The UK has recently introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), now open to citizens of 48 visa-exempt countries. This new digital requirement simplifies the entry process while boosting border security.
Travellers who previously enjoyed visa-free access for short visits must now apply for an ETA, making travel to the UK smoother and more secure.
What is the UK ETA?
Inspired by similar programs like the U.S. ESTA and South Korea’s K-ETA, the UK ETA is a digital authorisation that allows the government to pre-screen travellers before arrival. This simplifies entry for visitors and strengthens border security.
Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
- Permitted Stay: Up to 6 months per visit
- Application Open: November 27, 2024 (for 48 countries)
- Mandatory Entry Requirement: January 8, 2025
- Application Process: Online via the UK government website or mobile app
- Cost: £10 (approx. $/€13)
- Processing Time: Usually within hours
- Validity: 2 years
Must Read: The End of Visa-Free Travel? The Rise of ETA Schemes
Who Needs an ETA?
As of November 27, 2024, travellers from 48 non-EU, visa-exempt countries can now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for trips to the United Kingdom.
Beginning January 8, 2025, the ETA will become mandatory for nationals of these countries who plan to visit the UK for tourism, family visits, or transit purposes.
Countries Eligible for UK ETA
Initially available only to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, the ETA program now includes nationals from the following 48 countries:
| S. No. | Country | S. No. | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Antigua and Barbuda | 25 | Malaysia |
| 2 | Argentina | 26 | Maldives |
| 3 | Australia | 27 | Marshall Islands |
| 4 | Bahamas | 28 | Mauritius |
| 5 | Barbados | 29 | Mexico |
| 6 | Belize | 30 | Micronesia |
| 7 | Botswana | 31 | Nauru |
| 8 | Brazil | 32 | New Zealand |
| 9 | Brunei | 33 | Nicaragua |
| 10 | Canada | 34 | Palau |
| 11 | Chile | 35 | Panama |
| 12 | Costa Rica | 36 | Papua New Guinea |
| 13 | Grenada | 37 | Paraguay |
| 14 | Guatemala | 38 | Peru |
| 15 | Guyana | 39 | Saint Kitts and Nevis |
| 16 | Hong Kong | 40 | Saint Lucia |
| 17 | Israel | 41 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| 18 | Japan | 42 | Samoa |
| 19 | Kiribati | 43 | Seychelles |
| 20 | Macau | 44 | Singapore |
| 21 | Malaysia | 45 | Solomon Islands |
| 22 | Maldives | 46 | South Korea |
| 23 | Marshall Islands | 47 | Taiwan |
| 24 | Mauritius | 48 | Tonga |
Colombia Excluded from ETA Program
Colombian nationals, previously expected to be included, now face visa reinstatement due to a “significant increase in asylum claims” and high refusal rates at the UK border. Starting December 24, 2024, Colombians must apply for a visa to enter the UK. In response, Colombia plans to introduce reciprocal visa requirements for British travellers.
How to Apply for a UK ETA
Travellers can apply online via the UK government’s official ETA portal or the “UK ETA” mobile app, available on iOS and Android. Here’s what you need to complete the process:
- Personal details and passport information
- A recent passport photo
- Answers to security questions
The application fee is £10 (approximately $13/€13), and approval typically takes a few hours. Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years and allows multiple stays of up to six months each.
Upcoming Changes for European Nationals
As part of the UK’s new travel authorization system, these 34 European countries will require an ETA for travel to the UK starting March 5, 2025.
| S. No. | Country | S. No. | Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andorra | 18 | Lithuania |
| 2 | Austria | 19 | Luxembourg |
| 3 | Belgium | 20 | Malta |
| 4 | Bulgaria | 21 | Monaco |
| 5 | Croatia | 22 | Netherlands |
| 6 | Cyprus | 23 | Norway |
| 7 | Czech Republic | 24 | Poland |
| 8 | Denmark | 25 | Portugal |
| 9 | Estonia | 26 | Romania |
| 10 | Finland | 27 | San Marino |
| 11 | France | 28 | Slovakia |
| 12 | Germany | 29 | Slovenia |
| 13 | Greece | 30 | Spain |
| 14 | Hungary | 31 | Sweden |
| 15 | Iceland | 32 | Switzerland |
| 16 | Italy | 33 | Vatican City |
| 17 | Latvia | 34 | Liechtenstein |
Special Exemptions
Notably, school groups from France may be exempt from the ETA requirement under specific circumstances.
Applying for Your UK ETA
Ready to plan your UK trip for 2025? Get a head start by applying for your ETA today! You can find the application form and more information on the UK government website.
Travel with Confidence!
The new UK ETA system is designed to make travel to the UK smoother and more secure for both visitors and residents. By applying for your ETA early, you can avoid delays at the border and ensure a hassle-free entry into the UK.
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