Traveling to the UK in 2025? New ETA Requirement Starts January 8!

Beginning January 8, 2025, the U.K. will require an electronic travel authorization (ETA). Once approved, travelers will receive their ETA electronically.

All information about this new requirement can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

 

How to apply

1. Take or upload a photo of the passport you will use to travel to the UK.
2. Scan your face with your device, if it has a camera. Children aged 9 and under will not be asked to scan their face.
3. Take or upload a photo of yourself.
4. Answer some questions about yourself.
5. Pay for your application.

How long it takes

You will usually get a decision within 3 working days, but you may get a quicker decision. Occasionally, it may take longer than 3 working days.

Group applications

Each person must apply separately.

You may get a decision at a different time from others in your group, even if you applied at the same time.

If you need to travel soon

You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK. You can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision.

After you apply

You will get an email confirming you have got an ETA. It will be linked to the passport you applied with.

Your ETA lasts for 2 years. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time.

If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new ETA.

Entering the UK

An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. You still need to either:

• see a Border Force officer
• use an ePassport gate, if you are eligible

Read more about border control.

What you can do with an ETA

You can get an ETA instead of a visa if you are:

• coming to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study
• coming to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
• coming to the UK for a permitted paid engagement
• transiting through the UK – including if you are not going through UK border control

If you are coming to the UK for another reason, check if you need a visa instead.

What you cannot do with an ETA

You cannot:

• stay in the UK for longer than 6 months
• do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless you are doing a permitted paid engagement or event or work on the Creative Worker visa concession
• claim public funds (benefits)
• live in the UK through frequent or successive visits
• marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership - you will need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa

How much it costs

It costs £10 to apply. Everyone travelling needs to get an ETA, including babies and children. You can apply for other people. You cannot get a refund after you apply.

There is an APP that can be downloaded to apply. Click on the images below from your mobile app.