Phase Two of the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme officially begins on 27 November 2024. From this date, nationals from a range of non-European, visa-exempt countries can begin applying for an ETA in preparation for the 8 January 2025 deadline. After this deadline, travellers from these countries must have an approved ETA or a visa to visit the UK.
To avoid potential disruptions to travel plans, travellers eligible under Phase Two are strongly encouraged to submit their applications promptly.
What is the UK ETA?
The ETA is designed for visitors from countries that currently enjoy visa-free access to the UK. It is a digital travel permit similar to the ESTA system in the United States, allowing travellers to visit the UK multiple times over a two-year period for stays of up to six months at a time.
Prior to the introduction of the ETA, nationals of so-called non-visa national countries could enter the UK as visitors without having to secure a visa. Under the new ETA scheme, non-visa national visitors will need to complete an online pre-screening application and provide evidence of their authorisation before boarding flights or other transport to the UK. Those who are refused an ETA would need to apply for a visa for permission to travel to the UK.
The ETA does not replace visas for those who require them, nor is it needed by British and Irish citizens or individuals with existing UK immigration permissions, such as settlement or indefinite leave to remain. Travellers who are legally resident in Ireland and travelling to the UK from within the Common Travel Area are also exempt.
ETA Rollout
The ETA is being rolled out in phases:
| Phase | Nationalities | Applications Open | ETA Required for Travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase One | Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE) | October 2023 | November 2023 |
| Phase Two | United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and other non-European visa-exempt countries including: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Brunei, Hong Kong SAR, Israel, Macao SAR, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, Taiwan (eligible passports only), and all eligible visa-free African and Pacific nations | 27 November 2024 | 8 January 2025 |
| Phase Three | Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City | 5 March 2025 | 2 April 2025 |
ETA Phase One
The first phase has already completed, allowing nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates to apply for an ETA.
ETA Phase Two: Applications Now Open for Non-European Nationals
From 27 November 2024, nationals from eligible non-European countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea, can begin applying for an ETA to visit the UK. This is in preparation for 8 January 2025, after which travellers from these countries will be required to have a valid ETA to enter the UK as a visitor, including for tourism, business trips and other short stays.
ETA Phase Three: European Nationals
Phase three of the ETA rollout begins on 5 March 2025. Nationals from European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries, as well as Switzerland, will be able to apply for an ETA (or appropriate visa) from this date. For these travellers, an ETA will become mandatory from 2 April 2025.
Applying for an ETA
The cost of an ETA is £10, and the application can be completed online or through the UK ETA app.
Travellers should apply well in advance of their planned travel dates to allow for processing, which typically takes up to three working days. However, applications requiring additional checks may take longer. Applicants with criminal records or adverse UK immigration histories may face additional processing time, so it is advisable to apply early.
If an ETA application is denied, the traveller will need to apply for a visa, usually the Standard Visitor visa, which involves a more extensive application, higher costs and longer processing times.
Preparing for 2025
As the 8 January 2025 deadline approaches, travellers from eligible non-European countries are urged to apply for their ETA as soon as possible. Airlines and other carriers will require evidence of an approved ETA from eligible travellers before allowing boarding, and failure to obtain one could result in denied travel.
During the initial implementation period, travellers with pending ETA applications may still be allowed entry. However, this is at the discretion of carriers, so securing approval in advance is highly recommended to avoid disruption.
By 2 April 2025, the UK’s ETA scheme will apply to nearly all non-visa nationals. With the exception of British and Irish citizens, and those travelling within the Common Travel Area, all visitors to the UK will require an ETA for entry as a visitor, or where ineligible for ETA, a relevant visa.
Need Assistance?
Employers and individuals should ensure they are fully prepared for this change by applying early and addressing any concerns about ETA eligibility or processing times.
To apply for an ETA, visit the official UK government website or contact DavidsonMorris for guidance on your circumstances.
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
