New UK travel rules: Electronic Travel Authorisation legally required
EU, American, and Canadian travellers – among many others – will now need to jump through new hoops to enter Britain.
From January 8, 2025, jet-setters from 48 countries must secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to land on UK soil. The fresh face of travel checks is set to ruffle the document shuffle but promises a smoother journey – if you get it sorted in time!
Starting January 8, 2025, nearly six million yearly visitors from the US, Canada, Australia, and other non-European countries will need an ETA for short visits up to six months for tourism, business, family visits, or a brief study. This requirement will later extend to most European Union citizens from April 2, 2025. The only ones exempt are UK visa holders already living in Britain – they’re off the hook for ETA, as are UK British passport holders.
The full list of countries requiring an ETA can be found on the UK government website.
How do I get an ETA to enter the UK?
First, apply online or via the official app (iPhone or Android). Whip out your passport, take a selfie, and fill in the details. The process takes about 20 minutes – so brew a cuppa or make yourself a coffee while you wait.
Then, fill in your passport details and upload a photo.
Finally, snap a selfie, answer a few cheeky questions, and cough up the non-refundable £10 fee.
The whole thing takes about 20 minutes, and decisions usually land within three working days. But don’t leave it to the last minute – delays can and will happen.
Can I enter the UK without an ETA?
No. Airlines won’t even let you board without proof of your ETA. Got an urgent trip? Apply beforehand and cross your fingers – but remember, an ETA doesn’t guarantee entry. Border Force officers still have the final say and they’ll be looking to lay down the law from the start.
How long does a UK ETA last?
The ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first. Planning multiple trips? No need to fret, you’re covered for unlimited entries within that time.
Does this include young children?
Yes, even your littlest travellers need their own ETA.
Do transiting travellers also need an ETA to pass through the UK?
Yes. You’ll still need an ETA if you’re catching a connecting flight from the UK. Whether you’re changing flights at Heathrow or zipping through to Europe, every footstep on UK soil now comes with paperwork.
Why now?
Call it tit-for-tat travel rules. The US introduced its ESTA in 2009, the EU is introducing ETIAS, and now the UK wants to do the same.
For more details, please contact my team. Thank you.
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