The UK government has announced that starting in April 2025, all visitors from countries that do not need a visa to enter the UK will have to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
This move is part of the UK’s plan to improve border security and align with countries like the US and Australia. The ETA will cost £10 and allow visitors to enter the UK multiple times for up to two years, with stays of up to six months per visit. The ETA will be linked to the traveler’s passport to improve security with pre-travel checks.
For those needing a visa to live, work, or study in the UK, they have already moved to digital eVisas. People holding physical immigration documents, like Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), should switch to eVisas before their BRPs expire on December 31, 2024, to avoid issues.
The ETA system will be available through an app, making the application process quick and easy. It is expected to boost the UK’s tourism sector and economy significantly.
Here are the key dates for the ETA implementation:
- November 27, 2024: Non-European travelers can begin applying for ETAs.
- January 8, 2025: ETA becomes mandatory for non-European travelers.
- March 5, 2025: ETA applications open for eligible European travelers.
- April 2, 2025: ETA requirement extends to eligible European travelers.