Authorised! An Introduction to ETAs

What is an ETA?

An ETA is an advance travel permission required by specified non-visa nationals when coming to the UK as a visitor or transiting the UK [from current Home Office guidance]

• digital permission attached to passport
• it is not a visa

Who needs an ETA?

• most non visa nationals including nationals of Canada, US, New Zealand and European Union

Check if you can get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) - GOV.UK

Who doesn’t need an ETA?

• British citizens
• Irish citizens
• visa holders including Skilled Worker, Family and Pre Settled Status
• specific exemption for Irish residents travelling within Common Travel Area
• those with Indefinite Leave to Remain or Settled status
• British National Overseas and British Overseas Territories Citizen passport holders
• airside transit (temporary exemption, subject to change)

Who still needs entry clearance?

• visa nationals require visa to enter the UK subject to the purpose of their visit

Key timeline for ETA rollout

• ETA requirement already in force for most non-visa nationals
• 5 March 2025 – scheme opened to EEA nationals
• 2 April 2025 – EEA nationals required to apply for ETA

Application process

• apply using Home Office ETA app or online
• application fee £10 rising to £16 on 9 April 2025
• usually approvals automatic through app, but can take up to 3 days
• granted for two years or until passport expiry
• allowing visits of up to 6 months to the UK

Rejections

• breach of validity criteria leads to rejection
• able to apply again
• e.g. failure to provide facial image which meets rules for passport style photos

Refusals

• breach of suitability criteria leads to refusal
• strict approach to past criminality and adverse immigration history
• no opportunity to reapply
• will need to consider visit visa application

Points of awareness

• visitors cannot use frequent and lengthy visits to establish ‘de facto residence’ in the UK
• the usual visitor restrictions apply; ETA holders cannot work in the UK
• strict rules on criminality for visit visas, which will potentially lead to refusal with no right of appeal

Next steps

• review planned travel and apply for ETA in advance
• track ETA and passport expiry dates
• seek assistance for individuals with previous criminality or adverse immigration history
• be aware of planned roll out of ETIAS for British Nationals travelling to Europe

For further questions, please contact Rachel Harvey or Alice Balgarnie