LS Legal News Bulletin
Simplifying UK Travel: Your Guide to the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
Friday 31st January 2025
What is ETA?
The travel rules for the UK are changing. Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is intended to improve the control of immigration and facilitate public security of the United Kingdom.
It is now mandatory for everyone who previously was not required to have a visa for travelling into the UK. From 9 January 2025, everyone, including children, except British and Irish citizens, will need to apply for ETA before they travel. ETA is necessary for those who:
1. Are coming to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family or friends, business, or short-term study
2. Are coming to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker Visa concession
3. Are coming to the UK for a permitted work engagement
4. Are transiting through the UK
How to Apply for ETA?
The Government has aimed to create an application process that is simple, transparent, and easy to follow. Applications for the ETA are made using the UK ETA App, which is available to download from both the App Store and Google Play. Please view the links to the app in the description.
To apply, prepare your physical passport that you will be travelling with, an email address, and a card to pay the application fee. The process is straightforward and requires basic personal information, travel details, and answers to security-related questions. It costs £10.00 to apply for ETA. After completing the application, it takes around 3 working days for the ETA to be issued.
Once issued, the ETA will be linked to the passport used in the application and will remain active for 2 years. This means you don’t need to apply for it again to travel to the UK during this period.
Most nationalities are already able to apply for the ETA. However, European nationals will be able to apply from 5 March 2025. Please see the link in the description to find the full list of eligible countries.
Finally, please note that if you intend to come to the UK for more than 6 months, you need to check whether you require a visa.
How Can We Help?
We understand that complying with new travel requirements can be daunting. LS Legal Solicitors is committed to providing clear guidance and support to ensure that your travel plans go smoothly. Whether you need assistance with the ETA application or advice on immigration matters, we are here to help.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.
Please refer to the following links for more information:
Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) - GOV.UK (General Information containing requirements and application process details)
Check if you can get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) - GOV.UK (List of nationalities that can apply)
