What is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) grants advance permission for travel to or transit through the UK for individuals who do not currently need a visa or hold UK immigration status. It is directly linked to the traveler’s passport, allowing the government to conduct thorough security checks before the journey begins, helping to enhance the security of UK borders.

Once granted, an ETA will be valid for multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time over 2 years, or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.

Important note: The ETA is not a visa and does not replace the visa requirement for those who need one. Instead, it is an additional step for travelers who do not require a visa for short-term stays, such as tourists, business travelers, or those transiting through the UK.

Who needs an ETA?

 Non-visa nationals who are travelling to the UK without a visa will need an ETA. Non-visa nationals are foreign citizens who can enter the UK for short stays without requiring a visa. If you are unsure whether you need a visa for short stays in the UK, you can use the Home Office ‘check if you need a UK visa’ tool here.

Most non-visa nationals who require an ETA will be entering the UK for 6 months or less as a visitor. Those transiting the UK or entering under the Creative Worker concession without a visa will also need an ETA.

Non-visa national children of any age must have their own ETA before travelling to the UK. 

When did the ETA scheme start?

The ETA scheme is being phased in gradually. Since 15 November 2023 it has been mandatory for Qatari nationals to have an ETA.

Since 22 February 2024 it has been mandatory for nationals of Bahrain, Jordan (although Jordanian nationals now require a visa), Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and UAE to have an ETA.

Nationals of non-EU/EEA countries (including the US, Canada, Australian and New Zealand) who want to visit the UK without a visa will need an ETA from 8 January 2025 (the application system has been active since 27 November 2024).

Nationals of EU and EEA countries plus Switzerland – but not Ireland – will need an ETA from 2 April 2025 (and can start to apply from 5 March 2025).

How do you apply for an ETA?

To apply for an ETA, you will need to use the UK ETA app or apply online at GOV.UK.

Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) – GOV.UK

Each traveler, including children and infants, must obtain their own ETA, although an adult can apply on behalf of family members. After submitting an ETA application, you should receive a decision within 3 working days, though in some cases, a quicker response may be received.

In some cases, it will take longer than 3 working days to receive a decision if further background and other checks are needed.

How much is an ETA?

It costs £10 per applicant to apply for authorisation under the ETA scheme.

If an application is approved, you will receive an email confirmation. The successful ETA will then be linked electronically to the passport that you applied with.

 How long is an ETA valid for?

Once you have been successfully granted an ETA, this will last for a maximum period of 2 years. However, if your passport expires in less than 2 years, you will need to get a new ETA. This is because your ETA is electronically linked to the passport that you applied with.

What happens is an ETA is refused?

An ETA may be refused for several reasons, including criminal activity, prior violations of immigration laws (such as overstaying a visa, breaching visa conditions, or using deception in a previous application), providing false information, having a previous visitor visa application refused (without a subsequent approval), or having an ETA canceled without the approval of a new visa application. There is no right to administrative review or appeal against the refusal decision. 

the applicant will need to apply for a visa. In most cases, this will involve applying for a visitor visa. For some applicants, securing the visa may resolve the issue, allowing them to travel to the UK with the visa. Once they have the visa, an ETA will no longer be required.

However, some applicants may still encounter issues with their visitor visa application, which could result in a refusal. For instance, the immigration rules specify that a visitor visa application must be refused if the applicant:

(a) has been convicted of a criminal offence in the UK or overseas for which they have received a custodial sentence of less than 12 months, unless more than 12 months have passed since the end of the custodial sentence

(b) has been convicted of a criminal offence in the UK or overseas for which they have received a non-custodial sentence, or received an out-of-court disposal that is recorded on their criminal record, unless more than 12 months have passed since the end of the sentence

Visa applicants with a criminal conviction which does not fall for mandatory refusal, may still be refused by the Home Office on a discretionary basis.

How can Muldoon Britton Help?

If your ETA is refused and you require assistance with your visitor visa application, contact Muldoon Britton today. We provide expert guidance to visa applicants whose ETA has been refused. Our team will help you understand the reasons for the refusal, advise you on the most effective course of action, and offer comprehensive support with your visa application.