From January 8, 2025:
UK law means that if you’re entering/transiting through the United Kingdom (Great Britain and Northern Ireland), you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before you travel.
From 27 November 2024:
ETA is a tiered approach. Passports including (but not limited to) US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, will be able to apply for ETA from 27 November 2024.
From 5 March 2025:
For many European passport holders, you can still travel without an ETA until April 2, 2025. But you WILL require an ETA after this date. Applications open on March 5, 2025.
If you're looking for a full list of passports requiring the ETA from January, visit gov.uk for more details.
Apply for the ETA - Step by Step
- Start Early
Applications open on November 27, 2024. Planning to travel after January 8, 2025? Make sure to apply well in advance! - Online Application
Visit the UK Government website or use the dedicated mobile app to apply. - Fill in Your Details
You’ll need to provide personal information, including your full name, passport details, and travel dates. - Submit Payment
Pay the ETA application fee online using a credit or debit card. - Wait for Approval
Most applications are processed within 48-72 hours. Once approved, your ETA will be linked electronically to your passport. - Check Your ETA Status
You can monitor the status of your application online or through the app.
When applying for an ETA, make sure you have the following ready:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity
- Your travel itinerary, including intended dates of entry or transit
- A payment method to cover application fee
An ETA is linked to your passport and provides entry or transit clearance to the UK and Ireland. It is required for all travellers who do not hold a traditional visa. Similar to the US Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), the UK ETA allows authorities to pre-screen visitors, enhancing national security and ensuring a smoother travel experience.
ETAs must be applied for IN ADVANCE of travel. Applications will open on 27 November 2024, and you can submit your application via the UK Government website. Please note that the ETA is linked to your passport, meaning that Highland Explorer Tours or your travel agent cannot apply for it on your behalf.
If your tour travels to or through the UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) or your travel plans involve flights to or through the UK, departing on or after 8 January 2025, you will need to apply for an ETA. For more information and to check your eligibility, please visit the UK Government website.
- November 27, 2024: ETA applications open.
- January 8, 2025: All travellers without a traditional Visa must have a valid ETA to enter or transit through the UK.
- April 2, 2025: All visa-exempt visitors will need an ETA to enter the UK
For more information and eligibility, check out the UK Government website.
Purpose: An ETA is intended for short-term stays, such as brief trips or transit through the UK. It allows visa-exempt nationals to visit without needing a full visa. A visa, on the other hand, covers a broader range of purposes, including long-term stays, work, or study, and requires a more detailed application process.
Application Process: The ETA application process is generally faster and simpler than applying for a visa. ETAs are applied for online, require minimal documentation, and are often processed in a few days. In contrast, visa applications may involve an in-person interview, additional paperwork, and can take weeks or even months to process.
Duration of Stay: An ETA typically allows for short visits, usually up to 90 days, whereas a visa can permit longer stays, depending on its type (e.g., work, study, or residency).
Eligibility: ETAs are available to citizens of visa-exempt countries, allowing them to travel without a full visa. A visa is required for citizens of countries not eligible for exemptions or for those wishing to stay longer or pursue activities such as work or study.
In essence, an ETA is a quicker and more straightforward travel authorisation for short-term visits, while a visa is more comprehensive and required for longer stays or specific activities.
The ETA system is part of the UK’s broader post-Brexit immigration reforms, aimed at improving the management of entry into the country, streamlining border crossings, and enhancing security. By collecting key information about travellers before arrival, this pre-screening process helps prevent unnecessary complications or delays for both travellers and the UK government during entry or transit.
Yes, you should be able to renew your ETA online, similar to the initial application process. However, the UK government has not yet fully disclosed the specifics of the renewal procedure. Typically, systems like the ETA are valid for a set period (e.g., 1-2 years), and renewal will involve submitting a new application and paying the applicable fee once the existing authorisation expires.
The ETA lasts for 2 years and allows multiple entries/exits within that time, but if you replace your passport in that time you will need to also apply for a new ETA.