New UK Immigration Rules: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme
Launched in October 2023, the ETA scheme currently allows nationals from certain countries to travel to the UK without obtaining a visa. However, recent updates to the immigration rules signal an extension of this requirement. Soon, some non-visa nationals — those who have historically enjoyed visa-free access to the UK — will be required to obtain an ETA before travelling. This shift represents a significant tightening of UK immigration controls, ensuring that all visitors are assessed for security and eligibility before they enter the country.
This guide will explore the key aspects of the ETA scheme, including who needs to apply, the application process, and the impact of these changes on future travel to the United Kingdom.
Introducing Our Official ETA Assistance Telegram Bot
We are pleased to introduce our official Telegram bot, @eVisasterling_bot, designed to assist users with the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme. This bot offers comprehensive support throughout the ETA application process, providing clear guidance and answers to your inquiries. Streamline your travel preparations with our user-friendly tool, ensuring a smooth and efficient application experience. Access the bot today to begin your journey with confidence.
What is ETA?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme is a new pre-entry requirement for visitors to the UK from certain countries. It is an electronic system that allows individuals who are not required to hold a visa for short-term visits to obtain authorisation before travelling to the UK. The scheme applies to tourists, business visitors, those transiting through the UK, and others staying for up to six months.
The ETA system is intended to strengthen the UK’s border security by providing the UK Home Office with information about incoming travellers. Travellers must apply for an ETA online before their journey, and once granted, the ETA remains valid for multiple trips over a two-year period or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
The ETA does not replace visa requirements for individuals who need a visa to enter the UK for work, study, or longer stays. Instead, it targets non-visa nationals who have historically not needed any prior authorisation to enter the UK for short visits.
Who Needs an ETA to Travel to the United Kingdom?
The UK ETA scheme is being implemented in phases, gradually becoming a requirement for nationals of numerous countries who previously did not need a visa to visit the UK. This authorisation will apply to short-term travellers for purposes like tourism, business, or transit.
Currently, citizens of countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, can already apply for an ETA.
From 8 January 2025, the ETA will be extended to more nationalities, including travellers from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Israel, Japan, South Korea, and the United States.
Following this, from 2 April 2025, the scheme will be extended to nationals from countries like France, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Poland and others.
Travellers can apply for their ETA online, and the application process will open several months before each phase begins to ensure that all eligible individuals can apply in time for their trips.
For the most up-to-date list of countries whose citizens need to apply for an ETA, it is recommended to check the official UK government website .
Who Doesn’t Need an ETA to Travel to the UK?
Not everyone travelling to the UK will be required to apply for an (ETA. Several groups are exempt from this requirement based on their immigration status or citizenship:
- You do not need an ETA if you already hold a valid UK visa or have been granted permission to live, work, or study in the UK. This includes individuals with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, meaning they already have the necessary authorisation to remain in the country.
- Additionally, British and Irish citizens are exempt from the ETA requirement. This also applies to travellers holding a British overseas territories passport, which allows them to enter the UK without needing further authorisation.
- If you reside in Ireland and are travelling from Ireland or from the nearby territories of Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, you will not need an ETA to enter the UK either.
Additionally, those travelling to the UK for purposes that require a visa, such as work or long-term study, are not eligible for an ETA and must apply for the relevant visa instead.
Conditions of Stay in the UK with ETA
With an ETA, you can stay in the UK for up to six months for purposes such as tourism, visiting family and friends, attending business meetings, or undertaking short-term study. If you’re coming to the UK as part of the Creative Worker visa concession, the ETA allows you to stay for up to three months. You are also permitted to enter the UK for a permitted paid engagement, or if you are simply transiting through the country, even if you do not pass through border control.
However, if your travel purpose falls outside these categories, such as long-term work or residency, you will need to check whether you require a visa instead.
While an ETA provides flexibility for short visits, it comes with strict limitations. You cannot stay in the UK for longer than six months in one visit or work for a UK employer unless it is part of a permitted paid engagement or under the Creative Worker visa concession. The ETA also does not allow for self-employment or other forms of paid or unpaid work outside of these exceptions.
Additionally, ETA holders are not eligible to claim public benefits, such as social welfare, and cannot use the ETA for purposes like getting married or registering a civil partnership—you will need a Marriage Visitor visa for that. Frequent or successive visits with the intent to live in the UK are also not permitted under the ETA scheme.
What’s the Impact of the ETA Scheme on Employers?
For employers planning to send non-visa national employees to the UK for short-term business visits, the ETA scheme introduces an additional administrative step. Whether the purpose is to attend meetings, conferences, or sign contracts, it is crucial to factor in the time needed for the ETA application process. Importantly, if an application is denied, there is no formal appeal process; the only recourse is to either submit a new ETA application or, if eligible, apply for a different visa under a separate immigration category.
How to Apply for an ETA?
Applying for an ETA is a simple and straightforward process that can be completed online. Travellers need to:
- Visit the official UK government website where ETA applications are processed.
- Provide personal details, including full name, date of birth, and passport information.
- Indicate the reason for travel, whether for tourism, business, study, or transit.
- Pay the ETA application fee, which is £10.
The majority of ETA applications are processed within 48 to 72 hours, although some may take longer depending on individual circumstances.
Once granted, the ETA is linked electronically to the applicant’s passport, meaning no physical document is required to show at the border.
How Long Does an ETA Last?
The UK ETA is valid for up to two years or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, individuals with a valid ETA can travel to the UK multiple times, provided each stay does not exceed six months.
When Can an ETA Request Be Refused?
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) can be refused for various reasons, including:
- The applicant is subject to an exclusion or deportation order.
- The applicant has a criminal conviction, including outside the UK.
- The applicant’s presence in the UK is deemed not conducive to the public good, based on their conduct, character, or associations.
- The applicant has previously overstayed their visa, used false documents, or breached immigration laws.
- The applicant has unpaid debts of at least £500 to the NHS or owes litigation costs to the Home Office.
- The applicant’s ETA has been previously cancelled or they were refused a visa, and their circumstances have not changed.
If any of these grounds might apply to you, it is recommended to seek legal advice before applying for an ETA.
What if an ETA Application is Refused?
If your Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) application has been refused, this does not mean you are automatically prohibited from entering the UK. However, to proceed with your travel plans, you will need to apply for a suitable visa. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of your visit.
- For general purposes such as tourism, business, or short-term study, you can apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.
- If you are coming to the UK as part of the creative industry, for instance, to perform or engage in creative work, you may need to apply for a Temporary Work – Creative Worker Visa.
- For those who are simply transiting through the UK, a Transit Visa will be required, even if you are not passing through UK border control but staying in the airport for a connecting flight.
Given the strict UK immigration rules, seeking professional legal advice can help ensure you choose the right visa and navigate the application process successfully.
If your ETA application has been refused or delayed, Sterling Law offers a solution through semi-automated visit visa applications for a fee of £500. This service is designed to assist those facing issues with their ETA by streamlining the visa application process and ensuring a smoother path to obtaining the necessary documentation.
Can I Travel to the UK if my ETA Application is Refused?
No, if your ETA is refused, you will not be permitted to travel to the UK. Airlines and other travel carriers are required to verify that passengers have a valid ETA before allowing them to board a flight to the UK. Without a valid ETA or visa, your travel plans will be disrupted.
Travellers in this situation should seek to resolve the issue through reapplication or by applying for a different type of UK visa depending on their circumstances.
How Can We Help?
At Sterling Law, we provide expert legal assistance to ensure a smooth and successful Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) application process. Our team understands the complexities of UK immigration rules and is here to guide you through every step, from initial application to securing approval.
For clients whose ETA applications are refused or stuck, we can offer semi-automated visit visa applications for a fee of £500.
With Sterling Law by your side, you can confidently navigate the UK immigration system, knowing that you have a team of experienced professionals dedicated to securing the best outcome for your travel arrangements.