What You Need to Know About the ETA

Travelers hailing from nations that do not currently require a visa, including approximately six million visitors annually from the U.S., Canada, and Australia, will be directly impacted by this change. The ETA serves a similar purpose to the United States' ESTA and will facilitate a streamlined entry process while enhancing security measures.

Who Must Apply?

In a bid to bolster its border security, the U.K. government mandates that all travelers who do not need a visa obtain an ETA prior to their trip. Exceptions apply only to those EU citizens applying after the April deadline. Citizens already residing in the U.K. will not need to apply for this new authorization.

Is the ETA a Visa?

While the ETA is often colloquially referred to as a visa, it is technically a visa waiver. Travelers whose countries require them to have a visa will still need to follow the traditional visa application process and are not subject to ETA requirements.

How to Apply for the ETA

The process is designed to be straightforward: travelers will incur a non-refundable fee of £10 (approximately $12.50) and can apply through the official U.K. government website or convenient mobile apps for iOS and Android. The application process includes uploading a photo of your passport, a selfie, and responding to various questions about your visit. While using the app may lead to a quicker processing time of about 10 minutes, plan for up to 20 minutes if applying online.

A Critical Reminder: Entry is Not Guaranteed

It's vital for travelers to remember that obtaining an ETA does not automatically ensure entry into the U.K.; all visitors are still subject to scrutiny at passport control by Border Force officers.

Duration and Family Considerations

The ETA will be valid for two years and allows for multiple entries into the U.K., although travelers must reapply if they receive a new passport during this time. Notably, each individual, including infants and children, will require their own ETA, though parents can apply on behalf of their children.

Transit Travelers Beware!

Travelers merely transiting through the U.K. will also need an ETA to pass through passport control. This aligns the U.K. with similar regulations in the U.S., ensuring that all individuals setting foot in the country are accounted for.

What Happens in Europe?

For those with plans to travel beyond the U.K. into Europe, remember that the EU is rolling out its own travel waiver system called ETIAS, which is expected to launch in 2025. This means that if you're flying across Europe, additional preparations may be necessary.