UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) will be pre-screening all visitors prior to travel through Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme applies to those who are staying for up to 6 months in the UK and who do not currently need a visa. From April 2025, this will include European nationals. Reasons for visiting could include: Tourism/visiting Transit Business visits Short-term study What is an Electronic Travel Authorisation? There is no change for visitors who currently need a visa to visit the UK (‘visa nationals’), they cannot apply for an ETA. You can view the current list of visa nationals here - Immigration Rules: Visa national list – guidance You do not need an ETA if you have any of the following: A British or Irish passport Permission to live, work or study in the UK A valid visa to enter the UK Applying for an ETA ETA’s are being rolled out in three phases based on nationality. Check when you can get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) There are two ways to apply for an ETA: UK ETA app Online Guidance on applying for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Important information Costs: An ETA costs £10 per visitor, including babies and children. You can apply for other people and will usually receive a decision within 3 working days. Duration: Once granted, an ETA is digitally linked to your passport and will last for 2 years (unless you renew your passport sooner). Entry: An ETA provides you with permission to travel to the UK. It does not guarantee entry to the UK. If you are coming to the UK as a visitor, you will still need to meet the normal visitor requirements and should bring with you any required documentation. The ETA is being rolled out in three phases Phase One Those who already need an ETA: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates Phase two Required from 8 January 2025 (can apply from 27 November 2024): Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao Special Administrative Region, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall, Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan (if issued by the competent authority in Taiwan), The Bahamas, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States, Uruguay Phase three Required from 2 April 2025 (can apply from 5 March 2025): Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City Read more See more immigration news and updates on Edinburgh Global’s website This article was published on 2024-11-21