What is the Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme, and will it affect me?
Our specialist business immigration lawyers understand the complexities and fast-paced nature of immigration law.
Overview
In October 2023 the Home Office introduced a new permission to travel regime known as the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. The scheme, which is being rolled out in stages by nationality, requires that certain visitors to the UK obtain advance digital permission to travel in the form of an ETA. By April 2025, everyone who does not need a visa to visit the UK (known as “non-visas nationals”) or does not already have a UK immigration status, will need to apply for an ETA prior to travelling. This includes babies and children.
What Is an ETA and why is the scheme being introduced?
An ETA is not a visa. It is a digital permission to travel, linked to the individual’s passport. The idea behind the ETA scheme is to enable relevant database checks (including criminal and immigration history checks) to be carried out on all non-visa nationals prior to their visit to the UK, rather than at or shortly after arrival at the UK border. It is hoped that prior checks will safeguard UK borders and also avoid the situation where a person is refused entry at the border.
Who currently needs an ETA to visit the UK?
If you are a national of a country listed in Appendix Electronic Travel Authorisation, you will need an ETA if you intend to:
- Visit the UK for up to 6 months, including as a business visitor or for short-term study
- Visit the UK for up to three months if you are on a Creative Worker visa concession
- Visit the UK for a permitted paid engagement
- Transit through the UK, even if you are not going through UK border control
Gulf Cooperation Council visitors (i.e. nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) already need an ETA to travel to the UK.
Who will need an ETA to travel to the UK in the future
From 27 November 2024, eligible non-Europeans can apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025 onwards. This includes nationals of countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. A full list of the countries affected can be found here.
From 5 March 2025, the scheme will expand to allow European nationals (see full list of affected countries) to make applications for an ETA which they will need to travel to the UK from 2 April 2025 onwards:
Who doesn’t need an ETA to travel to the UK?
People who need to apply for a visa prior to travelling to the UK (known as visa nationals) do not need to apply for an ETA. British nationals, Irish nationals and British Overseas Territories citizens will not require an ETA along with those with permission to live, work or study in the UK, including those with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme. People who are legally resident in Ireland and entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man will not need an ETA.
How do I apply for an ETA?
Applications for ETAs can be made online or through the UK ETA app. An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time. An ETA is valid for 2 years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Updated Home Office guidance on applying for an ETA is available here.
According to the Home Office website, you should normally receive a decision within 3 working days via email.
What happens if I forget to apply for an ETA prior to travel?
If you need an ETA and do not have one, you will likely be refused boarding by the airline, or will be refused entry on arrival.
What are the reasons for refusal of an ETA application?
When you apply for an ETA you will be expected to meet certain suitability requirements. An ETA will be refused if you have previously been refused a visit visa (unless you have had another visit visa approved in the meantime) or where a previous ETA has been cancelled. Other grounds for refusal include criminality and a person’s previous character and conduct including any adverse immigration history. There are also grounds for refusal where someone is subject to an exclusion or deportation order or has unpaid NHS debt or Home Office litigation debt. An ETA can be cancelled for the same reasons. Our immigration team can assist if you have any concerns about whether you meet the ETA suitability requirements.
What can I do if my ETA has been refused?
If your application for an ETA has been refused you will need to apply for a visa to enter the UK instead. This will allow the UK authorities to undertake more rigorous checks.
Does my business need to do anything to prepare for the ETA scheme?
Employers are encouraged to communicate these new changes to their international business visitors, to ensure they are prepared in advance of the full roll out of the ETA Scheme.
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