Starting 8th January 2025, travellers from visa-exempt countries, including Australia, the United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico, will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. This includes children and infants.
Key Details
- Who Must Apply:
The application process will begin at different times based on your country of origin. Check the full list of eligible countries and dates for application
List of eligible countries and dates
Who can apply now
These nationalities can apply for an ETA now.
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
Who can apply from 27 November 2024
Nationalities from the following locations (including associated territories) can apply for an ETA from 27 November 2024.
They can travel to the UK with an ETA from 8 January 2025.
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas)
- Israel
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Macao Special Administrative Region
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Nauru
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Samoa
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- 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)
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- United States
- Uruguay
Who can apply from 5 March 2025
Nationalities from the following locations (including associated territories) can apply for an ETA from 5 March 2025.
They can travel to the UK with an ETA from 2 April 2025.
- Andorra
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- San Marino
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Vatican City
- Cost:
The application fee is £10.
- Validity:
Each ETA is valid for multiple entries over two years or until the holder’s passport expires.
- How to Apply:
Applications can be submitted via the UK ETA app or the official UK Government website.
What an ETA Permits
With an ETA, travelers can:
- Stay in the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family or friends, business, or short-term study.
- Attend certain permitted paid engagements or events.
- Transit through the UK, including cases where they do not pass through UK border control.
Action Steps for Travelers
- Check Eligibility: Confirm if your nationality requires an ETA for UK travel.
- Prepare Necessary Documents: Have a valid passport and a payment method ready for the application.
- Submit Application Early: Apply well before your planned travel date to allow for processing time.
Ensure your clients and travel companions are informed about these updates to avoid disruptions. For more details, visit the official UK Government page
