Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

On 10 September 2024, the UK government formally introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme under the Immigration Rules. This system represents a significant shift in UK border policy, aiming to enhance pre-arrival screening for non-visa nationals intending to visit the UK.

The ETA is mandatory for certain travellers who wish to enter the UK as:

• Visitors (excluding Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitors) for up to six months; or

• Temporary Work – Creative Workers using the relevant visa concession.

It applies only to those who do not require a visa under current rules and who do not hold other UK immigration status. The primary purpose is to close existing gaps in immigration control by ensuring that eligible travellers are pre-cleared before travelling.

What is the UK ETA Scheme?

The ETA scheme introduces a digital pre-travel clearance requirement for eligible non-visa nationals.

It is designed to:

• Strengthen UK border security;

• Identify individuals who may pose security or immigration risks before they arrive; and

• Reduce the likelihood of refusal of entry at the border.

To obtain an ETA, travellers must complete an online or app-based application, pay a fee, and meet suitability requirements. The application is checked against security, criminal, and immigration records.

Important: An ETA is not a visa. It is a travel authorisation. If an ETA is refused, a person may still apply for the relevant UK visa, although this process is usually more detailed and requires additional evidence.

Who Needs an ETA to Travel to the UK?

The requirement is for nationals of visa-free countries.

How to Apply for a UK ETA

Applications can be made via the UK ETA App or the official online application form.

Applicants must provide:

• A valid national passport (other travel documents are not accepted for ETA purposes);

• A passport-style photograph (digital format);

• Responses to security and suitability questions;

• Payment of the £16 application fee.

Applications are typically processed quickly, but travellers are advised to apply well in advance of their intended travel date to avoid delays.

Suitability Criteria for ETA Applications

Under the Immigration Rules, an ETA may be refused if any of the following apply:

• Exclusion or Deportation Orders – Subject to a deportation or exclusion order from the UK.

• Criminality Grounds – Conviction of an offence resulting in a custodial sentence of 12 months or more, or a conviction within the 12 months preceding the application.

• Non-Conducive Grounds – Considered not conducive to the public good based on conduct, character, or associations.

• Previous Immigration Breaches – Past overstaying, breaching visa conditions, or using deception in a UK immigration application.

• False Representations – Providing false information or documents in the ETA or any other immigration application.

• NHS Debt – Owing £500 or more to the NHS.

• Unpaid Litigation Costs – Owing litigation costs to the Home Office.

If Your ETA is Refused

A refusal of an ETA does not automatically mean you cannot travel to the UK.

It means you must apply for the relevant visa instead, such as:

• Standard Visitor Visa – for tourism, business, or short-term study;

• Creative Worker Visa – for short-term work in eligible creative sectors.

However, applying for a visa after an ETA refusal can be complex. You may need to provide detailed evidence addressing the reasons for refusal, including supporting documentation to show you meet the Immigration Rules.

Common issues leading to refusals include:

• Minor inaccuracies in the application form;

• Misunderstanding of questions relating to criminal or immigration history;

• Automated system errors in matching records.

Why Seek Professional Advice?

The ETA is intended as a straightforward, quick pre-travel check, but refusals can still occur — particularly for those with:

• Any criminal history (even minor convictions in other jurisdictions);

• Previous visa refusals or immigration overstays;

• Past use of incorrect or false documents;

• Unpaid NHS bills or litigation costs.

If your circumstances are not straightforward, it is wise to seek professional immigration advice before applying to avoid refusals, delays, or being flagged in UK border systems.

The UK ETA Scheme represents a major change for visa-free travellers. While it simplifies short-term entry for most applicants, it also introduces new compliance requirements that cannot be ignored.

If you are planning to travel to the UK from a visa-free country after your country’s ETA implementation date, ensure you:

• Check the visa requirement for your nationality;

• Apply for your ETA well in advance;

• Answer all suitability questions accurately and truthfully; and

• Seek legal advice if you have any immigration, criminal, or financial history that could impact your application.

If your ETA is refused, you may still be able to travel by applying for a UK visa — but a well-prepared application, supported by legal expertise, can greatly improve your chances of success.

Common Q&A

What is an ETA?	A digital authorisation allowing short visits to the UK, linked to your passport.
How much does it cost?	£16, effective 9 April 2025.
How long is it valid?	Up to two years, or until your passport expires.
How long can I stay per visit?	Up to six months each visit.
Can I transit without an ETA?	Only if you remain airside and do not enter the UK.
Do children need an ETA?	Yes—every traveller, including children and infants, needs their own ETA.
Who is exempt?	British and Irish citizens, UK visa holders, CTA residents travelling internally, and currently airside transits.
What happens if my ETA is refused?	You can still apply for a visa, such as the Standard Visitor or Creative Worker visa.