Everything You Need to Know About UK Electronic Travel Authorization for 2025
Later in this post I share a few affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you click on them and make a purchase, at no cost to you. I really appreciate your support!
IF YOU PLAN ON TRAVELING TO THE UNITED KINGDOM IN 2025, THEN YOU’LL NEED TO SECURE AN ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION (ETA) PRIOR TO YOUR TRIP.
The UK’s ETA will go into effect for all eligible non-European visitors starting January 8, 2025.
That includes folks from the United States, Canada, and Australia, among a whole list of other nations.
Because this is a new process, I wanted to collect information on why it’s essential for travelers visiting the UK in 2025 to obtain an ETA, as well as answer any questions about the program and the UK ETA application process.
THIS GUIDE IS FOR ANYONE PLANNING A TRIP TO THE UK, WHETHER YOU’RE A FIRST TIME VISITOR OR A REPEAT TRAVELER TO THE UK, AS WELL AS TRAVEL AGENTS AND ADVISORS.
Let’s get into it!
Everything You Need to Know About UK Electronic Travel Authorization for 2025
What is the UK ETA?
IT’S EASY TO HEAR THE TERM “VISA-FREE TRAVEL” AND THINK THAT YOU CAN JUST SHOW UP IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY, BUT IT’S NOT THAT SIMPLE.
To keep their countries safe, border agents screen visitors before they’re allowed to enter the country.
Today, this happens when you present your passport to a border agent, usually after waiting in a very long line, after getting off of your flight.
You know the drill, right?
They ask you about the purpose of your visit, when you plan to leave, all of these very mundane questions, while also running your passport through a computer database to ensure that there are no red flags that pop up.
It’s a relatively painless process for most folks, but it does take a while to screen the millions of travelers that arrive each day (remember those long lines?).
THE PURPOSE OF THE UK’S ETA IS TO ENSURE THAT TRAVELERS UNDERGO A PRE-SCREENING PROCESS BEFORE ENTERING THE UK.
The UK government is able to check the eligibility and background of travelers in advance, which in turn helps them strengthen border security.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
PRETTY MUCH ANYONE VISITING THE UK WHO DOESN’T ALREADY HAVE A UK PASSPORT, VISA, OR PERMISSION TO LIVE, WORK OR STUDY IN THE UK, NEEDS A UK ETA.
Because the UK ETA is required by most travelers, it’s easier to determine your eligibility based on who doesn’t need an ETA.
Here’s a list of exceptions. If none of the below apply to you, then you’re going to need to apply for an ETA.
UK ETA Exceptions
You don’t need an ETA if any of these apply to you:
you have a UK visa
you have permission to live, work or study in the UK
you are a British or Irish citizen (yes, Irish citizens are included here since they do so much travel to and from the UK!)
you are travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport
you live in Ireland and you are traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
you’re a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship (here’s the thing though, you need to travel using your British passport or Irish passport!)
What’s the Difference between an ETA and a Visa?
FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE, THE IDEA OF GETTING A PRE-TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION OF ANY KIND MAKES THEM THINK OF THE TRADITIONAL VISA PROCESS.
So if you’re scratching your head, wondering “well how is this any different from a damned visa?!,” here’s the answer:
You can get an ETA instead of a visa if you are:
coming to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study
coming to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession (confusing, eh?)
coming to the UK for a permitted paid engagement
transiting through the UK – including if you are not going through UK border control
That last one, essentially traveling through the UK on a layover, is interesting for certain nationals.
For some nationals, the UK also offers a Direct Airside Visa for when you are traveling through a UK airport but not going through border control… so, a layover.
But this Direct Airside Visa costs £35, while a UK ETA only costs £10, so, just another example of how the ETA will even the playing field for a lot of different travel use cases.
IF YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES ARE DIFFERENT THEN THOSE ABOVE, LET’S SEE IF YOU NEED A UK VISA INSTEAD.
Here’s a list of things you cannot do with an ETA… if any of your purposes in the UK are listed here, then you need to apply for a visa instead:
stay in the UK for longer than 6 months
do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless you are doing a permitted paid engagement or event or work on the Creative Worker visa concession
claim public funds, like benefits
live in the UK through frequent or successive visits
marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership (you’ve seen 90 Day Fiance, right? You’ll need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa in this instance!)
As you can see, for the average traveler, the ETA is the way to go.
NOW LET’S TALK ABOUT HOW TO APPLY FOR THE UK ETA.
How to Apply for the UK ETA
The UK ETA application is pretty straightforward, but they really want you to complete it on the official smartphone app.
I MENTION THIS BECAUSE USUALLY I HATE DOWNLOADING AN APP TO MY PHONE THAT I’LL ONLY USE ONCE.
Like, I really hate it.
To the point that I will try to find an alternative, if I can.
But the UK government wants most of these applications to be completed on the official smartphone app, and when you go down the rabbit hole of “apply online instead” you’re taken to a long succession of websites just telling you to download the app instead.
Here’s the application process:
Create an account on the official platform.
Provide necessary documentation, like the passport you will travel on, as well as a photo of yourself or the person you’re applying on behalf of, like a child.
Pay the application fee — they accept credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Wait for confirmation and approval.
Keep in mind that you’ll also need access to your emails for setting up an account and receiving the necessary confirmations.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain the UK ETA?
THE STATED TURNAROUND TIME IS 3 BUSINESS DAYS AFTER YOU APPLY.
There’s a bit of waffling on the official site, though.
They say that you may get a response even sooner, but it could also take longer than 3 business days.
As a rule of thumb, I would apply for a UK ETA a few days before booking a flight to the UK.
THAT WAY YOU TAKE CARE OF THE UK ETA APPLICATION WHILE YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT YOUR ARRIVAL FLIGHT ANYWAY.
If you’re flying to the UK in the next couple of days, fear not!
You still need to apply for the UK ETA, but you can travel to the UK while awaiting your decision.
If you’re applying for family members or other groups, keep in mind that every group member must have an ETA, and it's not uncommon for individual turnaround times to be different for each member of the family or group.
How Much Does the UK ETA Cost?
It costs £10 to apply for the UK ETA.
Everyone travelling to the UK needs to get an ETA, even babies and children.
YES, YOU CAN APPLY FOR OTHER PEOPLE, BUT KEEP IN MIND YOU’LL NEED TO SUBMIT A PHOTO OF THEM ALONG WITH A PHOTO OF THEIR PASSPORT.
Once you apply, there are no refunds for the UK ETA application fee.
How Long Does the UK ETA Last?
THE UK ETA IS VALID FOR TWO YEARS, AND YOU CAN TRAVEL TO THE UK AS MANY TIMES AS YOU LIKE DURING THOSE TWO YEARS.
In addition to the confirmation email that you’ll receive about your ETA, the authorization will be linked to the passport you applied with.
Keep in mind that each ETA is linked to the passport you applied with — so if your passport expires in a year, the ETA linked to it will expire as well, and you’ll need to apply for a new one with your new passport.
Common Questions About the UK ETA
Can the UK ETA be Denied?
THE ETA CAN OF COURSE BE DENIED, BUT IT’S HELPFUL TO UNDERSTAND THE MOST COMMON REASONS AN ETA CAN BE DENIED BEFORE YOU EVEN BEGIN THE APPLICATION.
Early data suggests that most ETA denials are due to incomplete information, blurry photos, or document errors.
Something like a wrong passport number in your application can lead to a denial, so be very attentive when applying and ensure that all information is correct.
IF YOUR ETA IS DENIED, YOU CAN REAPPLY, BUT THIS WILL REQUIRE ANOTHER £10 APPLICATION FEE.
And if you continue to be denied, you still have the option of applying for a visa to travel to the UK.
Will the Airline Refund My Flight if My ETA is Denied?
NO, AIRLINES WILL NOT REFUND YOUR FLIGHT IF YOUR ETA IS DENIED.
This is why you should apply for your UK ETA about a week before you plan to book your flight to the UK, or a layover through a UK airport.
It might seem easier to book the flight first, but £10 is an easier sunk cost than the hundreds of dollars you could lose if you need to change or cancel a flight due to a denied ETA.
What Happens If I Have To Change My Travel Plans?
THE UK ETA IS VALID FOR TWO YEARS FROM THE DATE OF AUTHORIZATION.
If your plans change, simply use the ETA with your new travel dates.
Do I Need a UK ETA to Travel to Ireland?
A LOT OF THE UK ETA REGULATIONS INCLUDE MENTION OF IRISH NATIONALS, BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN IT APPLIES TO TRAVEL TO IRELAND.
If you’re traveling to Ireland, but not the UK, then you only need to worry about Ireland entry requirements.
Tips for a Successful ETA Application Process
THERE ARE THREE IMPORTANT TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL UK ETA APPLICATION.
Double check all information on your application before submitting. Make sure your passport number is correct, and that all submitted photos are easy to evaluate and not blurry or off-center.
Apply early to avoid headaches, stress, or even travel delays. I would recommend applying the week before you book your flight to or through the UK for ultimate peace of mind.
Keep a copy of your ETA approval email for reference when you reach UK border control. An ETA does not 100% guarantee entry into the UK. You will still need to speak to a border control officer or go through the UK’s automated border control kiosks. Having a copy of your approval email can make this process much easier if there are any issues.
Key Dates for the UK ETA
February 1, 2024: The UK ETA application opens to all Gulf Cooperation Council nationals.
February 22, 2024: The UK ETA requirement goes into effect for all Gulf Cooperation Council nationals.
November 27, 2024: The UK ETA application opens to all travelers from non-EU countries, like the United States, Canada, and Australia.
January 8, 2025: The UK ETA requirement goes into effect for all travelers from non-EU countries, like the United States, Canada, and Australia.
March 5, 2025: The UK ETA Application opens to all travelers from European countries.
April 2, 2025: The UK ETA requirement goes into effect for all travelers from European countries.
Conclusion
THE UK ETA IS A NEW, EXTRA STEP FOR TRAVELERS TO THE UK, BUT IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A HUGE HEADACHE.
If you follow the advice here, or consult the official UK government website on the UK ETA topic, you’ll be well-prepared to apply, obtain, and travel on the UK ETA.
Because this is a new process though, don’t be surprised if fellow travelers, especially those who have already been to the UK, aren’t familiar with the process.
You can share this blog post with travel companions to get them up to speed on the new UK regulations, and read some of the below posts to help you with other aspects of booking your trip.
Happy planning,
Angela