Planning a trip across the pond? The United Kingdom will soon require a few extra steps – and a little bit of cash – to get in.
Beginning Jan. 8, 2025, many travelers – including those from the U.S. – will be required to apply for permission to enter the U.K., according to a news release from the British government. This new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system won't quite be a visa – it's just an electronic entry permit for travelers visiting the U.K. for short stays.
ETAs will cost 10 British pounds apiece (approximately $13) and will be good for two years. All travelers, including babies and children, need to apply before traveling to the U.K.
This ETA system has been in the works for some time, with the British government originally saying it planned to launch by the end of 2023 and have it fully in place by the end of 2024. And with a similar system coming online soon across the rest of Europe, the days of needing just a passport to travel across the Atlantic Ocean are over.
British officials say implementing the electronic entry system “enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year,” and “demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system,” according to the news release.
The rollout of the U.K.'s ETA system comes as the European Union is planning to launch an electronic entry system of its own. When the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) goes online sometime later in 2025, U.S. citizens and other foreign visitors will be required to apply and pay a 7 euro fee to enter most countries in Europe.
While cheaper and much easier than traditional visas, these new pre-travel requirements will add yet another step to your transatlantic trip whether you're heading for Paris or London.
How Do You Apply for U.K. ETAs?
While an ETA won't be required until early 2025, travelers from the U.S. will be able to apply for an ETA beginning Nov. 27, 2024. ETAs will be available through an online application or by applying through the UK ETA mobile app, so there's no need to go to a U.K. embassy to apply.
The application process should only take about 10-15 minutes and must be completed before departing for the U.K. The government hasn't yet said how far in advance travelers can apply for an ETA.
To apply, travelers will fill out an online form with some basic personal details including your email, passport data, and answers to some basic security questions. You'll also be asked to upload a photo of your passport as well as a photo of yourself. Notably, you can apply for an ETA on behalf of other travelers in your party.
Applications will be processed automatically, and you'll receive an email confirming whether you have gotten the ETA. Officials estimate it could take three business days to receive a response, although you will be able to travel to the U.K. even if you are still waiting to hear back so long as you have already applied.
More information can be found on the U.K. government's website.
How Much Will a U.K. ETA Cost?
Travelers can expect to pay a small fee of 10 British pounds – about $13.
A credit or debit card will be required to pay the fee online.
How Will a U.K. ETA Work?
ETAs will be linked to travelers' passports, so there should be no need to print out or show additional documentation.
Travelers will scan their passports upon arrival to the U.K. to verify they have the entry permit. Airlines may also be required confirm passengers have the appropriate permission before allowing them to board the plane.
Travelers who show up without an ETA could be subject to a penalty.
How Long is a U.K. ETA Valid For?
Once you've applied and been approved for an ETA, you shouldn't need to apply again for a few years.
An ETA will be valid for up to two years and allow multiple entries, meaning you could plan several trips to England, Scotland, or Wales during that period without having to apply again. Once approved, visitors will be able to spend up to six months at a time in the U.K. for leisure or business travel, short-term study, or medical treatment.
But remember: An ETA is not a visa. The authorization program only grants permission for short visits to the U.K. To stay long-term or to work in the U.K., you'll need to apply for a visa or other entry permit.
Bottom Line
Much like the rest of Europe, travel to the U.K. is changing soon.
You still won't need a visa. But starting early next year, all foreign travelers will need to apply for permission to enter the U.K. through the country's new ETA system. While the process isn't too complicated or costly, it's something to be aware of if you're planning a trip across the pond in the near future.
Do you need to apply for this if you have a layover in London, for example? Or is it only if you stay in the country?
I don’t know why they keep calling it “not a visa“. If you have to pay and it’s required to get in the country, it sounds like a visa to me. It may not be in the absolute legal sense, but for the regular traveler, that is a visa. No big deal just something we need to be aware of.
I hope the U.S. responds in kind with a bureaucratic annoyance and new fee for their citizens as well.
We have had to do This for many years if entering the USA from Europe or UK. About time it is reciprocal.
The US ESTA programme for UK, EU & other travellers has already existed for years…
Is Ireland part of this? Also my other question is you fill out the paperwork for your visit yet most people purchase airline tickets 6 months prior to going . So you buy your airline tickets then a few days prior you submit this form and for some reason you get told no are you going to reimburse the airline tickets?
You mention England, Scotland and Wales but this also includes Northern Ireland (and the Isle of Man and the Chanel Islands).
Good morning. Will this apply to those applicants holding South African passports. South African passport holders usually require a visit to a consulate to have biometrics done after filling in an application form online/supplying loads of paperwork just for a family visit.
Do indian apply ETA who has already a Canada multiple entries?
Is the USA also looking at a similar plan for Europeans traveling to the states?
See,s to me, at least from an American citizen view point, this is just another way to increase the “tax” rolls. While security is always an issue, I don’t quite buy since European, UK, and the USA already share “No Fly” data with one another.
The US already operates a programme called ESTA for UK, EU and many other travellers…