The UK government has announced borders will be fully digitalised by 2025. This digitalisation includes the launch of ETA UK, a new electronic travel authorisation for visa-free foreigners.
Previous UK Home Secretary Priti Patel confirmed the upcoming changes to UK visa policy. She stated that the new ETA system will provide the government with more accurate migration information.
When is the ETA UK launch date?
The UK ETA is being introduced in different phases for travellers of different nationalities.
The first key dates are outlined below:
- 25 October 2023 — UK ETA available to Qatari nationals
- 15 November 2023 — UK ETA mandatory for Qataris
- 1 February 2024 — UK ETA available to citizens of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE
- 22 February 2024 — You must have an ETA to visit the UK if you are from an eligible country. EVWs are no longer valid.
If you are not from one of these countries, you do not need the ETA yet. However, the UK government plans to add more nationalities to the ETA programme in the future.
What is the new ETA system?
The British government has highlighted the similarities between the UK ETA and immigration systems in place in other countries, such as the United States ESTA. The EU will also launch its own digital visa waiver, ETIAS, in the near future.
The ETA system works by screening visitors before they arrive in the UK. Travellers provide basic personal details, passport data, and some security information by completing an online ETA application form.
Applications are processed automatically, with only complex decisions made by ETA officials.
Most people receive their approved UK ETA quickly. Visitors can apply from home and are not required to visit a UK Embassy.
Part of the UK permission to travel requirement
The UK ETA is part of a wider permission to travel policy. This means that all foreign nationals will need to obtain permission to enter the United Kingdom.
Such permission may be in the form of a traditional visa or, for non-visa-nationals, an ETA.
The ETA is not a visa. Europeans and travellers from countries including the US and Canada will maintain their visa-free status but will need an ETA to cross the UK border.
ETA UK validity and length of stay
The UK ETA has the following specs:
- Valid for 2 years
- Allows multiple trips to the UK
- Grants travel to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland
You can use the British ETA to stay for the following lengths of time, depending on the purpose of your trip:
- Up to 6 months for holidays, visiting friend and family, business trips, or study
- Up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
The ETA is also required to transit through British airports to another destination.
The ETA system will improve UK border control
The government has launched the ETA for Britain as part of efforts to improve UK border control.
The ETA provides more accurate information regarding the number of people travelling to the UK and the countries they arrive from.
Currently, figures are based on surveys carried out at ports of entry. However, this does not provide accurate figures.
In addition to providing accurate data, ETA also makes the UK an even safer destination. By screening passengers before they reach the UK, threats can be detected earlier.
Who is UK ETA for?
The ETA for the UK is available to holders of passports issued by the following countries:
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- The United Arab Emirates (UAE)
These travellers can apply through Etauk.uk, using our simple online form.
The UK’s plan is to make the ETA an entry requirement for all other non-visa-nationals (NVN), including Europeans. It is expected that nationals of these other countries will be eligible for the ETA in the future.
Travellers must meet all the ETA UK requirements to travel without a visa. The ETA UK is for short visits to the UK for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
To stay long-term or to work in the UK, a visa or other entry permit is required.
Who does not need a UK ETA?
You do not need to get an ETA for the UK if you fall into one of the following categories:
- British passport holder
- Irish passport holder
- You have permission to live, work or study in the UK
- Irish resident with visa-exemption for the UK, entering from Ireland
- UK visa holder