UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Application Guide

Introduction to the Electronic Travel Authorisation Scheme

On 10 September 2024, the UK government published its latest Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules (HC 217), introducing the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. 

This system is designed to enhance the pre-arrival screening process for non-visa nationals seeking entry to the UK, either as a Visitor (excluding Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitors) for stays of up to six months or as a Temporary Work – Creative Worker under the Creative Worker visa concession.

The ETA requirement applies to nationals who do not currently need a visa for these routes and who hold no other UK immigration status.

This initiative significantly improves immigration control by providing a thorough pre-arrival assessment of all travellers to the UK.

What is the UK ETA Scheme?

The Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme aims to address gaps in the UK's pre-approval process for visitors and temporary creative workers. By requiring non-visa nationals to secure an ETA before travel, the UK government can better evaluate potential risks before individuals reach the UK border.

Applicants must submit a valid ETA application and meet specific suitability criteria. If the Home Office determines that an application is invalid or that the applicant does not meet the required criteria, the ETA may be denied.

A refusal of ETA does not equate to a refusal of entry into the UK. In such cases, the individual may still enter the UK, but will need to apply for and obtain a valid visa to do so. If an ETA application is refused, the process of obtaining a visa may be complex, and seeking professional advice is recommended.

Do I Need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to Travel to the UK?

Nationals from the following locations will need to obtain an ETA for visa-free travel to the UK:

• From 15 November 2023: Qatar.
• From 22 February 2024: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia.
• From 8 January 2025: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong SAR (including British National Overseas), Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao SAR, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan (passport must include identification card number), The Bahamas, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States, Uruguay.
• From 2 April 2025: Adorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City.

If your nationality is not listed above, you are ineligible for an ETA and must apply for a UK visa before traveling.

When Does the ETA Application Process Open?

• 25 October 2023: ETA applications opened for Qatari nationals traveling on or after 15 November 2023.
• 1 February 2024: ETA applications opened for Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, and Saudi Arabia nationals traveling on or after 22 February 2024.
• 27 November 2024: Applications open for nationals of the listed countries, including Argentina, Australia. - Applications will be open for nationals of United States and and Uruguay, traveling on or after 8 January 2025.
• 5 March 2025: ETA applications open for nationals of Andorra, Austria, Belgium, and other European countries traveling on or after 2 April 2025.

How Do I Apply for a UK ETA?

You can apply for a UK ETA through the ETA App or an online form. During the application process, you will need to:

• Pay a £10 application fee.
• Provide your contact information and passport details.
  
• Upload a valid passport photo.
  
• Answer suitability questions.

The UK ETA must be applied for using a national passport. Travelers using any other type of document must apply for a UK visa instead.

ETA Application Process

The ETA application process is primarily automated, with the majority of applicants receiving approval within 3 working days of submitting their application.

Applicants are required to complete a brief application, providing biometric data (in the form of a facial image), personal details as well as answering a few suitability-related questions.

You will need to complete your application in one go - you will not be able to save your progress.

Does the Home Office need to review your application?

Home Office caseworkers will only need to review applications in the following cases:

• The applicant's identity cannot be automatically verified
  
• Potentially adverse information has been detected
  
• The applicant has self-reported criminal activity, involvement in war crimes, terrorism, or extremism

When an application is flagged for identity verification, the case worker must assess whether the applicant meets the identity requirements for an ETA before making a decision to approve or reject the application.

If an application is rejected at the identity verification stage, it will not be assessed against the suitability criteria, and the applicant can submit a new application.

For applications referred due to adverse information found in Home Office records or self-declared criminality, war crimes, terrorism, or extremism, the case worker must determine whether the applicant meets the ETA suitability criteria before making a final decision.

Expanded Suitability Criteria for ETA Applications

According to the Immigration Rules, an ETA may be refused for the following reasons:

• Exclusion or deportation: If the applicant is subject to an exclusion or deportation order.
  
• Criminality: If the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offense, including non-UK convictions, with a custodial sentence of 12 months or more.
  
• Non-conducive to the public good: If the applicant’s presence is deemed a threat due to conduct, character, or associations.
  
• Previous immigration law breaches: Overstaying, breaching visa conditions, or using deception in previous applications.
  
• False representations: If false information or documents were submitted in any immigration application.
  
• NHS debt: If the applicant owes more than £500 for NHS services.
  
• Unpaid litigation costs: If the applicant owes litigation costs to the Home Office.

New changes introduced in HC 217 include:

• Overstayers: Suitability criteria will be aligned with broader immigration rules to account for the nature and duration of previous overstays.
• Previous visa refusals: Individuals previously refused a visa must apply for one, even if eligible for an ETA.
• Cancellation of ETA: If an ETA is cancelled, the applicant must apply for a visa for any future travel to the UK.

If any of these grounds apply to your situation, it is advisable to seek expert legal advice before making an application.

Strengthening Immigration Control

The introduction of the ETA scheme aligns with the UK’s efforts to enhance immigration control, allowing for pre-arrival assessment and improving the ability to manage the entry of visitors.

However, there is always the risk of errors in the Home Office’s decision-making process. If you receive an ETA refusal, seeking specialist legal advice can help clarify your options.

Who is Exempt from the ETA Requirement?

An ETA is not necessary for individuals who fall into any of the following categories:

• British citizens
• Irish citizens (with the exception of those who need permission to enter the UK due to being subject to a deportation order, exclusion order, or an international travel ban)
• British Overseas Territory Citizens (BOTC) traveling on a BOTC passport
• Individuals with valid entry clearance or permission to enter or remain in the UK, including those with settled status
• Individuals exempt from immigration control

Additionally, third-country nationals who are lawfully residing in Ireland and traveling to the UK from within the Common Travel Area (CTA) for a visit do not need an ETA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs to apply for an ETA to enter the UK?

The UK ETA scheme is a newly introduced system that requires non-visa nationals to obtain approval through an ETA before traveling to the UK as a Visitor or under the Temporary Work – Creative Worker route. Its purpose is to screen travellers before arrival to assess any potential risks.

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

The UK ETA scheme is a newly introduced system that requires non-visa nationals to obtain approval through an ETA before traveling to the UK as a Visitor or under the Temporary Work – Creative Worker route. Its purpose is to screen travelers before arrival to assess any potential risks.

How do I apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation?

You can submit an ETA application using either the dedicated ETA app or an online form. Applicants must provide passport details, a valid passport photo, pay a £10 fee, and answer suitability-related questions.

When will the ETA requirement be implemented for different countries?

The ETA scheme was first implemented in November 2023 for Qatari nationals and will gradually be extended to other countries in phases, with full implementation by April 2025.

What happens if my ETA application is denied?

If your ETA is refused, you can still enter the UK by applying for a visa. In such cases, it’s recommended to seek professional legal advice to ensure the visa application process goes smoothly.

What factors could cause an ETA to be refused?

ETA applications may be denied for several reasons, including criminal convictions, exclusion or deportation orders, prior immigration violations, or unpaid NHS charges, among other factors outlined in this guide.

Can I still travel to the UK if my ETA is refused?

It is possible to travel to the UK, but only after obtaining a visa, such as a Standard Visitor Visa or Creative Worker Visa.

What are the suitability criteria for the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme?

The suitability criteria cover factors like criminal records, past immigration violations, and outstanding debts to the NHS. Additional criteria introduced in September 2024 apply stricter rules for overstayers and individuals previously denied visas

Is the ETA a visa?

No, the ETA is not a visa. It is a travel authorisation required for non-visa nationals visiting the UK as Visitors or Temporary Creative Workers, and it must be obtained prior to traveling.

What if my ETA is cancelled?

If your ETA is cancelled, you will need to apply for a UK visa to travel again, even if the cancellation was not due to suitability concerns.

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