandatory for the named nationalities from January 8th, 2025.
For European nationalities, the UK ETA can apply from March 5, 2025.
What is an ETA?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a mandatory travel requirement for visitors entering the UK from countries that do not require a visa. This includes every individual, regardless of age, meaning that even children and babies must have their own separate ETA.
The ETA is a digital authorization linked to the traveler’s passport and serves as a preliminary permission to travel to the UK. However, it is important to understand that possessing an ETA does not automatically grant entry into the UK. Upon arrival, travelers will still need to seek permission to enter from a UK border officer.
The ETA is designed to enhance border security and streamline the entry process for eligible travelers by allowing the UK government to conduct pre-travel checks. While the ETA simplifies the process for travelers from eligible countries, it’s crucial to apply for it in advance of your trip to ensure compliance with UK entry requirements. Otherwise, you are not allowed to enter the UK or you might not be allowed to board the plane in the first place.
Who cannot get an ETA
Not everyone is eligible to apply for an ETA. Citizens from countries that are not visa-exempt, meaning they do not have the privilege of entering the UK without a visa, must apply for a standard visa instead. The ETA system is not available for these nationals.
Citizens from the following countries need a visa and cannot apply for an ETA:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Congo, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia.
You also do not need an ETA if you:
Have a British or Irish passport
Have permission to live, work, or study in the UK.
Have a visa for entering the UK.
Are not an Irish citizen but legally reside in Ireland and do not require a visa to enter the UK with your passport.
Get the UK ETA through a click of a button
Already have some employees in mind that have upcoming business trips to the UK?
Use the "Request Visa" Button in the WorkFlex Platform to already take care of the UK-ETAs, so your employees are ready & prepared for last-minute business trips.
