The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is digitally linked to a traveler's passport.Getty Images
The UK's new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system came into effect for Americans, as well as more than 50 other nationalities, on Wednesday, January 8.
An ETA provides digital permission for visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status.
As part of the UK, Northern Ireland now requires an ETA from dozens of nationalities, including Americans, for entry.
Irish and British citizens do not need an ETA.
Americans are among the nationalities from more than 50 countries, territories, and regions that are required to have an ETA to travel to the UK, including Northern Ireland, to visit for up to six months from January 8.
Nationalities from a batch of European locations can apply for an ETA from March 5. ETAs will be required for this group from April 2.
Gulf Cooperation Council visitors already need an ETA to travel to the UK.
According to the US Embassy in Ireland: "Effective January 8, 2025, all US citizens who do not reside in Ireland transiting or traveling to the UK (including Northern Ireland) for tourism, family visits, business meetings, conferences, or short-term study for 6 months or less will require an ETA prior to travel."
The Embassy underscored that the ETA is a "major change to the UK’s travel regulations."
It added: "All non-resident US citizens in Ireland, including children, will be required to have a valid ETA when traveling to UK, even when traveling by land between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland."
The ETA is the UK's equivalent of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for travel to the US.
What is an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?
An ETA is a digital permission to travel to and through the UK, including Northern Ireland.
An ETA is not a visa.
Once granted, ETAs are digitally linked to a traveler’s passport and allow for stays in the UK, including Northern Ireland, of up to six months at a time – including both short trips and more extended stays.
The UK Government says ETAs "will enhance security through new technology and make the UK border more efficient, preserving the UK’s appeal as a dynamic, diverse, and exciting destination to visit."
Who does and doesn't need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?
All travelers to the UK – except British and Irish citizens – will need permission to travel in advance through either an ETA or an eVisa.
If you have any of the following, you do not need an ETA to visit the UK, including Northern Ireland:
- A visa
- Permission to live, work, or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)
- British or Irish citizenship
- A British overseas territories citizen passport
You do not need an ETA if you live in Ireland and you are traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
If you are a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship, you do not need an ETA. You can prove your permission to travel using your British passport, Irish passport, or other passport containing a certificate of entitlement.
How does Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) work in Northern Ireland?
The UK does not operate routine immigration controls on journeys from within the Common Travel Area, with no immigration controls whatsoever on the Ireland-Northern Ireland land border.
However, the UK Government says everyone arriving in the UK, including those entering Northern Ireland, continues to need to enter in line with the UK’s Immigration Rules including obtaining an ETA if they are eligible.
Non-Irish residents of Ireland from nationalities that do not need a visa to visit the UK (e.g. European and US nationals), do not need an ETA when traveling to the UK– including Northern Ireland – from within the Common Travel Area which includes Ireland, provided they hold acceptable evidence of their residence status.
If they are traveling to the UK from outside the Common Travel Area, they will need an ETA before they travel, once required for their nationality.
British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA.
Are Electronic Travel Authorization (ETAs) needed by those transiting through the UK?
The UK Government says that requiring transit passengers to obtain an ETA stops people who may use connecting flights to avoid gaining permission to travel to the UK. The Government is keeping this under review.
What can I do with an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?
You can get an ETA instead of a visa if you are:
- coming to the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study
- coming to the UK for up to three 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, you are encouraged to check if you need a visa instead.
What can I not do with an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?
- Stay in the UK for longer than six 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 is an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?
An ETA costs £10, about $12.
How long is an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) valid for?
An ETA lasts for two years or until the holder’s passport expires - whichever is sooner.
If you get a new passport, you must apply for a new ETA.
How can I apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?
You can apply for the ETA on the UK ETA app, which is available here.
You will need a photo of yourself, the passport you will use to travel to the UK, as well as a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay to apply.
You will provide your biographic, biometric, and contact details and answer a short set of questions.
You do not need your travel details to apply for your ETA.
The UK Government recommends the use of the UK ETA app to apply for the ETA, but if you cannot access the app, you can apply online here.
When should I apply for Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?
You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK, though the UK Government says you can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision.
How long does it take to receive an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) decision?
The UK Government says applicants "usually get a decision within three working days, but you may get a quicker decision."
It adds that "occasionally" it may take longer than three working days.
Does an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) guarantee entry to the UK?
No, an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. Travelers still need to either see a Border Force officer or use an ePassport gate, if eligible.
How do I show my Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?
Since it's digitally linked to your passport, you do not need to show a paper copy of your ETA. However, printing your ETA confirmation email may be helpful for your own records.
You can find out more about the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) here on the UK Government's website.