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UK Electronic Travel Authorisation: What is the new visa-free entry system and what effect will it have?

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The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation ( ETA ) scheme is now in operation – but currently only for visitors from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It costs £10 and is valid for two years, unless the traveller’s passport expires sooner.

The government describes the ETA as “a new requirement for people who do not need a visa to come to the UK”. It will be needed even for those who are “airside” at Heathrow for two hours between international flights.

Announced the plan in March 2023, the-then immigration minister, Robert Jenrick , said: “ETAs will enhance our border security by increasing our knowledge about those seeking to come to the UK and preventing the arrival of those who pose a threat. It will also improve travel for legitimate visitors.

“The cost of an ETA will be one of the best value in the world compared to similar international schemes. This small additional cost to visitors will enable us to bolster the security of the UK border and keep our communities safe.”

For British travellers, there should be no direct impact. But travel industry figures say rules attached to the ETA will disadvantage UK airlines and tourism, particularly to Northern Ireland .

These are the key questions and answers.

What is planned?

Most visitors to the UK do not need to go through the complex and expensive business of applying for a British visa; they simply turn up with their passport and apply for entry.

But that is all changing with a new online permit, the Electronic Travel Authorisation, The ETA will be mandatory for all “non-visa” overseas visitors to the UK – except for Irish people, who are allowed free movement under the Common Travel Agreement .

The starting point of the journey to the UK is not relevant – it is the traveller’s nationality that counts.

The ETA is loosely modelled on the US Esta and is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport. The cost is £10. The permit will be valid for repeated journeys within two years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner.

When is it happening?

The roll-out began with Qatari nationals travelling to or via the UK on 15 November 2023. On 22 February 2024 the programme was extended to nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

In 2023 the government said ETAs would be a requirement for all visitors who do not need a visa for short stays by the end of 2024. But the pledge to have the system fully in place this year has been quietly dropped.

The government now says: “Other nationalities do not need to apply yet and timings for when the scheme opens for them will be confirmed in due course.”

How do travellers obtain an ETA?

Online through a UK government website or via the app (search for UK ETA on the Apple app store or Google Play).

You need to supply a photograph and answer a set of questions. The government says: “This will ensure we have information on those seeking to come to the UK helping to prevent dangerous individuals, such as criminals, entering the UK.”

A decision on each case is expected “usually” within three days. In practice, existing similar schemes in the US, Canada and elsewhere deliver approval more quickly.

Commercial sites that are designed to tempt applicants to pay additional fees have already appeared, such as etauk.uk, which is based in Spain and has no connection with the UK government.

Who will check the ETA?

For the majority of travellers, airlines and ferry companies will be expected to verify the ETA status before the passenger boards a flight or ship to the UK.

Ferries from France to Dover, Eurostar trains to London and Eurotunnel shuttles to Folkestone have “juxtaposed controls” and UK Border Force staff will check the permit while the traveller is in Continental Europe.

On arrival, UK Border Force will check the ETA and ask supplementary questions before deciding whether or not to allow the traveller in. The government says: “An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.”

Non-Irish and British travellers from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland will not face checks but are expected to have an ETA anyway.

What about transit passengers?

The UK government has decided to become an outlier by insisting that all connecting travellers must obtain an ETA . This will make London Heathrow airport a more challenging transit hub than the main continental European competitors, plus airports such as Istanbul and Dubai.

The almost-worldwide convention is that passengers who are connecting from one gate to another at a hub – not passing through passport control – need only meet the requirements for their final destination.

But when the ETA scheme takes full effect, all passengers except British and Irish nationals will need a permit – even if they are simply switching from one British Airways plane to another at Heathrow Terminal 5, or making a Star Alliance connection at Terminal 2.

Travel industry experts predict overseas travellers with a choice of routings will switch to other hubs to avoid extra red tape and cost – harming Heathrow and leading to a slump in customers for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic .

About 30 per cent of passengers at Heathrow are in transit.

Thomas Woldbye, chief executive of Heathrow, said: “It clearly reduces the competitiveness of the hub that we have built in Heathrow, which I think is critical to the UK.

“Honestly, I think it’s a mistake. I think that should be changed as fast as possible.”

Paul Charles, director of The PC Agency and former Virgin Atlantic communications director, said: “Taxing transit is tantamount to failure. If other airports offer free transit then they will pick up market share.

“Airports should be zones of ease, enabling seamless travel. This proposed tax needs removing.”

Rob Burgess, editor of the frequent flyer website Head for Points, says: “Why would anyone pay £40 for a family of four to get an ETA purely so they can transit in the UK on the way from, say, the US to Croatia? All of the other European hub carriers will be laughing as they pick up this business.”

What does the government say?

A spokesperson for the Home Office said: ”We are introducing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme to enhance border security by increasing our knowledge about those seeking to come to the UK and preventing the arrival of those who pose a threat.

“Requiring transit passengers to obtain an ETA stops people who may use connecting flights to avoid gaining permission to travel to the UK. We are keeping this under review as we continue to roll out the scheme.”

Government online information about the new scheme says: “Requiring those transiting to obtain an ETA will stop transit being a future loophole for people to use to avoid needing an ETA. This is in line with the US Esta scheme.”

If I’m changing planes in the US I need an Esta…

There is a crucial difference: all passengers in transit through the United States are required to clear Customs & Border Protection and be legally admitted to the US. In theory they could decide, instead of transferring at Atlanta, Chicago or Houston, to stay in America for up to three months.

This policy does not apply at Heathrow (or elsewhere in Europe) for international-to-international journeys. UK Border Force will not check passengers on arrival at Heathrow if they are continuing their journey internationally.

Furthermore, few US airports rely on transit passengers for business in the way that Heathrow does.

Besides the potential financial damage to airlines and Heathrow airport, the government decision could also impact British passengers. A number of routes and frequencies are viable only because of the volume of connecting passengers. If services are cut, choice will reduce and fares could rise.

Any other objections?

Yes: from the inbound tourism industry, particularly in Northern Ireland. The UK has already excluded more than 200 million European Union citizens from entry by insisting they carry passports rather than their national ID cards . Bringing in an ETA will add one more hurdle.

There is special concern in Northern Ireland. Typically visitors to the island of Ireland will arrive in Dublin or, for some US travellers, Shannon. They enter the Republic and typically travel around by car, public transport or tour coach.

At present they can enter Northern Ireland without formality, to visit attractions such as Titanic Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway or the Game of Thrones studio tour. By the end of 2024 they will all legally require an ETA to cross the (almost invisible) border.

Individual tourists may inadvertently break the law by crossing the border and remaining blissfully unaware of their transgression.

But tour groups will follow the rules. Operators should ensure every passenger on the bus has an ETA. Or the tour firm may simply exclude Northern Ireland from Irish itineraries.

What could the effect be?

At present 60 per cent of non-UK tourists to Northern Ireland also visit the Republic, according to the Northern Ireland Tourism Alliance – which says the plan “will be hugely detrimental to tourism on the island”.

The group estimates visitors from Europe and North America could fall by 25 per cent. It says: “The risk is that many global tour operators will exclude Belfast and NI from their itineraries as no longer a feasible option.”

The government in London has confirmed that there will be no exemptions for tourists remaining solely within the island of Ireland.

In June 2023, the-then Northern Ireland minister, Steve Baker, said: “It is the government’s position that we should not create a loophole through the ETA scheme.

“I hope that we will be able to work together to ensure that there is a consistent and coherent communication strategy to ensure that tourists know they must register for an ETA and must continue to comply with the UK’s immigration requirements.”

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Charlie Pring

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Will Liebrecht

Immigration Adviser

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10 January 2024

UK Electronic Travel Authorisation: what is it and who needs it?

2024 is shaping up to be a busy year for UK immigration, including new minimum salary  requirements for Skilled Workers and other changes coming in the spring, the continued digitalisation of the immigration system and the ongoing move towards eVisas.

One other big change that's coming is the UK's new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which launched at the end of last year. Once it's fully operational, the ETA scheme will affect travel planning for millions of business and tourist visitors to the UK.

What is the ETA scheme?

Visitors and people transiting through the UK who do not currently need a visa to visit the UK for business or tourism will need to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK. Once it is fully implemented, the new ETA travel requirement will apply to visitors to the UK from all round the world, including the EU, US, Canada, and Australia.

An ETA gives permission to travel to the UK but is not permission to enter the UK – it is not a visa or permission to live or work in the UK. It is an online (digital) travel authorisation that is similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) scheme for visitors to the US.

Who can apply?

The scheme is currently only open for nationals of Qatar travelling to the UK.

From 1 February 2024, nationals of the following countries travelling to the UK on or after 22 February 2024 must apply for ETA approval before travel:

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates.

For nationals of all these countries other than Jordan, the ETA replaces the existing Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) system, which exempts citizens of those countries from needing to apply for a visit visa. The ETA scheme will make it significantly easier for Jordanian nationals to visit the UK, as they currently need to apply for visa to visit the UK but will be exempt when the ETA scheme goes live for them.

The UK aims to roll out the scheme to travellers from all other countries who do not currently need a visa to visit the UK, including US and EU nationals, by the end of 2024.

Who does not need an ETA?

Travellers will not need an ETA if they:

• are a British or Irish citizen
• already have a UK visa 
• already hold settlement in the UK or are exempt from immigration control
• are a British Overseas Territory Citizen (BOTC) travelling on a BOTC passport
• are a person with entry clearance or permission to enter or stay in the UK.

Visitors may also be exempt from the ETA scheme if they are not Irish but are resident in Ireland and do not need a visa to visit the UK – here for details.

How to apply

There are two ways to apply for an ETA – by using the ' UK ETA ' app, or by applying online. You can find details about how to apply here .

The process involves scanning the traveller's passport and face, and answering a few basic questions.

How much does it cost?

It costs £10 per person to apply for an ETA. Everyone travelling needs to apply for an ETA, including babies and children, but adults can apply on behalf of children. The ETA fee is non-refundable.

How long does it take?

Applicants should normally get a decision by email within 3 working days of submitting the form.

Anyone needing to travel to the UK urgently must apply for an ETA before travel, but can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision.

How long does the ETA last?

The ETA will last for two years, or until the date that the traveller's passport expires, whichever is sooner. Anyone with ETA approval can travel to the UK as many times as they want during the two years, but must still comply with the rules for visitors, including a general prohibition on work or making the UK their main home. 

An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK, so travellers may still need to demonstrate to immigration officers on entry to the UK that they will comply with the visitor rules.

Applicants will need to apply for a new ETA when they get a new passport.

Can an ETA application be refused?

In certain cases, the Home Office will refuse an application for an ETA. The main situations where this could happen are where the applicant has:

• previously been excluded or deported from the UK
• been convicted of a criminal offence in the UK or any other country for which they have received a custodial sentence of 12 months or more
• been convicted of any criminal offence in the UK or overseas unless more than 12 months have passed since the date of conviction
• previously breached UK immigration laws, including overstaying their visa
• made false representations or failed to disclose relevant facts in the current or a previous ETA application
• failed to pay litigation costs awarded to the Home Office.

The Home Office will also cancel an ETA if it discovers that any of the factors above apply after it has granted an ETA, or if it discovers that the applicant has unpaid debts to the NHS of £500 or more.

What to do if an ETA application is refused

If an ETA application is refused, there is no right to administrative review or appeal against the refusal decision. An ETA refusal does not mean that the applicant has been refused permission to enter the UK, but they cannot travel to the UK. Depending on the circumstances, they may instead be able to apply for a visa to visit the UK and provide more supporting evidence relating to their situation.

How does this affect visa nationals (travellers that have to apply for a visa to visit the UK)?

For those who currently need a visa to visit the UK, the visa application process will remain the same, and they will not need to apply separately for an ETA. 

However, as the UK moves to a fully digital immigration system over the course of 2024, the visit visa application process itself is likely to change, so that applicants will likely have to scan their passport with an app rather than attending an in-person biometric appointment. 

Is the ETA linked to the EU's European Travel and Information Authorisation System (ETIAS) scheme?

No, they are separate travel authorisation schemes. But they are similar – ETA is the scheme for travellers to the UK and ETIAS is for travellers to the EU.  

British citizens, UK residents and non-EU citizens travelling regularly into the EU should look out for updates on ETIAS, which is due to be launched in mid-2025. In the meantime, the EU is expected to introduce a new Entry/Exit System (EES) later this year, which will automate border control procedures and replace passport stamping. 

The EES is intended to help monitor the limits on non-EU travellers' stay in the Schengen area (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).

What should employers do now?

Employers who have colleagues based outside the UK who regularly visit the UK, or who are responsible for business travel to the UK – particularly if any of them are nationals of the countries listed above – should circulate the message about these new ETA requirements.

For businesses with executives and employees used to jumping on a plane to the UK at short notice, including travellers from the EU or the US, obtaining an ETA once the new rules go live will be a crucial addition to travel planning checklists.

If you have any questions about the ETA system or if you need assistance with an upcoming UK visa application or UK immigration compliance and planning, do get in touch with us.

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Visiting the UK Will Soon Require an Online Application With a Fee — What to Know

The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation will be fully rolled out by the end of 2023.

Travelers to the United Kingdom will soon have to apply in advance and pay to enter the country when the Electronic Travel Authorisation visa waiver goes into effect later this year.

The UK’s ETA system, which will be fully rolled out by the end of 2023, will require all non-visa foreign visitors (including those from the United States) to apply online in advance of coming, according to the government’s ETA website . 

The rollout of the ETA is part of the UK’s effort to fully digitize its borders by 2025.

“Our number one priority is the security of the UK border and by launching ETAs we can ensure that everyone wishing to travel to the UK has permission to do so in advance of travel and refuse those who pose a threat,” the UK’s Home Secretary Priti Patel said in a statement .

To apply, travelers will need to provide personal details, passport information, and security information. Applications will then be processed automatically and travelers should expect a response typically within 48 to 72 hours.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

The cost for the application was not immediately clear and was expected to be announced at a later date.

The ETA will first be rolled out to several Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates , Qatar , Bahrain, and more.

The rollout of the ETA comes as Europe plans to implement its new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (or ETIAS) in November. That authorization will include a €7 fee and apply to foreign visitors 18 to 70 years old.

In the U.S., visitors must also apply for a similar authorization before coming: the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (or ESTA), which is available to travelers from countries granted a Visa Waiver Program. Last year, the fee for ESTA increased from $14 to $21, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection .

UK anticipates requiring travel permit for Americans in 2024

As part of the United Kingdom's effort to fully digitize borders by 2025, tourists must obtain a new electronic travel authorization to enter the country starting next year.

This requirement applies to all visitors, including Americans, who can travel there visa-free.

On Thursday, the U.K. government confirmed the ETA system would begin in October for Qatari visitors specifically.

After this initial launch, visitors from the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Jordan can begin applying for an ETA starting in February 2024.

"The new scheme will entirely replace the current Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) Scheme which requires visitors to the UK from GCC states to pay a higher cost for a single-use visit," the U.K. government said Thursday.

By the end of next year, travelers from other countries (including Americans) should expect to be required to apply for an ETA to visit the U.K.

"ETAs will be a requirement worldwide for visitors who do not need a visa for short stays, including those visiting from Europe," per the Home Office. "Visitors from Europe, and other nations such as America and Australia do not currently need to make any form of application to visit to the UK, however this will be changing with the introduction of ETAs."

Because the ETA is not a visa, Europeans and other visa-free travelers, including those from the U.S., will maintain their visa-free status but will need an ETA to cross the U.K. border upon implementation.

Though U.K. officials haven't specified how much a permit will cost, similar permits for travelers to other places — including Canada, the European Union and the U.S. — range from $5 to $21.

In March 2023 , the European Union delayed the implementation of the long-awaited European Travel Information and Authorisation System visa program , requiring travelers to pay a fee to visit EU nations until 2024 . Americans and travelers from the 62 other non-EU countries that are not currently required to apply for visas will need ETIAS authorization to enter the EU for visits of up to 90 days, including transit passengers. Only visitors ages 18 to 70 must pay the 7 euro ($7.40) fee, but everyone must obtain the permit.

The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Explained

The United Kingdom will start to roll out an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) programme from autumn 2023. The ETA is a new requirement for people who don’t need a visa to come to the UK, but will give permission for travellers to visit.

In these insights we’ll share:

·        What is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

·        Who will need a UK ETA?

·        How do you get a UK ETA?

·        How much does a UK ETA cost?

What is the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) works similarly to the US ESTA and the European Union’s ETIAS , working as a security measure for those travelling to the UK that don’t need a visa.

Those that apply for a ETA will be given permission to enter the UK, and be able to:

• Spend up to six months in the UK for tourism, visiting friends and family, business or study.
• Spend up to three months in the UK on the Creative Worker visa concession.
• Transit through the UK.

An approved ETA will be valid for two years and can be used for multiple visits to the UK. If a traveller gets a new passport in that time, they will need to get a new ETA.

Who will need an ETA?

The ETA will initially be required for travellers visiting from various countries in the Middle East and replaces the current Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) scheme.

From 15 November 2023, Qatari visitors will be required to hold an ETA to enter the UK. Applications will open 25 October 2023. 

Then from 22nd February 2024, you’ll need an ETA if you’re a national of these countries:

• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

More countries will be added to the scheme later in 2024. 

Who will not need an ETA?

Those with a British or Irish passport will not need to apply for an ETA. You also don’t have to apply if you already have permission to live, work or study in the UK, or if you have a visa to enter the UK. 

If you’re a legal resident of Ireland and don’t need a visa to visit the UK, you won’t need an ETA if you’re entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or Isle of Man.

How do you get an UK ETA?

There will be an UK ETA app, or travellers can apply on www.gov.uk . You can apply on behalf of others. 

After filling in the form, travellers are expected to get a decision within three working days. It may take longer if further checks are needed.

If approved, travellers will get an email confirmation to their decided email address, and the ETA will be electronically linked to the passport they applied with.

If it’s refused, travellers will either need to apply for a standard visa, apply for a temporary work visa, or get a transit visa.     

How much does a UK ETA cost?

A UK ETA will cost £10. 

How long is the ETA valid for? 

Once approved, the UK ETA will be valid for two years, and can be used for multiple visits to the UK. 

If your passport expires during that period, you will need to get a new ETA.  

Where can I find more information? 

Full details are on the UK Government's website here .

Need a travel partner that knows all the travel rules? Let’s talk

Blog Home Office in the media

https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2024/04/17/media-factsheet-evisas/

Media factsheet: eVisas  

eVisas are a key part of delivering a border and immigration system which will be ‘digital by default’ by 2025. This process is already underway, and millions of people in the UK who applied for their visa through the EU Settlement Scheme or used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app already have an eVisa (digital proof of their immigration status). These changes bring significant benefits to customers, deliver excellent value, and increase the UK immigration system’s security and efficiency.     

An eVisa is an online record of a customer’s immigration permission in the UK, and any conditions which apply. It can be viewed by logging into the online ‘View and prove your immigration status’ service using their UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account. It is usually linked to a customer’s passport to facilitate straightforward international travel.  

Using a phased approach to implementing digital services, the intention is that by 2025 most customers will have a secure and seamless digital journey when they interact with the UK’s immigration system.    

Over time this will see physical and paper-based products and services replaced with accessible, straightforward online and digital services (such as the ‘view and prove’ service) and products such as the eVisa.    

The Home Office has launched a phased rollout of eVisas to biometric residence permit (BRP). Initially this is to BRP holders by email invitation only, being sent in phases. The service will open to all BRP holders from summer 2024. Customers with BRPs do not need to do anything unless they receive an email, and don’t need to contact the Home Office if they do not receive an email immediately because the service will open to all in the summer.   

The latest information on eVisas is available at www.gov.uk/evisa .  Holders of other physical immigration documents, including (for those who hold indefinite leave to enter or indefinite leave to remain) passports containing vignette visa stickers or ink stamps, and biometric residence cards (BRCs), can also find information there on how to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. It is free, and straightforward for customers who hold physical and paper documents to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. Creating a UKVI account will not change, impact or remove customers’ current immigration status or their rights in the UK.    

Customers who already have an eVisa, including anyone granted status through the EU Settlement Scheme, do not need to do anything. This is also the case if a customer holds both a physical document, such as a BRP, and an eVisa. Customers who are not sure if they already have a UKVI account and eVisa can either check here on GOV.UK or refer to their original grant email or letter.   

Further information and future updates, including details of the support available, is available at www.gov.uk/evisa . This will be updated throughout 2024.  

An eVisa partner pack comprising further information and factsheets for stakeholders is also available here to download.     

What is an eVisa?  

An eVisa is an electronic record of a person’s immigration status.    

It removes the need for physical documents such as the biometric residence permit (BRP), ink stamps or vignette visa stickers in passports, or the biometric residence card (BRC).     

It explains the immigration status of the holder, including the conditions of the immigration permission such as any limitations on their right to work.   

Customers can view their eVisa by logging into the view and prove service using their UKVI account and share relevant information about their status securely with third parties, such as employers or private service providers such as letting agencies.  

What are the benefits of eVisas?  

eVisas bring significant benefits, deliver excellent value and increase the UK immigration system’s security and efficiency.  

They will also bring significant benefits to customers who hold an immigration status in the UK:  

• An eVisa cannot be lost, stolen or damaged.  
• Customers can prove their rights instantly, accurately and securely to anyone who requests it while sharing only necessary information.  
• With an eVisa, fewer customers will need to leave their passport with the Home Office while awaiting a decision. eVisas also mean that customers do not need to collect documents like BRPs or wait for these documents to be sent to them.  
• With a UKVI account, customers can easily keep the Home Office updated with any changes in their details or documentation. For example, customers can tell us about changes to their name and nationality, travel document (such as passport), email, telephone and postal address contact details.  
• Customers can access many UK government services and benefits without needing to present proof of immigration status. This is because selected government departments and authorities including the Department for Work and Pensions and the National Health Service in England and Wales, can securely access immigration status information automatically through system to system checks. Immigration data is held securely, and government will never sell customer data. Further information on how the Home Office handles customer data can be found here on GOV.UK .  

It is also simpler for those who need to check someone’s UK immigration status (such as employers and landlords), to use online services, rather than having to maintain awareness of, and look through, different types of physical immigration documents, some of which may be in bad condition, or even fraudulent. As more and more customers create UKVI accounts, checkers can increasingly conduct one quick and simple check using a secure online service on GOV.UK  

When are eVisas launching?   

Although millions of customers already have and use eVisas, including everyone granted status under the EU Settlement Scheme, throughout 2024 customers who currently use physical immigration documents to prove their status and rights in the UK, will be asked to take action to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.   

This process launched in April 2024, with BRP holders emailed directly with instructions on how to create UKVI account to access their eVisa. These email invitations are being sent in phases, before the service is made available to all BRP holders in the summer. BRP holders who have not yet received an email should not worry as the process will soon be opened to all without an invitation, and there is no need to contact the Home Office in the meantime.  

As we rollout the online process for BRP holders to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa we will send emails to BRP holders when they are able to take action. BRP holders who have not yet received email instructions but have been made aware of the process by friends, family or online forums may find the process does not yet work for them. There is no need to contact the Home Office in this case as the online process will be open for all BRP holders in summer 2024 at www.gov.uk/evisa .  

Holders of other physical immigration documents, such as a passport containing ink stamps or vignette visa stickers, or BRCs can take steps to acquire an eVisa now, and further instructions are available at www.gov.uk/evisa .   

Will this impact British citizens?  

British passport holders and Irish citizens, including those who previously held an immigration status but have since acquired British citizenship, do not need to do anything. British citizens who do not have a British passport because they are dual nationals (excluding Irish passport holders) may need to take action in future regarding how they prove their right of abode. Updates on this will be provided in due course.    

Will the Home Office be communicating about eVisas?   

A comprehensive range of communications activity on the implementation of eVisas is underway and will be delivered throughout 2024.   

This includes a range of direct emails which will be sent, in phases, to BRP holders with instructions on how to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. We are also proactively engaging with a wide range of targeted stakeholders to engage those impacted by the move to eVisas, and have developed a range of partner pack content (see above) to equip them to communicate widely about eVisa changes.   

We will also be using official communication channels, including videos and regularly updated content on gov.uk to communicate these changes.   

What is a UKVI account? How is it different to an eVisa?    

A UKVI account is a secure way for customers to log into online services such as view and prove, whereas an eVisa is an electronic record of a person’s immigration status.   

Using their UKVI account, customers can view their eVisa and share the relevant information via the online view and prove service, by generating a share code, which provides time-limited access to the relevant data. A person can have a UKVI account but no eVisa, for example, where the application for permission to stay in the UK was refused or expired.   

A customer can also update personal details such as address and contact details in their UKVI account. This service is free, unlike updating physical immigration documents for which customers may be charged. This service is available at: www.update-your-UK-Visas-and-immigration-account-details .  

The UKVI account is currently created automatically for everyone who uses the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check mobile App’ to make an immigration application.    

Customers who already hold a physical document will need to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa and to be able to use the full range of online services.   

As physical documents that evidence immigration status expire, the view and prove service, accessed via the UKVI account, will be the way people can view and prove their immigration status and associated rights in the UK.  

Can you still use a physical document if it expires, and you don’t get an eVisa?    

The expiry of a physical document, for example, a BRP card, does not affect a customer’s immigration status. However, how they prove their status will change from 2025. Customers will have to use our online services to prove their rights in the UK and to do so they will need to create a UKVI account.   

What do customers need to do if they hold a BRP that expires at the end of 2024?  

Customers who have a BRP and are living in the UK will need to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa unless their immigration leave expires before 31 December 2024. From April 2024, BRP holders are being emailed directly with instructions on how to do this. These email invitations are being sent in phases, before the service is made available to all BRP holders in the summer. BRP holders who have not yet received an email should not worry as the process will soon be opened to all without an invitation, and there is no need to contact the Home Office in the meantime. BRP holders should visit www.gov.uk/evisa for the latest information.  

For now, customers should continue to use their BRP as they have previously and visit www.gov.uk/evisa for updates. This includes taking their BRP with them when they travel internationally.     

The expiry of their BRP card does not affect their immigration status. However, how they prove their status will change from 2025.   

Customers who already have an eVisa (a digital immigration status) as well as a BRP, will not need to create a UKVI account, as they already have one. Customers can find out if they already have a UKVI account by checking the email or letter that they were given when they were granted immigration status in the UK or go to www.gov.uk/evisa for further information.   

Should customers whose BRP expires on 31 Dec 2024 before their immigration leave is due to expire, apply now to renew their BRP?    

No, customers should not apply to renew their BRP, as all BRPs issued to customers who hold immigration leave beyond 2024, including renewals, are due to expire on 31 Dec 2024 and will be replaced by the eVisa.    

What should customers do if they’ve lost their BRP?   

If a customer has lost their valid BRP then they should apply for a replacement in the usual way. As with all BRPs, if their leave extends beyond the end of 2024, their replacement BRP will expire on 31 December 2024, and they will need to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa to prove their rights.    

Once you have received your replacement then you should visit www.gov.uk/evisa for details of how to create a UKVI account and access your eVisa.   

If a customer has a BRP but it expires before the end of 2024 what do, they need to do?    

If a customer’s BRP expires before 31 Dec 2024 then their immigration leave may also expire at that point. If it does, and if they plan to remain in the UK then they should make a visa renewal application in the usual way.    

Will a BRP holder be able to use an expired BRP to generate a share code after it has expired but while they still have immigration leave?      

How a customer proves their status will change from 2025 and they should take action to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa before their BRP expires.   

Information on what steps a BRP holder will need to take to create a UKVI account and access their eVisa is available at www.gov.uk/evisa .    

We would encourage all BRP holders to create an account and access their eVisa as soon as it is possible for them to do so.  Where individuals have not created an account before their BRP expires at the end of 2024, we will put in place mechanisms to ensure they are still able to prove their rights while they create an account. Holders of expired BRPs will still be able to use these to create an account.  

BRP holders should take steps to create a UKVI account and access their eVisa before it expires to prevent any unnecessary delays in proving their rights.   

What do legacy paper document holders need to do to evidence their rights in the UK – and what do they need to do to get an eVisa?    

Customers who have indefinite leave to enter or indefinite leave to remain and prove their rights using a passport containing an ink stamp or vignette visa sticker or use another type of legacy paper document should make a ‘No Time Limit’ application.  

As part of the application process customers may need to travel to a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services Centre (known as a UKVCAS) to provide a photograph, and in some cases provide fingerprints.   

Once an application has been processed successful No Time Limit applicants will be issued with a biometric residence permit (BRP), which can then be used to prove the customer's rights and to create a UKVI account.  

By the end of 2024 No Time Limit applicants will receive an eVisa, rather than a BRP. Further updates on this change will be available in due course.

It is free to make a No Time Limit application, and information on how to do so is available at http://www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits/replace-visa-brp  

Why do holders of legacy documents such as passports containing ink stamps or vignette visa stickers need to get an eVisa?    

The border and immigration system is becoming ‘digital by default’, a change that will enhance the customer experience, deliver excellent value, and increase the immigration system’s security and efficiency. This move also reflects a broader societal move towards a digital approach.    

The phasing out of legacy documents, such as passports containing ink stamps or a vignette visa sticker, is a key part of this process, but will bring a range of benefits to customers. This includes the fact that an eVisa cannot be lost or damaged, like a vignette, and there is no need for a potentially costly replacement.   

Customers who replace their legacy document with an eVisa will benefit from the automated access that public bodies, including the Department for Work and Pensions and the National Health Service in England and Wales will securely have to their immigration status, which will streamline access to key services.    

Creating a UKVI account to access an eVisa will also help to prevent unnecessary delays when travelling internationally (if travelling on the document linked to the UKVI account).    

If legacy document holders do not acquire an eVisa by 2025, then they may experience challenges and delays in proving their rights and when travelling internationally.    

What do eVisas mean for international travel?   

Customers should continue to carry their in-date physical immigration documents with them when they travel internationally. Customers who already have an eVisa should tell the Home Office about any travel document on which they intend to travel using the Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details’ service at www.gov.uk/update-uk-visas-immigration-account-details .‘ if this is not already linked to their account.   

During 2024, the Home Office is taking steps to allow carriers, including transport operators such as airlines, ferry, and international train operators, to securely and automatically access the immigration status of passengers travelling on their services when they present their travel document which is linked to their UKVI account.   

This will automate the existing routine checks completed whenever a passenger presents their travel document when travelling internationally. This will provide a more convenient customer journey, and enhanced border security.   

While the UK government is delivering a digital border and immigration system including plans to trial contactless entry using facial recognition only, there are no current plans to replace physical passports with digital equivalents.  

Will all international carriers have automatic access to immigration details? Or will it just be airlines?    

From later this year, carriers operating across air, rail & sea will be able to securely access passenger immigration information. Further updates will be provided in due course.  

Is there help and support for vulnerable groups?   

We are developing our digital products and services for use by all, including vulnerable users.     

Customers can contact the UK Visas and Immigration Contact Centre, which provides telephone and email support to those using the online immigration status services.    

This includes supporting users through the online journey by:    

• helping them to access or recover their account.  
• helping them to update their personal details.   
• sharing status on behalf of individuals if they are unable to do so themselves.

The UK Visas and Immigration Contact Centre will also be able to assist users who are experiencing technical issues with their online immigration status, and where necessary, enable individuals’ status to be verified through alternative means.  

Individuals can nominate a ‘helper’ and give them limited access to their account, so that they can assist with creating a UKVI account, completing details to access an eVisa, and with any immigration application. Where a person is unable to manage their own affairs due to, for example, age or disability, a ‘proxy’, who is authorised, can create and manage the account on behalf of the person.  

Our Assisted Digital service is also available to provide individual support by phone and email to individuals who require assistance with IT-related aspects of creating a UKVI account.    

Additionally, we work collaboratively with a range of third-party stakeholders on the move to eVisas. Many of these organisations offer support to individuals requiring assistance in creating a UKVI account and accessing their eVisa.    

We are exploring options to provide additional eVisa support and will provide further updates in due course.   

What support is there for those who are digitally excluded?   

Assisted Digital is a free service provided by UKVI to support customers in the UK who are digitally excluded to create a UKVI account and access their eVisa. Customers are classified as being digitally excluded if they have access needs or if they have low or no digital skills.     

Access needs can include any disability that requires support to use online services, a lack of device or a lack of internet access.   

Will children be impacted by the move to eVisas?   

In the case of children, the expectation is that their parent or guardian will have access to their UKVI account and use the online services on their behalf, as they would have looked after and used a BRP/C on the child’s behalf. They can subsequently transfer ownership of the account and access to the online services when the child reaches majority.   

Parents and guardians can create a UKVI account for their children at the same time they create an account for themselves.   

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UK Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA)

What is the uk electronic travel authorization (eta).

The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is a requirement introduced by the United Kingdom for travelers who do not require a visa to travel to the UK. In comparison to a standard visa application, the UK ETA offers a considerably streamlined and cost-effective process. Applicants are not required to make in-person visits to visa centers; the entire application procedure is conducted online. Furthermore, individuals even have the option to apply on behalf of fellow travelers. The granted travel authorizations will be digitally linked to travelers’ passports. Consequently, there is no need for travelers to produce a physical copy of the authorization when journeying to the UK. However, retaining a printout of the confirmation email might be advisable for personal records. The Electronic Travel Authorization allows holders to travel to the UK, but it does not guarantee entry; since the ultimate decision rests with the border officials upon arrival in the UK.

The United Kingdom initiated the implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system on October 25, 2023 . As of that date, Qatari citizens were able to apply for a UK ETA. With effect from November 15, 2023, obtaining the UK ETA became an obligatory requirement for Qatar passport holders who plan to visit the UK. In the subsequent phase, which commenced on February 1, 2024 , citizens of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan became eligible to apply for the UK ETA. As of February 22, 2024 , the UK ETA is set to be an essential prerequisite for travelers from these nationalities. Thus, this new system fully replaced the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) program. Further stages will involve the inclusion of additional visa-exempt countries from around the world.

Through the implementation of the pre-travel verification process for visa-exempt travelers, the UK government aims to enhance its border security and identify any potential risks posed by these travelers, be it related to security or irregular migration. This approach will also save time spent on examining these travelers upon arrival, thus reducing the number of individuals denied entry at British airports and border crossings.

Who Needs a UK ETA?

The following categories of travelers are required to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization before traveling to the United Kingdom (including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland):

• Qatari citizens (starting from November 15, 2023).
• Citizens of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan (starting from February 22, 2024).
• Travelers from all visa-exempt nationalities, including citizens of the European Union (by the end of 2024).

However, there are certain categories of travelers who will not need to apply for the UK ETA, including:

• British and Irish citizens.
• Residents of the UK, holders of various residency permits for purposes like work or study.
• Residents of Ireland who do not require a visa to enter the UK, provided they are arriving from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
• Holders of entry visas for the UK.

UK ETA Requirements

To apply for the UK ETA, there are several essential requirements that travelers must fulfill. These requirements are clearly specified, facilitating the application process for the majority of applicants. They include:

Valid Passport

Applicants need a valid passport that proves their identity and nationality. The applicant's nationality specified in the passport must be from an eligible nationality for applying for the UK Electronic travel Authorization. Typically, the remaining validity of the passport should not be less than six months, though it's preferred to have at least two years remaining validity to ensure the longest possible validity for the ETA, as the ETA will automatically expire if the passport does.

To pay the UK ETA fees, applicants will need a payment method such as a valid credit or debit card to pay the authorization fees online. Alternative payment methods may also be available, such as e-wallets.

Email Address

During the application process, applicants will need to provide a valid email address. This allows the UK Home Office to communicate with the applicant and inform them of the decision, whether it's approval or refusal.

Digital Photo

Applicants need to upload a recent passport-size photo of themselves or capture one directly using their device's camera during the application. The photo must adhere to standard passport photo specifications and be of high clarity.

UK ETA Application Steps

All visa-exempt travelers will need to obtain a UK ETA before traveling to the UK. Even children and infants will require individual visit authorizations. Anyone can apply either through a mobile app or through the official website of the UK government. The application can be completed by following these steps:

To access the UK Electronic Travel Authorization application form, applicants will need to download the app for their mobile devices or access the online application platform. Then, the application form should be completed online. Applicants will need to provide their personal details, passport information, and answer some questions about their intended trip and previous travel history.

Applicants need to provide a recent and clear photo that meets the specifications of passport-sized photos. The photo should be in color and unedited. The image size should range from 50KB to 10MB, with dimensions not less than 600 x 750 pixels. The background should be light-colored, and the facial expression should be neutral with both eyes open.

Applicants for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization need to pay the application fee online during the application process. The applicant will enter their bank card number, expiry date, cardholder name, and CVV code to successfully complete the payment.

If the UK Home Office determines that the applicant meets the qualifying requirements and there are no reasons to reject their application, such as previous immigration violations, criminal records inside or outside the UK, or providing false or misleading information in the application form, an approval for the Electronic Travel Authorization will be issued. The applicant will be notified with a confirmation email to the email address they provided during the application process. Upon receiving the authorization, travelers can use it for multiple trips to the UK as long as it remains valid.

UK ETA Processing Time

The expected processing time for submitted applications is approximately 3 working days. Some applicants might receive decisions even sooner. However, in certain cases, processing might take longer if additional checks and verification is deemed necessary by the UK authorities.

UK ETA Fees

The application fee for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization is one of the basic requirements to fulfill during the application process. The fee for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization is £10 per applicant. These fees are standardized for all applicants regardless of their ages or nationalities. The accepted primary method of payment will be through bank cards such as Mastercard, Visa, or others. In addition to the mentioned basic fees, applicants may need to pay additional fees if they choose to utilize visa service providers to assist them in the application process. The cost of the Electronic Travel Authorization is significantly low compared to what citizens of GCC countries pay for traveling to the UK using the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW), where the fee for the EVW is £30. It is also much less than what citizens of non-eligible countries pay when applying for a standard visitor visa to the UK, with a visa fee of £100.

Duration of Stay and Validity of the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

The United Kingdom ETA holds a validity period of up to two years or until the expiration of the passport used for application, whichever comes first. This authorization enables its holders to make multiple visits to the United Kingdom for short-term purposes, including:

• Stays of up to 6 months for purposes such as tourism, business, visiting family and friends, or short-term study.
• Stays of up to 3 months for creative work purposes (for specific categories of talents, such as artists, musicians, or film production crews, subject to the conditions of the Creative Worker visa).
• Transit purposes serve travelers who need to enter British territories during their journey through the country while en route to another destination.

However, the UK ETA is not intended for long-term work or study purposes. Those intending to visit the UK for such reasons should apply for a visa that aligns with their travel purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the UK ETA the same as the Electronic Visa Waiver (UK EVW)?

The UK ETA is a newly introduced system that will replace the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW). It is designed to serve all visa-exempt nationalities, extending beyond just the Arab Gulf countries.

Do I need to provide biometric information for the UK ETA?

Applicants are not required to visit visa centers or submit biometric data, such as fingerprints. The application process is completely online and only requires a personal photo, allowing you to apply remotely.

What should I do if my application for the UK ETA is refused?

If your application for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is refused, you will need to apply for a UK standard visitor visa or a UK transit visa, depending on the purpose of your travel.

I am an EU citizen and do not need a visa for the UK. Do I need a UK ETA to travel to London?

Currently, as an EU citizen, you can travel to the UK without requiring a visa or UK ETA. However, please be aware that in the upcoming months, there might be a requirement for all visa-exempt nationalities, including EU citizens, to obtain a UK ETA before traveling to London. This requirement is anticipated to be fully implemented by the end of 2024.

Check if you need a visa for your next destination

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Millions of visa holders in UK to be offered digital replacement as major eVisa rollout begins

Millions of people in the UK with physical immigration documents are being invited to switch to an eVisa as a major Home Office digital immigration shake-up begins.

The Government is aiming for a fully digital immigration and border system by 2025, the Home Office said on Wednesday.

From Wednesday April 17, visa holders in the UK will receive an email from the Home Office, inviting them to create a UK visas and immigration (UKVI) account to access their eVisa.

Physical documents, called biometric residence permits (BRPs), will be gradually phased out and nearly all visa holders living in the UK will have access to an eVisa by 2025, the Home Office has vowed.

The Government hopes the introduction of eVisas will reduce the risk of fraud, loss and abuse of physical documents and strengthen border security.

But the changes will also ease the travel process for millions of visa holders, who are currently required to show physical documentation when arriving back in the UK from travel and holidays abroad.

If a BRP card is lost or stolen abroad, a visa holder currently has to pay £154 for a one-time replacement, which would allow them to re-enter the UK.

Tom Pursglove, the minister for legal migration and the border, said replacing physical BRPs with a digital system “will ensure firm control over who comes here to live, work or study”.

Mr Pursglove added: “We’ve already taken really significant steps to digitally transform the border and immigration system, and this wider rollout of eVisas is a key part of that process.

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“Replacing physical immigration documents with eVisas will ensure firm control over who comes here to live, work or study, strengthening border security and preventing abuse of the immigration system, while delivering cost-savings for UK taxpayers.”

Those who inspect immigration status will be able to conduct one check using an online service and visa customers will be able to access their digital status anywhere and in real time.

An eVisa is linked with the holder’s biometric information to protect against identity fraud. Invitations will initially be issued in phases.

The process will open to anyone in the UK who holds physical immigration documents in summer 2024.

Customers will be able to create a free UKVI account to access their eVisa.

Creating an account will not change, impact or remove their current immigration status or their rights in the UK.

What is an electronic visa waiver?

By Amer Zaman

on December 2, 2023

Read Time: 7 Minutes

The electronic visa waiver may well be one of the UK Government’s lesser-known immigration programmes, but it could nonetheless be a greatly useful one for nationals of a number of Arab states – specifically Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The principle behind the electronic visa waiver, or EVW, is very simple; it gives nationals of the aforementioned countries a way of legally visiting the UK for as long as six months, without the need for them to apply for a UK Visitor visa .

At this point, you might be wondering exactly how an EVW differs from a visa, why it’s worth applying for an EVW rather than simply applying for a visa , and what the various aspects of the EVW application process are.

Below, our specialists in UK immigration law at Cranbrook Legal have taken a closer look at all those questions, which could assist your decision-making if you will be imminently seeking to visit the UK .

What is the meaning of ‘electronic visa waiver’?

As aforementioned, the electronic visa waiver – or EVW – is a scheme of the UK Government, enabling nationals of a small number of countries to get permission to come to the UK for up to six months. Those countries are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

If you are, indeed, a national of one of those states, and you are seeking to visit the UK for the purposes of tourism, business , study, or medical treatment, securing an EVW would mean that you don’t need to apply for a UK visa .

It is important to emphasise, however, that an electronic visa waiver does not constitute a valid alternative to a visa in all cases, even as far as nationals of the aforementioned countries are concerned.

If, for instance, your intention is to visit the UK in order to work in the country, you will need to apply for a UK work visa , as an EVW will not suffice for this purpose. Similarly, if you intend to come to the UK so that you can get married in the UK, it is a Marriage Visitor visa that you will need to apply for, and not an electronic visa waiver.

A quick guide to applying for a UK electronic visa waiver

Something else that our UK immigration experts at Cranbrook Legal would like to emphasise, is that the process of applying for an electronic visa waiver is not like the process of trying to get approved for a UK visa .

It is much simpler and faster; you can fill in and submit the online form – which you will find on the UK Government website – as late as 48 hours prior to your trip to the UK, and you won’t need to visit a visa application centre. You can also apply for your EVW much earlier than this – as early as three months before you travel to the UK.

Speaking of applying early, if you are a national of any of the aforementioned five countries and you will be travelling on 22 nd February 2024 or later, it is an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), rather than an EVW, that you will need to apply for. Applications for ETAs can be submitted from 1 st February 2024.

Indeed, until very recently, Qatari nationals were also included within the electronic visa waiver scheme; however, nationals of that country who intend to spend less than six months in the UK, and who have been arriving in the UK on or after 15 th November 2023, have been required to apply for an ETA instead. This will continue to be the case for Qatari nationals from this point forward, with EVW applications no longer an option.

Presuming it is definitely an EVW that you need to apply for ahead of your intended trip to the UK, you will need to ensure you submit a separate online EVW application for every member of your travelling party, including children. In addition, the UK Government charges a non-refundable fee of £30, which you can pay using a debit or credit card.

Finally, you must also be mindful of the documentation and other requirements. Before you begin filling in the EVW online application form, you should make sure you have your current passport, an address in the UK where you will be staying, and details of your journey to and from the UK. The latter should include dates and times for departure and arrival.

When you fill in the EVW application form, you will need to take care to enter your personal details so that they exactly match what is stated on your passport. This includes any punctuation such as spaces, apostrophes, hyphens, or full stops. Along similar lines, the travel information that you enter into the application form must also be exactly right.

If either your personal information or your travel details are incorrect, you will not be permitted to travel to the UK. So, you are advised to take as much care and time as you require to get this process right. Please note, too, that anyone applying for an EVW on your behalf will be required to enter their own contact details, as well as yours.  

What is the difference between a visa and a visa waiver?

The clue here is in the term “visa waiver”; the Collins definition of “waiver” , after all, is “when a person, government, or organisation agrees to give up a right or says that people do not have to obey a particular rule or law.”

This implies that the process of applying for a visa waiver is much less burdensome than the process of trying to secure a visa – and sure enough, that is the case with the UK electronic visa waiver.

As we explained above, it is a much quicker and easier process to apply for an EVW than a visa, not least because the applicant doesn’t require as many documents. Nor will they need to visit a visa application centre and provide biometrics.

A given foreign national who qualifies for an EVW will also be able to apply at much shorter notice than is possible with a visa – as late as 48 hours prior to travelling. This makes applying for an electronic visa waiver an automatic choice for nationals of the aforementioned states who find themselves needing to travel to the UK urgently or unexpectedly.

Cost, too, is another major point of distinction between an electronic visa waiver and a UK visa. Whereas applicants for an EVW, for instance, are required to pay £30, a Standard Visitor visa costs £115 for as long as six months.

What happens after the electronic visa waiver application form is submitted?

Once you have applied for your EVW, and presuming you have entered all the required details correctly into the form, you can expect to receive an email within 24 hours, containing a link to download the EVW.

If you need to update your EVW after you have received it, you can do so by logging into the relevant part of the UK Government website with your EVW number and date of birth. Indeed, it will be necessary for you to change the travel information on your EVW if you:

• Decide to change the time when you will be travelling to the UK
• Leave from or arrive at a different airport, port, or train station to the one you had originally planned
• Are set to arrive in the UK more than eight hours later than previously planned

You will then simply be able to show your EVW when you make your journey to the UK. You can print it off or show it on a phone, tablet, or other electronic device.

It is important to point out that an EVW will only permit you to enter the UK once. So, for every time you leave the UK and wish to re-enter the country at a later date, you will need to apply for and obtain a new EVW.

Our team can assist you with all aspects of electronic visa waiver and other UK immigration applications

As we referenced earlier in this article, the electronic visa waiver scheme will only be in place for the aforementioned countries until February 2024; for nationals of those five states who will be travelling to the UK on or after 22 nd February, it will be necessary to apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) instead.

Nonetheless, if you do have a trip planned to the UK for prior to that date, and you are therefore interested in applying for an EVW, our award-winning immigration solicitors at Cranbrook Legal can advise and guide you in relation to any part of this process.

You might, for example, have had your EVW application refused by the UK Home Office, and would therefore appreciate assistance from a suitably qualified expert in UK immigration law . Or maybe you are simply unsure as to whether your situation requires an electronic visa waiver or a full UK visa application ? We can also help those who are seeking to apply for an ETA.

To learn more about any of our comprehensive personal and/or business-related immigration services , including in relation to EVWs, ETAs, Standard Visitor visas , Marriage Visitor visas, and many other popular routes, please feel free to call 0208 215 0053 today. Alternatively, you can arrange a free consultation with us by filling in and submitting our online contact form .

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• Entering and staying in the UK

Nationality and Borders Bill: Electronic Travel Authorisation factsheet

• Home Office

Updated 13 October 2023

© Crown copyright 2023

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-and-borders-bill-electronic-travel-authorisation-factsheet/nationality-and-borders-bill-electronic-travel-authorisation-factsheet

1. What are we going to do?

As part of our transformation of the border and immigration system, we are introducing a universal ‘permission to travel’ requirement, which will require everyone wishing to travel to the UK (except British and Irish citizens) to seek permission in advance of travel. At present, certain cohorts of people do not require a visa for short stays, or other specified immigration status, before travelling to the UK. This means that UK border control and law enforcement authorities have less information and time to assess whether a risk is posed in advance of their arrival in the UK.

Through the Nationality and Borders Bill, to fill the current gap in advance permissions, we will introduce an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme broadly for those passengers visiting the UK or transiting through the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have an immigration status prior to travelling.

The scheme will give the UK more control of our borders, allowing us to block threats from entering the UK, whilst also providing individuals, and carriers, with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel to the UK.

Similar systems are used by the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand to keep their countries safe and secure.

2. How are we going to do it?

The Nationality and Borders Bill will lay the groundwork for establishing and enforcing an ETA scheme, by enabling the Secretary of State to make Immigration Rules to administer an ETA scheme, which includes, but is not limited to: details on who must make such an application; the content of the application; the validity of an ETA; and grounds to refuse and/or cancel an ETA.

Furthermore, the Bill will make it a criminal offence to use deception to obtain, or try to obtain, an ETA.

If requested to do so, the Bill will also allow the Secretary of State to administer an ETA scheme on behalf of a Crown Dependency, as well as providing for the Secretary of State to make regulations to recognise an electronic travel authorisation issued by a Crown Dependency.

To be fully effective, a traveller’s permission to travel must be checked by the carrier and confirmed prior to travel to the UK. The Government is therefore amending section 40 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 to incentivise carriers to ensure that a traveller holds an ETA or another form of permission, such as a visa or an immigration status in electronic form or risk a civil penalty.

3. Frequently asked questions

3.1 will eea citizens require etas.

Yes, it is our intention that EEA citizens will be required to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK.

3.2 How much will an ETA cost – will this be cost recovery only?

The exact details of the scheme, including how much an ETA will cost, will be announced in due course.

3.3 When will the ETA scheme be introduced?

Our ETA scheme will be fully in place by the end of 2024.

3.4 What if somebody turns up at the border without applying for an ETA?

To be fully effective, individuals’ permissions must be checked by their carrier and confirmed prior to travel. Carriers will be expected to confirm that an individual has an appropriate permission to travel, in document or digital form, before they bring them to the UK. Otherwise, they may be liable to a penalty charge.

The Home Office will use interactive advance passenger information (API) to confirm whether an individual has permission to travel to the UK and return an electronic message to the carrier advising them whether someone has a permission to travel.

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ETA UK: How to Apply for a UK Travel Authorisation | iVisa

Are you planning on traveling to the United Kingdom soon? Make sure to apply in time for the UK ETA , an electronic travel authorization that allows travelers from eligible countires to visit the country without having to apply for a UK visa.

This visa waiver is not available yet, but will be implemented in 2023 . All visitors to the UK will be required to show that they have permission to enter the country in the near future.

Keep reading to learn more about this new travel document for the UK.

What is the UK ETA?

The ETA for the United Kingdom has been designed to fully digitalize borders and strengthen security checks. It’s a digital travel authorisation similar to the United States ESTA .

Upon arrival at the border, travelers will just need to scan the passport they used to apply, and the entry permit will be verified electronically.

With the ETA, you can:

• Visit the country for tourism, friends and family visits, holidays, and short-term study.
• Stay in the United Kingdom for up to 90 days per entry. It’s a multiple-entry document, valid for 2 years.

The ETA is not a visa, but it works similarly. However, it is likely much easier to obtain than a UK Standard Visitor Visa with a simple and fully online application process.

Who will need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation visa waiver?

It's not been confirmed which countries are eligible, but it's expected that non-visa nationals such as travelers from the European Union, Australia, the USA, New Zealand, Japan, Brazil, etc. must apply for the UK ETA before visiting the country.

Children are also required to have an ETA to visit the UK, and parents or legal guardians are responsible to apply on their behalf.

British and Irish citizens or those who already have a valid visa or immigration status to enter the UK, do not have to apply.

Those who currently need a visa for the UK , will probably not be able to apply for the UK ETA. Make sure to apply for the UK Standard Visitor Visa before you go.

When will the UK ETA be available?

The digital travel authorisation system will become effective in 2023. It is still under development. We will update this page as soon as it’s available , so make sure to bookmark this page and check back soon.

Alternatively, sign up for the iVisa newsletter below to get updates and news about travel requirements and inspiration for your next trip!

What are the requirements to apply for the UK ETA?

Applying for the UK ETA online is quick and easy. However, it’s important to gather the correct documents and information before starting your application.

You’ll need the following info to apply for the ETA to the United Kingdom:

Personal info, such as your full name, date of birth, nationality, and travel details.

Valid passport issued by one of the eligible countries.

Email address.

Credit or debit card to pay the application fees.

Make sure that all information is correct and matches your passport.

How do I apply for the UK ETA online?

The entire online application process should not take more than 10 minutes! Here are the steps:

Step 1: Complete the electronic form. When applying with iVisa, one of our experts will carefully double-check your application to avoid rejections and delays.

Step 2: Choose a preferred processing time. iVisa usually offers three options, depending on your budget and needs.

Step 3: Pay the fees securely online with a debit or credit card, or PayPal.

Once the application has been submitted and approved within the chosen timeframe, a confirmation will be sent to your email address.

Simply scan your passport upon arrival in the UK, there’s no need to print anything. Get ready to enjoy your trip!

Need more information about traveling to the United Kingdom?

More questions about the UK electronic travel authorization or another travel document to visit the country? Contact our expert customer service team via online chat or email at [email protected] . They are available 24/7 to assist.

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• iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration

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