
Starting January 8, 2025, all non-European travelers will need a United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter and/or transit through the United Kingdom. (European travelers will require an ETA starting April 2, 2025.) This mandate applies to all visitors to the UK, except British and Irish citizens.
The ETA is an advance travel permission required from foreign nationals who intend to visit or transit the United Kingdom without a visa. It is a digital authorization designed to accommodate various short visit purposes, for up to six months, such as tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study.
All travelers planning to visit the United Kingdom must secure an ETA before their trip.
Visit GOV.UK for more information and requirements beginning January 8, 2025.
Here is what travelers need to know to apply:
- To obtain an ETA, travelers must complete an online application and be approved prior to their trip.
- Once an application is submitted, it usually takes three working days to process.
- The ETA will be digitally linked to the traveler’s passport upon approval.
- The ETA is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
- Apply here
Watch this video for a detailed explanation of ETA.