By Jess McHugh

UK Government introduces Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) allowing visa-exempt visitors more efficient travels.

The UK Government has developed plans to fully digitise border control and the immigration system. This will be made possible by the introduction of ETA, which is a newly developed digital entry requirement for those who do not currently require a UK visa.

As of January 8th, it will be a requirement to have ETA If you are travelling from the US and Canada and other non-visa exempt countries. The ETA will also be a necessity for travel from the EU as well starting April 2nd, 2025. Before the ETA was implemented visitors were allowed to stay in the UK for up to six months without a visa. This new system was created by the Government in hopes to create better security for those travelling as it regulates more thorough checks on incoming visitors.

This new system will work by linking the ETA to the traveller’s passport allowing for a streamlined immigration procedure and border control experience.

The ETA application fee is £10 and is valid for numerous short visits over two years before needing to reapply.

To be eligible for an ETA you must be a citizen of a country with visa-wavier for the UK. You must also have an electronic passport that would be valid for at least six months. ETA does not allow trips over six months in length; therefore, you must disclose that you do not intend on working or studying in the UK whilst using it.

To apply you upload a photo of your passport and fill out its details, answer all security questions and pay for the UK ETA application. It on average it takes three business days to receive a decision on your ETA application.

ETA: the Government's new digital visa