The UK government has announced the full introduction of Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) to all non-visa nationals, as part of efforts to modernise its immigration system and enhance border security. The new digital system aims to streamline entry procedures to the UK while preventing potential security threats.
Previously available only to citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the UK ETA program later opened to Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Saint-Kitts-and-Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States, Uruguay.
The ETA scheme introduced by the UK will now extend to the following 34 European countries and territories from March 5, 2025:
- Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, 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 and Vatican City.
From April 2, 2025, obtaining an ETA before departure will become compulsory for all visa-exempt travellers to the UK.
Indian passport holders require a visa to enter the UK and do not need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
Who Needs an ETA?
- Eligible non-European nationals already require an ETA to travel to the UK.
- Eligible European nationals can apply from 5 March 2025 and will need an ETA for travel from 2 April 2025.
How to Apply
The UK government has assured that applying for an ETA will be a simple process. Travelers can submit applications via the ‘UK ETA’ app, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store, or through the official government website, GOV.UK.
Applicants must:
- Pay a £10 fee
- Provide contact and passport details
- Submit a valid digital photo
- Answer a short set of security-related questions
While most applicants receive a decision within minutes, authorities recommend applying at least three working days in advance in case of additional reviews.
Cost and Validity
An ETA allows multiple visits to the UK for up to six months at a time over a two-year period, or until the holder’s passport expires—whichever comes first. The UK government has indicated that the cost will increase to £16 in the future to reduce reliance on taxpayer funding for border control.
Impact on Border Security
By requiring applicants to submit biographic, biometric, and contact details, the ETA system will enable UK authorities to assess security risks before individuals travel, strengthening border protection.
ETA Requirements for Northern Ireland
- British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.
- Non-Irish residents of Ireland who do not require a visa to enter the UK are also exempt when traveling from within the Common Travel Area (CTA).
- Those traveling from outside the CTA will need an ETA before entering the UK.
What Happens if an ETA is Denied?
Applicants whose ETA is rejected will be informed of the reason and may reapply. However, there is no appeal process—those refused may instead apply for a visa.
Are Transit Passengers Affected?
Following discussions with the aviation industry, the UK government has implemented a temporary exemption for airside transit passengers—those who do not pass through UK border control. However, passengers who cross the UK border during transit will require an ETA if their nationality demands one.
The ETA application can be submitted on the UK government’s official website at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta. It is also possible to submit the application via the “UK ETA” mobile app, downloadable on iOS and Android.
To obtain the ETA, travelers must complete an online form, including personal details, passport and passport photo, as well as a few security questions.
The cost of the ETA has been set at £10 (around $/€13, including bank charges), and the response is usually obtained within a few hours. Once approved, the ETA is valid for 2 years and authorizes the holder to stay in the UK for up to 6 months.
