Each year the UK welcomes millions of visitors from around the world. From holidays to short term study or business trips.
The UK Government are making improvements to deliver a more streamlined, digital immigration system which will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border each year.
Visitors to the UK need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they do not need a visa for short stays of up to six months, or do not already have a UK immigration status.
Eligible visitors taking connecting flights (transiting) and passing through the UK border need an ETA. Those who are transiting and do not pass through the UK border do not currently need an ETA.
An ETA is a digital permission to travel, it is not a visa or a tax and does not permit entry into the UK, it authorises a person to travel to the UK.
British and Irish citizens, as well as people with status under the EU Settlement Scheme do not need an ETA.
An ETA costs £16 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
The ‘What is an Electronic Travel Authorisation?’ video provides a quick overview of the ETA and who will need one. The ‘Getting started: applying for an ETA’ video provides a short and simple walkthrough of the ETA application process.
Applying for an ETA is quick and simple. Visitors can find more information about applying for an ETA on GOV.UK.