Visitors to the UK who don’t currently need a visa for short stays will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before their trip very soon. By the end of this year, most travellers to the UK, including citizens from the EU and the US, will need this ETA as part of a new system. Whether you’re planning a short vacation or a business trip of up to six months, this advance travel approval will be required. The only exceptions will be British and Irish citizens and EU nationals with pre-settled or settled status.
Find out more key details about this significant travel document from the upcoming segment.
What is an ETA?
An ETA is a form of digital permission to travel. An ETA is not a visa, it does not permit entry into the UK – it allows an individual to travel to the UK. ETA applications can be done online or via a mobile app, where travellers will submit a photo, and passport details along with answering questions about any criminal history or prior immigration issues.
For most people, the ETA will be processed within three working days, and decisions may be automated. In cases where there are past convictions or visa overstays, an ETA could be denied.
Once granted, the ETA will be electronically linked to the traveller’s passport, so you don’t need to show any physical document for authorisation. Airlines and other carriers will be notified digitally that the traveller has permission to enter the UK.
Key Dates and Costs of ETA:
- Eligible non-Europeans can apply in advance for ETA from 27 November 2024 and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025.
- Eligible Europeans have the option to apply from 5 March 2025 and will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.
- Visitors can apply on GOV.UK to get ETA.
- An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over a period of two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
Who is eligible for an ETA?
- Non-visa nationals, including children who do not need a visa for short stays (e.g., tourism or business trips up to six months).
- Citizens of the European Union (EU) travelling to the UK.
- Citizens of the United States and other eligible non-European countries.
- Visitors travelling for tourism, business, or medical reasons.
- Individuals without a UK immigration status prior to their trip.
Who Doesn’t Need an ETA?
- British and Irish citizens are the exceptions
- Individuals with existing UK immigration status, such as settled or pre-settled status.
- People holding a valid UK visa.
- Those traveling to the UK with a visa from another category (e.g., work or student visa).
- Diplomats or official visitors with special clearance.
Criteria for ETA Application
- Enter the website of GOV.UK . For an easy application, you may use ‘UK ETA app’, that is available on the Google Play or Apple App Store.
- The application is quite simple and straightforward. Applicants usually get an update within three days after applying. To quicken the process, it is advised to use the mobile app.
- To apply for an ETA, you need:
- Pay the £10 fee
- Provide accurate contact and passport details
- Give valid photos, complying with our rules for digital photos on GOV.UK
- Answer a set of questions
- Visitors must travel using the same passport they used when they applied for the ETA.
Final Lines
To apply for your ETA to make your ETA application process hassle-free, contact Tramuda. As a luxury travel agency, we focus on the fact that your ETA application and getting process becomes super-smooth and you don’t face any kind of difficulty. Our experts will be there to provide valuable guidance and do everything needed from the very beginning to make your ETA approval easy and smooth.
FAQs
What kind of questions are asked for an ETA?
When applying for an ETA, you’ll need to provide basic information like your name, date of birth, and nationality, along with details of any criminal convictions. Interestingly, you won’t need to enter your travel details at this stage. After this, you’ll need to pay a small fee, and the Home Office will carry out checks on your identity, criminal record, immigration history, and security status.
How long does it take to get an Approved ETA?
Most of the ETA applications start to get processed in just a few minutes. However, if additional documents are needed, the process can take longer. Should this happen, you’ll receive an email with instructions, and the issue should be resolved within 72 hours.
Can an ETA be refused?
Yes, an ETA application can be denied. One reason for refusal is if the applicant has failed to pay litigation costs that were previously awarded to the Home Office.
What is ETA confirmation?
Once getting the approval ETA will be linked to your passport. This serves as your official entry authorisation. Make sure to check the expiry date and renew it two to three months before it expires.
Why do you need an ETA?
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a required entry document for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to certain countries like the UK. Linked digitally to your passport, it remains valid for up to two years or until your passport expires — whichever happens first.
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