Key Highlights
- Visitors from countries like the US, Canada, and Australia must now apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling.
- The ETA costs £10 ($12.50), is valid for two years, and allows up to six-month stays, with applications easily managed via a mobile app.
- Starting April 2, 2025, the ETA requirement will extend to travelers from the European Union and other European territories.
- While aimed at boosting security, concerns over its impact on tourism have arisen, with parallels drawn to Europe’s upcoming ETIAS system launching in mid-2025.
Table of Contents
Complete Breakdown of the News
The UK has changed its visa-waiver entry system so that travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries must now get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before they can visit. This move marks a significant shift in how millions of travelers access the UK.
What is the UK ETA?
The UK ETA system is similar to the ESTA program in the United States. It requires visitors who don’t need a visa to obtain pre-travel authorization before entering Britain.
Key Details of the UK ETA:
- Cost: £10 ($12.50).
- Validity: Two years.
- Duration of Stay: Up to six months per visit.
- Application Process: Available through a mobile app, digitally linked to the traveler’s passport.
This system aims to strengthen border security while streamlining entry for eligible travelers.
Expanded Coverage for More Travelers
Initially launched in 2023 with Qatar and later extended to five regional Gulf countries, the program now includes citizens of approximately 48 nations, such as:
- Argentina
- Brazil
- New Zealand
- Japan
- South Korea
- Several Caribbean countries
Eligible travelers have been able to apply since November 2024, with the system becoming operational for them starting this January.
Upcoming Changes
On April 2, 2025, the ETA scheme will further expand to cover the European Union (EU) and other European countries and territories. Applications for this group will open on March 5, 2025.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
The ETA is mandatory for travelers, including children and babies, visiting the UK for tourism or transit purposes. It applies even if the UK is a stopover for connecting flights.
Exemptions:
- British and Irish citizens.
- Passport holders from British Overseas Territories.
- Legal residents of the UK.
- Visitors from countries already requiring a visa to enter the UK, such as China, Ecuador, and South Africa.
Heathrow Airport Raises Concerns
London’s Heathrow Airport has blamed the scheme for a 90,000 drop in transfer passenger numbers on routes included in the system since its launch. They argue the system makes Britain “less competitive” and could harm economic growth. They called on the Government to “review” the inclusion of airside transit passengers.
A Broader Context: Parallels with Europe’s ETIAS
The UK’s ETA is part of a global trend towards visa-waiver systems. Europe’s ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is set to launch in mid-2025, requiring visa-exempt travelers to obtain authorization for entry into 30 European countries, including France and Germany.
Key Details of ETIAS:
- Cost: €7 ($7.40).
- Validity: Three years.
ETIAS will cover around 60 countries, including the US, Canada, Brazil, and the UK, aligning closely with the UK’s ETA approach.
What This Means for Travelers
The UK ETA is a game-changer for millions of annual visitors, ensuring smoother entry while enhancing security. However, travelers should prepare for the additional step of obtaining authorization before their journey.