The new Electronic Travel Authorisation: what is it and how to apply

As part of the UK government’s ongoing ‘New Plan for Immigration’, a permission to travel scheme called Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is set to be rolled out this year.

If you are a non-visa national, you do not need to apply for a Standard Visit visa before you travel to the UK. However, as of this year, non-visa nationals of certain countries will need to obtain Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to visiting the UK.

The ETA was introduced for the purpose of allowing the UK Government to make the necessary security checks on travellers before they arrive in the UK. This will reduce the number of people denied entry at the border and will serve as a form of pre-clearance for UK entry.

As a national of Qatar, you will need an ETA from 15 November 2023. If you are a national of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates you will need an ETA to travel to the UK from 22 February 2024. Further countries are expected to be added to the scheme in due course.

Individuals holding a valid immigration status in the UK will not be required to apply for the ETA, as all the necessary checks will have already been carried out as part of the visa application process.

You can apply either on the UK ETA app or online on GOV.UK. The processing time is usually 3 workings days, however, a decision can be made quicker or longer depending on your personal circumstances, such as if additional checks are required. If your application is approved, you will receive an email confirmation. The ETA will remain valid for 2 years, during which you can make multiple visits to the UK.

How Gherson can assist

Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.

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