No Deal Brexit digital composite of huge queues at the airport causing chaos for travellers attempting to fly at the start of the school holidays. Could these scenes be avoided with the new UK ETA and EU ETIAS systems?
Credit: Shutterstock, Alexandre Rotenberg
EU, American, and Canadian travellers – among many others – will now need to jump through new hoops to enter Britain. From January 8, 2025, jet-setters from 48 countries must secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to land on UK soil. The fresh face of travel checks is set to ruffle the document shuffle but promises a smoother journey – if you get it sorted in time!
Starting January 8, 2025, nearly six million yearly visitors from the US, Canada, Australia, and other non-European countries will need an ETA for short visits up to six months for tourism, business, family visits, or a brief study. This requirement will later extend to most European Union citizens from April 2, 2025. The only ones exempt are UK visa holders already living in Britain – they’re off the hook for ETA.
Get ready, jet-setters. Starting January 8, 2025, visitors from 48 countries, including the US, Canada, and Australia, must apply for and pay £10 for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel.
If you thought Brexit-era queues were bad, brace yourselves. This new red tape is Britain’s answer to the US’s ESTA system and comes ahead of the EU’s long-awaited ETIAS, which rolls out later in 2025. Here’s the lowdown on what it means for travel plans.
Who needs an ETA to enter the UK?
If you don’t need a visa to visit the UK, you’ll now need an ETA for short trips of up to six months – whether for tourism, business, or short-term study. The only exceptions are EU citizens for now, but they shouldn’t get too comfy either – they’ll need an ETA too from April 2, 2025.
Living in the UK already? Breathe easy – this one’s not for you. The full list of countries requiring an ETA can be found on the UK government website.
What’s an ETA?
Think of it as a digital permission slip. You’ll need it before boarding your flight, and it’s linked to your passport. But don’t confuse it with a visa – if you’re from a country requiring a visa, you’ll still need one instead of an ETA.
How do I get an ETA to enter the UK?
Ready to join the ETA club? Here’s how:
First, apply online or via the official app (iPhone or Android). Whip out your passport, take a selfie, and fill in the details. The process takes about 20 minutes – so brew a cuppa or make yourself a coffee while you wait.
Then, fill in your passport details and upload a photo.
Finally, snap a selfie, answer a few cheeky questions, and cough up the non-refundable £10 fee.
The whole thing takes about 20 minutes, and decisions usually land within three working days. But don’t leave it to the last minute – delays can and will happen.
Beware – an ETA doesn’t mean you’re automatically let in. The final nod comes from the Border Force at passport control. They still hold the reigns to say “Yes, you may” or “Sorry, not today!.” However, we can assume the ‘nos’ will be reserved for cases where the wrong information has been entered or there’s a serious concern.
Can I enter the UK without an ETA?
No. Airlines won’t even let you board without proof of your ETA. Got an urgent trip? Apply beforehand and cross your fingers – but remember, an ETA doesn’t guarantee entry. Border Force officers still have the final say and they’ll be looking to lay down the law from the start.
How long does a UK ETA last?
The ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first. Planning multiple trips? No need to fret, you’re covered for unlimited entries within that time.
Does this include young children?
Yes, even your littlest travellers need their own ETA.
Do transiting travellers also need an ETA to pass through the UK?
Yes. You’ll still need an ETA if you’re catching a connecting flight from the UK. Whether you’re changing flights at Heathrow or zipping through to Europe, every footstep on UK soil now comes with paperwork.
Why now?
Call it tit-for-tat travel rules. The US introduced its ESTA in 2009, the EU is introducing ETIAS, and now the UK wants to do the same.
Top tips for travellers going to the UK under the new ETA system
- Apply early to dodge delays.
- Watch out for scam websites charging extra fees. Stick to official channels.
- Got a new passport? Reapply for your ETA – it won’t transfer over.
So, if you’re heading to the UK in 2025, don’t get caught out. Plan ahead, download the app, and sort your ETA before take-off. Because nothing says “Welcome to Britain” like a fresh dose of bureaucracy.
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