Until April 2025, all visitors wishing to travel to the United Kingdom who do not require a visa will need to obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA).
This was announced today, Friday, November 1, by the government, which also mentioned the new implementation dates for the system as it moves forward with plans to digitize the British borders.
Who Needs an ETA and Electronic Visa, and When Can They Obtain Them?
Under the new system, everyone wishing to travel to the United Kingdom—except British and Irish citizens—will need a travel authorization prior to their arrival, which can be done either through an ETA or an eVisa.
According to the Digit News website, the government confirmed that as of November 27, 2024, eligible non-European nationals can apply for an ETA, which they will need to travel from January 8, 2025.
Subsequently, the ETA will be extended to eligible Europeans starting March 5, 2025, who will need it to travel from April 2, 2025.
ETAs are digitally linked to the traveler’s passport and, according to the government, ensure that more thorough security checks are conducted before travel to the United Kingdom begins.
The ETA costs £10 (approximately €11.94) and allows for multiple entries to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time, within a two-year period or until the holder’s passport expires—whichever comes first.
Information regarding ETA eligibility is available starting today on GOV.UK.
Anyone needing to apply for an ETA can do so using the UK ETA app.
Visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council already require an ETA to travel to the United Kingdom.
What Applies to Immigrants
The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, stated: “Digitization allows for a smooth experience for the millions of people crossing the borders each year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the United Kingdom, who are expected to contribute over £32 billion to our tourism economy this year.
“The global expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhancing security through new technology and integrating a modern immigration system.
“People who need a UK visa to live, work, or study in the UK will now receive an electronic visa, which provides digital proof of immigration status, instead of physical documents that can be lost, stolen, or altered. The electronic visa means that people no longer have to wait or travel to collect a physical document, simplifying their experience.”
The government is asking immigrants in the UK who are currently using a physical immigration document, such as a biometric residence permit (BRP) or a passport with ink stamps or adhesive visa stickers, to take action now and create an online account to access their electronic visa.
Most BRPs are set to expire on December 31, 2024, and BRP holders are encouraged to take action before their residence permit expires.
