The UK Government’s electronic travel authorisation scheme (ETA) is to be extended to 48 countries worldwide from 8 January 2025 and to 34 European countries from April 2, 2025.
There were more than 38 million visits to the UK last year, with the majority of travellers not needing to obtain a visa or any permission to travel first.
In what is said to be a “major change” to short-term travel to the UK, it is anticipated that millions of ETAs will be issued next year.
The ETA scheme was first introduced on November, 2023 for Qatari nationals travelling to the UK and was extended to the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in February 2024.
Since then, some 393,000 ETAs have been applied for as of June 2024 according to Home Office statistics.
ETAs are an electronic-only authorisation and will be needed by short-stay business travellers, tourists and those in transit. Those without a valid ETA may be refused boarding to a plane, boat or train.
Nationals of countries including Australia, New Zealand and the USA will need an ETA to travel to the UK from January 8 and with nationals of, for example, France, Germany and Italy needing to apply from April 2 (and can apply from March 5).
Kelly Chua, director of Fragomen, said: “An ETA provides digital permission to travel to the UK and is part of the Government’s programme to gather more accurate travel data and enhance border security by screening passengers before they travel, increasing the chance of identifying potential threats earlier.
“Travellers should also note that it is not a visa and does not confer permission to enter the country. Travellers who require a visa to enter the country will still need to obtain a valid visa but will not need an ETA as well. Travellers that do not require a visa to enter the UK, such as US citizens, will need to apply for an ETA.”
Fragomen recommends that travellers apply for an ETA as early as possible, allowing at least three days before travel. ETAs will be valid for two years (or until the holder’s passport expires if sooner) and will cost £10 per applicant.
Chua added: “Perhaps controversially, travellers in transit will need to hold a valid ETA simply to land in the UK despite not passing through border controls. It has raised questions over the impact of London Heathrow’s status as a major flight hub.
“In addition, concerns have been raised about the operation of the ETA for visitors coming from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland with cross-border tourism potentially taking a hit if visitors are deterred.”
She said: “Where an ETA is declined, that traveller will need to apply for a visa if they wish to travel to the UK, and that can take time. Travellers might also find that airlines may not refund tickets should an ETA be refused.”
A full list of locations and associated territories that will need an ETA can be found on the government website here.
