What is Electronic Travel Authorization for the UK?
The United Kingdom attracts millions of visitors from around the globe every year, with government data showing there were 130.9 million arrivals in the year ending September 2024.
With this high volume of travellers comes the challenge of managing border control while ensuring safety and security are a priority.
To tackle this, the UK has followed in the footsteps of countries such as the US and Canada, by introducing its Electronic Travel Authorization ( Uk ETA) program. Introduced in November 2023, the program was initially a requirement for Qatari citizens, before being rolled out to include nationals from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait and Oman. While Jordan was originally included in this rollout, citizens now require a UK visa instead.
The UK government announced that as of January 8th 2025, citizens from 49 non-European countries, including the United States (US) and Canada, will be required to obtain an ETA to travel to the UK. Additionally, citizens from 34 European countries will be added to the requirement from April 2nd 2025.
In this article, we will explore what is electronic travel authorization, which countries require an ETA, its impact on travellers in 2025 and the step-by-step process for applying for a UK ETA.
What is electronic travel authorization?
In a statement by the UK home office, the UK ETA is being implemented ‘to deliver a more streamlined, digital immigration system which will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border every year’.
Designed to prevent incoming threats, the travel permit is digitally linked to a traveller’s passport, providing an extra level of security checks for all visitors coming to the country.
The UK ETA is designed to accommodate travelers intending to stay in the country for short periods of time, such as for tourism, visiting friends and family, business and short-term study. Each ETA allows for multiple entries into the UK for stays of up to six months and is then valid for two years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
However, it’s important to note that the ETA does not grant the right to work, live, or access public funds in the UK.
Which countries require an ETA to visit the UK?
As of January 8th 2025, the following countries started to require an electronic travel authorization (ETA) to visit the UK:
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Antigua and Barbuda
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Argentina
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Australia
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The Bahamas
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Barbados
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Belize
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Botswana
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Brazil
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Brunei
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Canada
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Chile
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Costa Rica
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Grenada
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Guatemala
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Guyana
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Hong Kong
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Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas)
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Israel
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Japan
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Kiribati
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Macao Special Administrative Region
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Malaysia
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Maldives
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Marshall Islands
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Mauritius
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Mexico
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Federated States of Micronesia
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Nauru
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New Zealand
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Nicaragua
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Palau
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Panama
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Papua New Guinea
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Paraguay
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Peru
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Samoa
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Seychelles
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Singapore
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Solomon Islands
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South Korea
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St Kitts and Nevis
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St Lucia
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St Vincent and the Grenadines
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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)
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Tonga
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Trinidad and Tobago
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Tuvalu
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United States
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Uruguay
The next stage of implementation from April 2nd 2025 will require citizens from the below European countries to apply for a UK ETA prior to traveling. Applications for these nationalities open on March 5th 2025.
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Andorra
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Austria
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Belgium
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Bulgaria
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Croatia
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Cyprus
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Czech Republic
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Denmark
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Estonia
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Finland
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France
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Germany
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Greece
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Hungary
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Iceland
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Italy
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Latvia
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Liechtenstein
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Lithuania
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Luxembourg
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Malta
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Monaco
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The Netherlands
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Norway
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Poland
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Portugal
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Romania
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San Marino
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Slovakia
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Slovenia
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Spain
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Sweden
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Switzerland
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Vatican City
This list includes travelers transiting through UK airports, even if they do not intend to stay in the country. All the information listed above can also be found on this UK ETA website.
What impact will the UK ETA have on travellers in 2025?
As the UK is an incredibly popular tourist destination, it is unlikely that the UK ETA will have a major impact on incoming traveller figures. Additionally, this scheme is not a drastic or new change to modern border control measures, as similar systems already exist in countries like the United States (ESTA), Canada (eTA), and New Zealand (NZeTA), among others.
In fact, in 2025 we will see the introduction of various types of ETAs across countries around the world in a bid to monitor incoming and outgoing visitors. For example, the European Union is launching its European Travel and Authorization System (ETIAS) in mid-2025, affecting travelers coming from approximately 60 countries and territories.
This shift in adopting digital authorisation systems is representative of the global emphasis towards increasing security measures, while streamlining the passenger experience when they land at their destination.
For travelers to the UK and other destinations requiring an ETA, it will simply become another step in their journey, which will become routine over time. Through clear guidance and a simple application process, government bodies can ensure these measures do not affect tourism rates.
What is the step-by-step process when applying for the UK ETA?
You can submit your application by following the below steps through the government website or via the UK ETA portal.
Step one: Once you have accessed the online portal, you will need to complete all sections of the ETA application form as honestly and accurately as possible. This includes questions which evaluate your suitability for entering the UK, such as your criminal history.
Your application will also need to include your personal information, passport information, travel itinerary, purpose of your visit, contact information, security information and any supporting documentation.
Step two: Carefully review all the information provided in the application form to ensure accuracy and are entered correctly before proceeding to the next step.
Step three: You will need to pay the £10 ETA UK fee using a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Step four: Once the application form is completed and the payment is processed successfully, submit the ETA application electronically through the online portal. Keep a copy of the confirmation or reference number for future reference.
Step five: You will receive updates to your application via email. You will typically receive a response to your application within a few days. You will receive an ETA approval notice via email which will contain important details such as the validity period, duration of stay, and any conditions or restrictions associated with the ETA. Your ETA will automatically be linked to your passport.
Step six: Print a copy of the ETA approval notice for your records. Alternatively, download a digital copy of the approval notice to your mobile device for easy access during your travels.
Typically, applications are processed within 3 days, and sometimes even within a few hours. However, to avoid disruption to your travel plans, it is advised to apply well in advance of your departure date.
If your application is rejected, you will be told the reason and can apply again. But if your application is refused, you will be unable to appeal and will instead need to apply for a visa to gain permission to enter the UK.
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