Soon, travelers will have to complete an online application and pay an entry fee to visit the United Kingdom.
The U.K.’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (deeply sorry about that British spelling) will be required of all international visitors from countries whose citizens don’t otherwise need special visas to enter England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
What is the U.K.’s ETA—and who has to apply?
Similar to the USA’s already existing Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), the U.K.’s ETA system is designed to screen potential foreign visitors to verify that they are indeed exempt from visas and may enter the country.
The European Union plans to roll out its own digital visa waiver, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), at some point during the “first half of 2025.” Having left the EU, the U.K. will not be included in that program.
When does the U.K.’s ETA requirement begin?
The ETA goes into effect for travelers from the United States and most other non-European countries on January 8, 2025. Those travelers, including not just citizens of the U.S. but also Canada, Mexico, Australia, and dozens of other nations, can begin applying for the ETA starting November 27, 2024.
ETA applications will open to people in European countries starting March 5, 2025, and will be required for those visitors to enter the U.K. starting April 2.
How do travelers apply for the U.K.’s ETA? And how much does it cost?
Applying for the U.K.’s ETA must be done via the UK ETA app or at Gov.uk.
You’ll need to take or upload a photo of your passport as well as a photo of your face, and you’ll need to scan your face with your phone, too, to verify your identity.
The application also involves answering some questions about yourself—your address, job, criminal history, and whether you have any other nationalities. You won’t have to supply travel details.
The fee will be £10 ($13) per applicant.
Every traveler will need an authorization—even children and babies. Kids ages 9 and under can skip the face scan.
How long will your ETA remain valid?
Once the system gets up and running, you should expect to hear back via email about whether you’ve received ETA approval or not within 3 days of submitting your application.
Your ETA will be digitally linked to your passport and will remain valid for 2 years, covering multiple visits to the U.K. for stays of up to 6 months at a time. If your passport expires before the 2-year ETA term is up, you’ll need to reapply for another ETA.
For more information, go to Gov.uk.