UK to Require ETA and Fee for Visitors from 48 Countries Starting January 8
UK to Require ETA and Fee for Visitors from 48 Countries Starting January 8
In 2024, travelers were spared from new visa requirements for entering Europe, but 2025 brings a shift in that trend. The European Union's long-delayed ETIAS visa waiver is set to launch in 2025, while the UK will implement its own Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system starting January 8.
The ETA is a digital registration that applies to travelers who don't require a visa to enter the UK. Previously, these travelers could simply board a flight and go through passport control upon arrival, but now, they must secure pre-travel authorization before flying.
Who Needs an ETA?
Anyone who doesn't need a visa to enter the UK will soon require an ETA, an electronic authorization that pre-clears entry. This system is similar to the US ESTA. The ETA is already in place for Gulf Cooperation Council nationals, and from January 8, it will be extended to travelers from 48 countries, including six million annual visitors from the US, Canada, and Australia. EU citizens will need an ETA from April 2, 2025. UK residents do not need an ETA.
Is the ETA a Visa?
Although it’s often called a visa, the ETA is a visa waiver. Those who require a visa to enter the UK will still need to apply for one and won't need the ETA on top of it.
How to Apply for an ETA?
The ETA costs £10 (approximately $12.50), and applications can be made through the official UK government app or website. It takes about 10 minutes via the app and 20 minutes online, and decisions are typically made within three days. You must apply before traveling, and while an ETA doesn’t guarantee entry, you must still pass through passport control upon arrival.
ETA Validity
The ETA is valid for two years, allowing multiple entries during that time. However, it is linked to your passport, so a new passport will require a new ETA.
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