{"id":12373,"date":"2025-01-07T13:14:24","date_gmt":"2025-01-07T13:14:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelcentre.us\/blog\/?p=12373"},"modified":"2025-01-07T13:14:27","modified_gmt":"2025-01-07T13:14:27","slug":"new-uk-eta-requirement-pre-travel-application-fee-for-visitors-from-48-countries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelcentre.us\/blog\/new-uk-eta-requirement-pre-travel-application-fee-for-visitors-from-48-countries\/","title":{"rendered":"New UK ETA Requirement: Pre-Travel Application &#038; Fee for Visitors from 48 Countries"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f485600203c7d3b87a327b05c6367a1a wp-block-paragraph\">The European Union&#8217;s ETIAS visa waiver, which has faced several delays, is now set to be launched in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-609c0cff368bf7f852c700b5c6e347c4 wp-block-paragraph\">Prior to that, the UK is set to launch its ETA system on January 8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-daac7c0e47243bc28a267842e01c27a1 wp-block-paragraph\">ETA, or Electronic Travel Authorisation, is a new digital registration program for travelers who are not required to obtain a visa to enter the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1e4be42b0a9bbe6fa3cf45baf647fc40 wp-block-paragraph\">Previously, travelers could simply board a plane and present themselves at passport control upon arrival. Now, they must obtain pre-travel authorization before flying to the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0d19c4446fed4f4b9521eb0fba38a743 wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s what you need to know about the new regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b56b54dab0d65296b6682d83cfbb02f5\"><strong>Who needs an ETA?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-07d1b5e857b0b7f9967bcacfef8b3f88 wp-block-paragraph\">Soon, anyone exempt from needing a visa to visit the UK must obtain an ETA\u2014an &#8220;Electronic Travel Authorization&#8221;\u2014which grants pre-approval for entry before traveling. This system is similar to the U.S. ESTA, a mandatory, paid authorization for travel, with security checks completed beforehand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2cc6ecd17dc1bc722cabb45a851867c5 wp-block-paragraph\">The scheme was introduced to Gulf Cooperation Council nationals in 2024, and the next phase will extend it to other non-European travelers, including the six million visitors from the US, Canada, and Australia who travel to the UK annually. You can find the full list of 48 countries requiring the ETA below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-872079ec648c766bce7b36e349f90fb6\"><strong>Who can Apply Now?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-840f2decc6d4e778516aa896f361de91\">Bahrain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5c33fa6fe23b8f8d3e6963df453bdc78\">Kuwait<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d70ea735777b0d9a5243a79956f61ec1\">Oman<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-37bb73646358962ccf481f958eed736a\">Qatar<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-13730a270010133d112acbabe35ebb03\">Saudi Arabia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-8b266209d20020e8aae8412448a67665\">United Arab Emirates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4f3f5bea4c46e5bc1a8066a79e7406fb wp-block-paragraph\">These nationalities can&nbsp;apply for an&nbsp;ETA&nbsp;to travel to the UK now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d8baaf5f0d2d38f6f9701227c33f549f\"><strong>For those Traveling on or After 08 January 2025<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-cd717fc28e617a5f984a97cd747ef7d6 wp-block-paragraph\">Nationalities from the following locations (including associated territories) can apply for an ETA now. These nationalities do not need an ETA to travel to the UK on or before 7 January 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-403c1d9b6cdf3a0a52ae7d47ef9a179a\">Antigua and Barbuda<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0066edc46a320de603728c0227ebd538\">Argentina<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ccf08bf17b8bcaa846db3ada73ad477f\">Australia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a4090f43cd6d936007fe8afb25d49eb3\">The Bahamas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5d8087f8f387c5097e290268435d37e5\">Barbados<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4aa05a2cec71cf98f2991d62cb38d9f9\">Belize<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fdb6dc98b3fe5125b3b4690eb6dae460\">Botswana<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-aeeb2ea184a67cc8f0247e1403481847\">Brazil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c91b356e02746c1d5c1fde8e34480e58\">Brunei<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a7f9fc522aabf3e5c6944d938e30414c\">Canada<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ce03ec3d98b37b79e3ec9b3009a6555e\">Chile<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a158fbfa02311052354b584d774e8dfe\">Costa Rica<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bf7a3908b0650974e026357051370fe4\">Grenada<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4b46b2ee39d548d3934fe70c118139db\">Guatemala<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5a6df9d2cb509838bc99830502406a38\">Guyana<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1af286da0706f5f7ff84d24e161f30c8\">Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6bb45e4d6d17d46d15398b5806e9abaa\">Israel<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2f974a650fc402da96419b296f831b08\">Japan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-108de6b18e45f5e8ae0c363a488fec5e\">Kiribati<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-941241a2307fee6a3de224d07d4f0d1b\">Macao Special Administrative Region<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bb1e975f9909ec99f0988a2fecff0165\">Malaysia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-18847108157ce08518142b7a169aca10\">Maldives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-86415f1cc8eb8de4d6ffdf3049a0950f\">Marshall Islands<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a9d93f909c4229941d08e3b7b417999a\">Mauritius<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1f6987c9741fca0df1cad9104c07f3c8\">Mexico<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a1bbd184c80567a938718cb5fd115069\">Federated States of Micronesia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-289269d3e5b42a146f7362e2b117046b\">Nauru<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-73adc4689b72e0907fb1a5a8532cc227\">New Zealand<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4e93624e211640e65fa06b79d78efabf\">Nicaragua<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-503167440bfd15787714e1ff43ef3d2e\">Palau<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2667f8089497dc2511732c10eaf98d0c\">Panama<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-694841bb8006be297b4927856cbbfddc\">Papua New Guinea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7605f8bb7fecf57af2f4d719dbe1afd8\">Paraguay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-91687de23c99c049b6af6c41fba66a90\">Peru<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-34df2c23c2eee71096fcfb36ca0ecd0e\">Samoa<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f24a04043ed24a0c1ba1a0a2fe626948\">Seychelles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6550e0e85fde4702be55414021d46404\">Singapore<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e98a6e34ec57f349d6904e379213accd\">Solomon Islands<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c4ffcdc9e572a1f177b276cbc83deb09\">South Korea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b7793d17481314c782b096e4c39b075b\">St Kitts and Nevis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-252169c8492e336b1257bee1587065d6\">St Lucia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-08a208c197056902dbdcd8d4ba6db83b\">St Vincent and the Grenadines<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3ddcdaa2550b5ba3a3bdee435830ba88\">Taiwan (if you have a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1a1ddce526050c43663ca7f1f302bed4\">Tonga<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-b5be6a558948ac738221b91e28d8f68f\">Trinidad and Tobago<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-24e747ddae936442f258d78355faa0c0\">Tuvalu<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3068af738d58f67ba4dc259ca9f3a1a0\">United States<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-3f983890770f169823d21d923f2c740f\">Uruguay<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bd17b140f289f61cb7aa4c97516e68c3\"><strong>Who Can Apply from 05 March 2025<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0480f69a9aae71c5083a773681d1125c wp-block-paragraph\">Nationalities from the following locations (including associated territories) can apply for an&nbsp;ETA&nbsp;from 5 March 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-55d62c34c5ab975e45940c3e26c9371e wp-block-paragraph\">They can travel to the UK with an&nbsp;ETA&nbsp;from 2 April 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-45fe3aca92904d5d6274a2b75de7e023\">Andorra<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-faf4c2c47ac52bcbd7ddbcde75d641ee\">Austria<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-59366b92048e051d7f0bb89b9164f021\">Belgium<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f12c773df55105d812927f9c08dbdb93\">Bulgaria<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c01822cf4112a21804aed95b22fc421b\">Croatia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-53e6a7ff84cd9f3d5dcc97ba89c0902e\">Cyprus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-dd3cd4bd4639e36b4e8f04e7556d4680\">Czechia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-81bbfcdac9e3c61b60c5fa1a8d357ca0\">Denmark<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e28b0c507a5d6d1b3f37f61dbc549be0\">Estonia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ba4f83160aa0b5fe9ae1cfdda71ebe88\">Finland<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1ca28a25715e2421ba708e88427ca49f\">France<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-eccac3291228a9ce954907cefcb6c0e2\">Germany<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-deb5e9fee85530f47794edfe9c98df36\">Greece<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-0e6dad1ea034dc692f704438f9ce615f\">Hungary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-897f7b5986f883b72305201ceadc9d5c\">Iceland<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1aebf52bad650fe76f7729cc403468db\">Italy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6b7a41853047b8c45ab468c06273fd93\">Latvia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e6deace2b8698892f65e8510b2ec764c\">Liechtenstein<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-2dd4e9e59ee5256524ef8044bfebfbc3\">Lithuania<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74592ffe463c33be53078c403dcf50f6\">Luxembourg<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4ef527e17f8e655c28e453509cabfa88\">Malta<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e43d1b0e84cfd0fd9f64f609d09e16e7\">Monaco<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-975528c12311a7afe020b73d00ae48ed\">Netherlands<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ac238c18e0948d4da5e50ae4b645a07d\">Norway<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f0b112bd057af05f29803dbd0121a349\">Poland<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-23888b2580c72bb0fa19629978b0ae87\">Portugal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-7bbd761d999ca3b433d75f17f88f8610\">Romania<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a88ec2573616e9f1d3409d0ad9c7936d\">San Marino<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-69cc8f4ee796784ec28fb29af8a83286\">Slovakia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ab281afab44a9c638a17851d9dc36c21\">Slovenia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-05e322599a895437fa76137376129783\">Spain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-452c694b763effd98e51ed4fcca65c87\">Sweden<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-607d9adf86e0a06d91cfe80e8ba40d6b\">Switzerland<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5613bb56c753d95de49c5fa615b44a66\">Vatican City<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1e2090be82ed9f267a76d1b29db1cf04 wp-block-paragraph\">Starting January 8, travelers from these countries will require an ETA to enter the UK. The only exception is EU citizens, who will need an ETA beginning April 2, 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5648c325517acd00146f8562f7f710b0 wp-block-paragraph\">Citizens of these countries who already reside in the UK do not need an ETA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-ff919bed1738154c7f2e758fe26f4a38 wp-block-paragraph\">The scheme applies to &#8220;short&#8221; visits to the UK, lasting less than six months, for tourism or business purposes. There are also other ETA categories, such as for short-term study and permitted paid engagements, which are detailed on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/guidance\/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UK government website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-92f3bdfde0a5e3d09c7c8050b99ff356\"><strong>Is it a visa?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32c6d1adf1ccbe04789c646963fc11d2 wp-block-paragraph\">While some may call it a visa, it is actually a visa waiver. Travelers whose citizenship requires them to obtain a visa to enter the UK will still need to apply for one, but they won&#8217;t need to obtain the ETA in addition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-013ec7844aba506bb804a00e94fcef36 wp-block-paragraph\">Countries base their immigration policies on reciprocity. When the United States launched its ESTA visa waiver in 2009, it was only a matter of time before countries affected by it would implement their own similar systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-bfff84670745b090cdb36dbb7651f1c0\"><strong>How do I get one?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-03c46fc50c36006aa2cbc186b3c735d2 wp-block-paragraph\">The fee is a non-refundable \u00a310 (just under $12.50), and applications can be made through the official app available on the UK government website or directly online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-d23751a5b6e9a34c2126ed2563d5be82 wp-block-paragraph\">The apps\u2014available for iPhone and Android\u2014claim faster processing, with times of just 10 minutes. Make sure to apply through official channels rather than third-party websites, which may impose additional fees and are less likely to safeguard your data properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e8220c7c879caa29097531ec9a25cc33 wp-block-paragraph\">You must upload a photo of your passport, take a selfie during the application process, submit the image, and answer several questions about your travel plans. The online application takes approximately 20 minutes to complete, and you must finish it in one session\u2014there&#8217;s no option to save your progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-030d9d6b9aef3b7e5f4604bc2768ff1f wp-block-paragraph\">A decision is typically made within three days, though the government advises it may take longer. If you need to travel urgently, you can still go to the UK while awaiting your decision, as long as you have submitted your application before traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-90f2fe92a50bdbdec103c083f8854006 wp-block-paragraph\">Keep in mind that having an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. You will still need to go through passport control, and Border Force officials have the final authority on whether you are allowed to enter the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-de2ad0be501b797c658d03d8728bc15b\"><strong>How long will it be valid?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6109e7e9b4c56836c5f5eaf3f67f40ba wp-block-paragraph\">The ETA is valid for two years and allows for multiple entries, so you can visit as often as you like. However, it will be digitally linked to your passport, meaning that if you get a new passport within those two years, the ETA will no longer be valid, and you will need to apply for a new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6f644638d1e16ab3d0f300cb1e167c70\"><strong>Can families get a joint ETA?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e7b3919960f20a8faf9ab12b7bafea36 wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone traveling to the UK, including children and infants, must have their own ETA. However, you can apply on behalf of someone else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1d24b67a5f579515b7845e4ad54be1ca\"><strong>Does this mean I can stay as long as I like?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-07550d93dd4c0d5c5633e676239f099a wp-block-paragraph\">The ETA is designed for short stays of up to six months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-742104f7ec3fb8a989e675f2ed6f3db5\"><strong>I\u2019m just transiting through the UK. Do I still need the ETA?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6281dfb378bbe02d795041f643a6c51b wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone entering the UK, even for a brief layover, must have an ETA. (This is similar to travelers transiting through the US, who are required to have an ESTA.) Without an ETA, you will not be permitted to pass through passport control to reach the transit area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e5f47227ade1663c7c2aeb2a722348a5\"><strong>Does this cover me to enter Europe, too?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-09564f0ca1400df1bfdef808542e17dd wp-block-paragraph\">To enter Europe, you&#8217;ll need an ETIAS\u2014the EU travel waiver, which has faced several delays but is now expected to begin sometime in 2025. Keep an eye out for more details as the launch date nears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:15px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The European Union&#8217;s ETIAS visa waiver, which has faced several delays, is now set to be launched in 2025. Prior to that, the UK is set to launch its ETA system on January 8. ETA, or Electronic Travel Authorisation, is a new digital registration program for travelers who are not required to obtain a visa [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":12377,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[76],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12373","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel-news"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.travelcentre.us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/UK-ETA-Requirement-featured-img.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcentre.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12373","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcentre.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcentre.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcentre.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcentre.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12373"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcentre.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12373\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12415,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcentre.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12373\/revisions\/12415"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcentre.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12377"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcentre.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12373"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcentre.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12373"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelcentre.us\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12373"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}