On 9 March 2023, the Home Office announced the introduction of a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for international visitors coming to the UK. Below we answer six key questions on the new scheme
1. Who needs an ETA and when do applications open?
By the end of 2024, all visitors to the UK will require an ETA, with the exception of those who require a visa to enter the UK or those with an alternative immigration status (such as a partner or work visa), and nationals and residents of Ireland.
Qatari nationals will be the first group to be affected. Visitors to the UK from Qatar can apply from 23 October 2023 and will require an ETA to enter the UK from 15 November 2023 onwards. Citizens of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia can apply from 1 February 2024 and will require an ETA from 22 February 2024.
The scheme will be rolled out for visitors from all other countries whose citizens do not currently require a visitor visa over the course of 2024. The Government has confirmed that this will include citizens of European countries, the USA and Australia.
For visitors from countries which already require a visitor visa, such as India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Jamaica, the entry requirements will remain the same. British and Irish nationals will not need an ETA to travel to the UK.
2. If I live in Ireland, do I need an ETA to come to the UK?
Legal residents of Ireland who are neither Irish nor British nationals will not require an ETA to come to the United Kingdom. However, they will need to be able to show evidence of lawful residence in Ireland if requested by an Immigration Officer. People travelling to the UK from Ireland who are not lawfully resident in Ireland will require an ETA.
3. What is the application process like?
The ETA application process is intended to be quick, ‘light touch’ and will be entirely digital. Most visitors will apply through an app, although there will also be an option to apply through a website. Applicants will need to pay the required fee, provide contact and passport details, upload an ID photo and answer a set of questions. The Government will aim to process applications with three working days.
4. How much will an ETA cost?
Although, the exact cost of an ETA is yet to be announced, the Government has said that prices will be competitive with the USA and Australia. The current cost of the US equivalent of an ETA, known as an ‘ESTA’, is $21, or approximately £17.
5. How long will an ETA be valid for?
Once obtained, an ETA will be valid for two years or until the individual’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. The ETA will be valid for multiple trips. This is an improvement for visitors who presently require an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) to enter the UK, currently nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates. It will also be cheaper for visitors from these countries, as EVWs cost £30 each.
6. What will happen if an ETA application is refused?
If you apply for an ETA and have your application refused, you can apply for a visa to enter the UK. You will not be able to appeal the refusal of the ETA.
To help illustrate the scheme, we have provided some case studies below.
Case Studies
US Work Permit Holder living in Dublin
Zach is a US citizen who has a work permit to live in Ireland. He intends to travel to Edinburgh for a friend’s wedding in 2025. Zach will not need an ETA because he has permission to live and work in Ireland. However, he must be able to show evidence of his lawful residence in Ireland, if asked to do so by the UK immigration authorities. Zach should travel to the UK with his Irish work permit.
Qatari National - timing issues
Wissam is a Qatari national living in Doha. He travels regularly to the UK to visit family in London. He is planning two trips in 2023, one in June, and the second in December. For his trip in June, he will apply under the existing system for an Electronic Visa Waiver. For his trip in December, he will need an ETA. He can apply from 23 October. His passport is valid until 2026. Provided his application for an ETA is successful, Wissam will not need to apply for another ETA until October 2025.
EU National
Johanna is a German national who lives in Munich. She is planning a holiday to Scotland in late 2024. Johanna is likely to need an ETA, as the system will apply to all visitors by the end of 2024. Johanna should continue checking the UK Government website for updates on the requirements for European visitors, and should plan to apply for an ETA before finalising her travel plans.
Position for Visa Nationals
Priya is an Indian national who is planning to travel to the UK for a holiday in 2024. Priya, as an Indian national, will need a visitor visa to enter the UK, and therefore does not fall under the ETA scheme.
