Travelers heading to the United Kingdom will soon face new entry requirements as the country prepares to launch its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system on January 8, 2025. The ETA is a digital registration process aimed at visa-exempt nationals, including citizens from the U.S., Canada, and various non-European countries.
Under this new system, travelers will be required to obtain pre-travel authorization before boarding a flight to the UK. This move aligns with the upcoming European Union's ETIAS visa waiver, which is set to roll out in 2025, but the UK will implement its own system ahead of this.
The ETA will be mandatory for visitors from 48 countries, while EU citizens will only need to secure an ETA starting April 2, 2025. Those with citizenship requiring a visa for UK entry will still need to apply for one, as the ETA functions as a visa waiver.
Applications for the ETA can be completed via an official app or online, with a non-refundable fee of 10 euros (approximately $10). The application process is estimated to take around 20 minutes, and decisions are typically made within three working days. However, applicants are advised that processing times may vary.
Once approved, the ETA will be linked to the traveler’s passport and will remain valid for two years, allowing multiple entries into the UK. It is important to note that having an ETA does not guarantee entry; travelers must still present themselves to a Border Force officer or use an ePassport gate upon arrival.