UK ETA for non-European nationals effective from 8 January 2025

A phased rollout of the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) began in November 2023, starting with Qatari citizens. Since then, the scheme has been expanded to include travellers from Jordan and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. From Wednesday, 8 January 2025, ETA requirements will apply to visitors from additional countries, including the United States, Australia and New Zealand.

The UK’s ETA scheme launches on 8 January 2025 for eligible non-European visitors, including those from the USA, Canada and Australia. This initiative forms part of the government’s strategy to digitise border processes and enhance security.

Looking ahead, from 2 April 2025, the ETA scheme will be extended to eligible nationals from European countries, with applications opening on 5 March 2025.

Key dates and details:

• 8 January 2025: ETA becomes mandatory for eligible non-European nationals.
• 2 April 2025: All visitors to the UK, including Europeans, must have an ETA.
• Application process: Applications can be submitted via the UK ETA app or the GOV.UK website. Most decisions are issued within hours.
• Cost and validity: An ETA costs £10, permits multiple journeys and is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever is sooner.

Who is exempt from an ETA?

As a reminder, individuals exempt from an ETA are as follow:

• British and Irish citizens.
• British Overseas Territory Citizens using relevant passports.
• Residents with valid UK visas, immigration permissions or exemptions.
• Individuals legally resident in Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.

Importantly, non-visa nationals living in Ireland do not need an ETA when travelling to the UK, preserving the Common Travel Area agreements.

The ETA is not a visa but a digital permission to travel, designed to facilitate seamless entry while enhancing security. This rollout follows the successful introduction of ETAs for Gulf Cooperation Council nationals earlier in 2024, which streamlined travel for hundreds of thousands of visitors.

Eligible travellers are encouraged to apply early and prepare for their trip to the UK. For assistance, please contact us.

Updated: 6 January 2025

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 X, 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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