Starting January 8, travelers from the United States (and numerous other countries) heading to the United Kingdom will need to take a few extra planning steps before hopping the pond. The U.K.—which consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland—is putting a new electronic travel authorization (ETA) system into place that requires travelers, including those from visa-free countries such as the United States, to obtain permission to travel to the U.K. ahead of arrival.
Similar to the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), which will be required for travel into the European Schengen Zone starting in 2025 (though there’s still no exact start date for ETIAS), the U.K.’s ETA system is going into effect in phases, with some travelers already required to apply.
Travelers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates must already apply for an ETA before entering the U.K.
Starting November 27, 2024, travelers from the following countries can apply for an ETA for travel into the U.K. that begins on January 8, 2025, and later:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Mexico
- New Zealand
- Panama
- Singapore
- South Korea
- United States
You can find the full list of countries that will require an ETA when entering the U.K. starting January 8 on the U.K. government’s ETA information page. For another batch of predominantly European citizens, the application process will begin on March 5, for entry into the U.K. from April 2, 2025, onward.
How to apply for U.K.’s ETA entry requirement
To apply for the U.K.’s ETA, travelers will need to provide basic personal information, including their passport information, a valid email address, and some security information via the U.K. ETA app, which is available either through the Apple store or Google Play. There’s also the option to apply online. Applicants will need to upload photos of their passport and of their face. There is a 10-pound fee (US$13, based on current conversion rates) for applying, which can be paid for using a credit or debit card.
Everyone traveling to the U.K., including babies and children, must get an ETA.
How long will it take to get an ETA?
According to the U.K. government, after applying for an ETA, “you will usually get a decision within three working days, but you may get a quicker decision. . . . Occasionally, it may take longer than three working days.”
The decision will arrive as an email confirmation, and approval will be linked to the passport used for the application.
Once approved, the ETA for entering the U.K. will be valid for two years, and there’s no limit on how many times you can enter the U.K. during that time frame. Those with an ETA can spend up to six months in the country at a time and can visit any part of the U.K. You will, however, need to reapply for a new ETA if you get a new passport.
What is the U.K.’s new electronic travel authorization (ETA)?
The U.K.’s ETA is not a visa; rather it is digital permission to enter the United Kingdom that is part of a larger plan to fully digitize the borders by 2025, according to the government.
“The scheme will give the U.K. more control of our borders, allowing us to block threats from entering the U.K., whilst also providing individuals, and carriers, with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel to the U.K.,” the government stated.
The ETA will be required for anyone traveling in the U.K. for leisure travel, business, short-term study, or a medical procedure. Those planning to work or reside in Britain longer than six months will need to obtain the appropriate visa.
You don’t need an ETA if you already have a visa and/or permission to live, work, or study in the U.K. British and Irish citizens do not need ETAs.
This story was originally published in February 2023 and was updated on October 28, 2024, to include current information.
