There have been important updates regarding the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Here's what you need to know to ensure your visitors, students and business travellers are fully prepared.

What is an ETA

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) grants permission to travel to the UK. It is required for individuals from countries outside of the Common Travel Area (CTA) and applies to visitors, students and business travellers. This authorisation must be obtained before travel, but it is not a visa and does not replace standard visa requirements.

Once issued, an ETA is valid for two years or until the expiration of the passport used in the application, whichever comes first. It allows multiple visits during this period, but each visit is assessed individually upon arrival at the UK border.

Get started applying for a UK ETA

What does this mean for you?

Licensed sponsors

  • As a licensed sponsor, you do not need to keep a copy of an individual’s ETA.
  • Checking an ETA falls under the responsibility of the airline carrier, not the sponsor.
  • You are only required to conduct the usual right-to-work or right-to-study checks as per current regulations.

Education providers

  • If your institution deals with short-term student visitors, you will continue to perform the same checks you currently do, such as verifying proof of travel to the UK and obtaining a copy of their passport.
  • An ETA does not replace a visitor’s visa granted at entry. It simply allows individuals to travel to the UK, where they will still be assessed upon arrival.

Phased rollout of ETA application process

To avoid any disruptions to travel plans, we recommend that visitors and short-term business travellers begin the process of applying for an ETA as soon as it becomes mandatory. This will be approached in a phased roll-out as follows:

Phase 1: November 2023 – February 2024

  • Qatar
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Oman
  • Bahrain
  • Kuwait
  • UAE

Phase 2: Apply from 27 November 2024 to be used from 8 January 2025

Africa

  • Botswana
  • Mauritius
  • Seychelles

Americas

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Grenada
  • Guatamala
  • Guyana
  • Mexico
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Vincent and Grenadines
  • The Bahamas
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Uruguay
  • USA

Asia

  • Brunei
  • Hong Kong (SAR)
  • Israel
  • Japan
  • Macao (SAR)
  • Malaysia
  • Maldives
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Taiwan

Pacific Oceania

  • Australia
  • Kiribati
  • Marshall Islands
  • Federated States of Micronesia
  • Nauru
  • New Zealand
  • Palau
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Samoa
  • Solomon Islands
  • Tonga
  • Tuvalu

Phase 3: Apply from 5 March 2025 to be used from 2 April 2025

  • EU/EEA and Swiss
  • Andorra
  • 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

 

ETA FAQs

Can visitors enter the UK multiple times during their visa validity period?

Yes, visitors can enter the UK multiple times, but they cannot live in the UK through repeated visits. Each visit must not exceed the maximum period permitted, which is usually up to six months. However, there is no set rule for how long a visitor can spend in the UK within a year, but each case is assessed individually. Border Force officers may refuse entry if visitors cannot prove their stay complies with the immigration rules.

How long can I stay in the UK as a standard visitor?

If granted entry as a standard visitor, you can typically stay in the UK for up to six months. However, each entry is evaluated on its own merits, and the length of stay granted may vary.

When does the permission to travel become effective once I receive an ETA?

Permission to travel is authorised from the date the ETA is granted. You will receive an email confirmation once your ETA is approved.

Will BNO (British National Overseas) passport holders need an ETA to travel to the UK?

Yes, BNO holders will require an ETA to travel to the UK.

Is the ETA linked to the passport used for the application?

Yes, the ETA is digitally linked to the passport used during the application process. Ensure you travel with the same passport you used to apply for the ETA.

What happens if a carrier allows someone to board without an ETA?

Under the Carriers’ Liability Scheme, all carriers, including ferry operators, must verify that passengers have the appropriate permission to travel to the UK. If they fail to do so and allow a person without an ETA or other immigration permission to board, they may face a penalty charge.

Are school children exempt from needing an ETA to travel to the UK?

No, school children are not exempt from requiring an ETA. However, an exception may apply for French students on organised trips. Following a summit between the UK and France in March 2023, the UK committed to easing travel requirements for French school groups. The Home Office is considering how this will be implemented alongside the rollout of the ETA.

How will carriers check if I have permission to travel to the UK?

Carriers will submit Advance Passenger Information (API) to the UK Home Office, which will respond with a code indicating whether you have permission to travel. This system is part of the revised Carriers’ Liability Scheme, ensuring that only passengers with the appropriate travel permission are allowed to board.

If you have any questions about the ETA, do not hesitate to get in touch with our business immigration team. Our expert advisers can help you navigate the complexities of UK immigration. Give us a call on +44 (0) 20 7759 5420 or email workpermits@sableinternational.com.

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