What are ETAs and how will they affect your future entry into the UK?

Having Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will become a new requirement for non-visa nationals visiting the UK, i.e., those who currently do not require a visa to enter the UK as a visitor. The ETA will give the traveller permission to enter the UK and will be linked to their passports.

The ETA will be introduced to Qatari nationals in 2023, and in 2024 to nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and UAE. The Home Office have confirmed that more countries will be added to the scheme later.

The ETA is being introduced to strengthen border security in the UK, as well as to reduce the numbers of people denied entry at the border. The ETA will serve as a form of pre-clearance for UK entry.

If a traveller does not have a valid ETA, they will be denied boarding by the airline carrier and will not be permitted entry to the UK. Arriving in the UK without a valid ETA, if one is required, could also be considered a criminal offence.

Upon successful application, an ETA will be electronically linked to the traveller’s passport. 

How do I apply for an ETA?

Travellers will be able to apply for an ETA either via an online process or via a dedicated mobile app. The application will require travellers to provide:

• Their photograph;
• Passport details;
• Biographical and contact information; and
• Details of any past criminal offences and immigration history.

Additionally, travellers will also be required to pay a small fee for their ETA to be processed. The fee has not yet been confirmed, however, based on similar fees in other countries that use ETAs, it is predicted that the price will sit at roughly £9.

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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