Traveling to the UK? You may now need digital authorisation even without a visa

Travelling to United Kingdom you need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

Tourists from the United States, Canada, and most of Europe who didn't need a visa to travel to the United Kingdom before now need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The new system, launched by the British Home Office as part of its transition to a digital immigration system, is designed to increase border security and simplify entry processes, the New York Times reported.

What Is an ETA and who needs it?

ETA is not a visa. It only covers short-stay visitors from visa-free nations who remain in the UK for a maximum period of six months. It also covers certain passengers who transit via UK airports but only if they go through border control. British and Irish citizens, visa nationals, and residents already permitted to live, work, or study in the UK do not have to apply for an ETA.

The ETA is attached to your passport and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever is earlier. Every traveller, including infants and children, requires an ETA of their own.

How to apply

Applications for the ETA can be made online or through the ETA mobile app. In order to apply, a valid passport, photo, and payment option are required. Contact information and a series of security questions must be answered as part of the application. Travel information is not required to fill out the application.

The new cost is £10 (about $13) at the moment, but will be increasing to £16 (approximately $21) from April 9. Results usually arrive in three working days, and email is used for delivery. There is no printed document released as the ETA is a digital format.

What if your application is denied?

While the process is largely automated, an application will be screened by a caseworker prior to rejection. If rejected, applicants will be notified of the cause and can reapply. Reasons for rejection can be due to incomplete biometrics, counterfeit documents, unpaid litigation fees, cancellations of visas, or recent convictions for crimes. In the event of a second rejection of an ETA application, a visa application could be necessary.

Timeline and exceptions

The ETA programme was initially introduced in 2023 for the Gulf countries of Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Up to April 2, it now extends to visitors from 34 European nations. Ireland's legal residents are excluded from the requirement for an ETA in case they enter the UK from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man.

How this differs from ETIAS

The UK's ETA programme differs from the European Union's upcoming ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System), to be implemented in 2026. ETIAS will ask visa-exempt travellers, including visitors from the UK and the US, to apply for entry authorisation to 30 European nations. That system will cost 7 euros (roughly $7).

If you are traveling to the UK and have done so visa-free in the past, ensure you verify whether you will now require an ETA. Applying ahead of time will prevent last-minute travel complications and create a more efficient arrival process.