Eligibility
UK ETA Eligibility: Who Needs an ETA to Travel to the UK?
Starting soon, all travelers from visa-exempt countries will need a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before visiting England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland. This requirement will apply to those visiting for leisure, permitted business activities, short-course studies, or even short-term transit. Additionally, temporary creative workers staying for up to three months under the Creative Visa concession must also hold an ETA.
Key Details about the UK ETA:
- Cost: £10 per application
- Validity: Two years, allowing multiple entries for stays up to six months per visit
If you’re unsure whether you need an ETA or if a UK visa is more appropriate, here’s an in-depth look at who needs an ETA, who may be exempt, and guidance on obtaining a UK visa if needed.
Who Can Travel to the UK Without a Visa?
Individuals from visa-waiver countries, including European Union (EU) citizens and nationals from select other countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, are eligible to travel to the UK without a traditional visa but will soon need an ETA. Here is the preliminary list of 90 eligible countries that will require an ETA before travel:
- Europe: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
- Americas: Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, United States, Uruguay
- Asia and Middle East: Bahrain, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates
- Pacific and Oceania: Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu
- Other: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Botswana, Brunei, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Seychelles, Trinidad and Tobago, Vatican City
Currently, only citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are required to have an ETA to visit the UK. While Jordan was initially eligible, its nationals were removed from the ETA list as of 10 September 2024, though exceptions were made for travelers who booked before this date and arrived before 8 October 2024.
ETA Rollout Timeline for Additional Nationalities:
- 27 November 2024: Non-EU, visa-exempt nationals such as those from the United States, Canada, and Australia can apply for an ETA, required for travel from 8 January 2025.
- 5 March 2025: EU citizens may begin applying for the ETA, which will be required for travel starting 2 April 2025.
The UK Home Office aims to have the ETA system fully operational for all eligible visa-free nationals by April 2025.
Who Does Not Need an ETA to Travel to the UK?
While millions of travelers will need an ETA annually, some individuals are exempt, including:
- British Passport Holders: British citizens with a valid passport do not require an ETA.
- British Overseas Territories Citizens: Those holding British Overseas Territory Citizen passports are also exempt.
- Irish Passport Holders: Under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement, Irish nationals are exempt from the ETA requirement.
- Certain Legal Residents of Ireland: Legal residents of the Republic of Ireland may enter the UK without an ETA if they meet these criteria:
- They reside legally in the Republic of Ireland.
- They are non-visa nationals or do not require a visa to visit the UK.
- They enter the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
- Irish driving license or learner permit
- Irish medical or GP visit card
- European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
- Irish Residence Permit
- Permanent Residence Certificate or National Age Card
- Travelers with a UK Visa: Individuals holding a valid UK visa, whether for short visits or longer stays, do not require an ETA.
- Travelers with UK Immigration Status: People with an official immigration status in the UK, including those with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS), are also exempt.
Proof of UK immigration status includes digital records or eVisas linked to passports. While physical documents like biometric residence permits (BRP) and visa stamps are currently accepted, travelers are advised to transition to digital proof to avoid future travel disruptions.
Do You Need a UK ETA or a UK Visa?
If your plans involve working, living, or staying in the UK for over six months, you must apply for a suitable UK visa rather than an ETA. The ETA is intended for short-term visits and does not grant the right to work or settle in the UK.
For additional guidance on the UK ETA application process or to determine if a visa is more appropriate for your needs, please visit our website, www.ukevisa.org.uk, or reach out to our support team. We’re here to make the process as smooth as possible for you.
Latest News
- How to Extend Your Stay in the UK with a UK eVisa
- What You Should Know About Changing Your Travel Plans with a UK eVisa
- Top Tips for a Smooth UK eVisa Approval Process
- The Role of UK eVisa in Facilitating International Conferences and Events
- How to Ensure Your UK eVisa Application Is Approved the First Time