The UK continues to digitise its border controls and is introducing ETA, a new electronic travel authorisation system. The system, which is similar to the US’ ESTA, will be mandatory from April 2025 for citizens of the European Union who want to travel to the UK.
The ETA programme was introduced in October 2023 to replace the electronic visa waiver and was initially only available to citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. ETA is a pre-travel security clearance but not a visa, hence it carries a six-month limit for stays and does not allow any work in the UK.
To whom will the obligation apply?
An ETA will be required for all European Union citizens and other nationals who do not normally need a visa to visit the UK for up to 6 months. It will also be required for travellers planning to transit through the UK, including those who do not pass through border controls.
The UK will thus gradually require travel permits for all foreigners who do not need a visa to enter and stay in its territory or do not fall under one of the specific exceptions:
- non-Irish residents of Ireland travelling within the common travel area (CTA) comprising the UK, Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands
- people with a valid visa or another form of permit to stay, work or study in the UK (for example, EU Settlement Scheme status holders)
- British Overseas Territories passport holders.
Who already needs an ETA?
In addition to the Middle Eastern countries already mentioned, from 27 November 2024, the ETA has been available to all foreign nationals who do not require a visa, except European citizens who may apply for an ETA voluntarily from 5 March 2025; from 2 April 2025, ETAs will be mandatory for all visa-free foreign nationals travelling to the UK.
How to get an ETA?
You can apply for an ETA online, including via a mobile app. A biometric passport is required to apply. The fee for applying for an ETA is GBP 10, and it is generally advisable to apply at least 5 days before travel.
Once approved, the ETA will be valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. It is possible to travel to the UK repeatedly with an ETA, but you will need to apply for a new ETA if you obtain a new passport.
Impact on employers
We recommend that starting January 2025, employers take into account the obligation to obtain an ETA when planning business trips for their employees. It is important to inform employees of the need to apply for an ETA well in advance of the planned travel.