The ETA scheme will be rolled out in stages, starting with Qatari nationals on 15 November 2023. Nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will need an ETA to travel to the UK from 22 February 2024. By the end of 2024, ETAs will be a requirement for all visitors to the UK from across the world who ordinarily do not need to apply for a visa before they depart.
What is ETA?
Electronic Travel Authorisation is a digital permission to travel similar to the US ESTA scheme. It is not a visa, and therefore does not permit entry into the UK but will allow the UK government to pre-screen travellers before they arrive in the UK, which will help to identify and prevent potential threats. The ETA scheme will make it easier and faster for people to travel to the UK and reduce costs for Government.
Who will the ETA apply to?
It will apply to most visitors who currently do not need to apply for visitor visas before coming to the UK. This includes EU nationals and visitors from the US, Canada and Australia. Children will require a separate ETA to their parents/legal guardians.
The ETA will not be needed for British and Irish Nationals, nor will it be needed for people legally resident in Ireland from a nationality that would not usually require a visa to visit the UK. A visa will still be needed for stays longer than 6 months, if the purpose of the trip is something other than visiting, and for some transit and business visits.
When will the ETA come into effect?
Visitors from the Gulf Cooperation states and Jordan will get first access, with a wider roll out across 2024. Visitors of Qatari nationality will require an ETA from 15 November 2023, however they can apply for one as early as 25 October 2023. As for the other Gulf Cooperation states and Jordan, an ETA will be a requirement from 22 February 2024, though they can apply to receive one from 1 February 2024.
How do you apply for an ETA?
To apply for an ETA, you will need to provide your personal details, passport information, and travel dates. The application process is quick and easy, and can be completed online. Applicants will be able to apply via the ‘UK ETA app’ or by searching for ‘apply for an ETA to come to the UK’ on GOV.UK. To complete the process, applicants will need to pay the fee, answer a set of questions and provide contact details, passport details and a valid photo.
The ETA is valid for up to two years (or until an applicant's passport expires, whichever is the soonest) and multiple entries. This means that you can travel to the UK as many times as you like within the two-year period, as long as the ETA is still valid.
For the initial roll out, an ETA will cost just £10.
What do businesses need to do to prepare?
For UK businesses who have a lot of visitors from the gulf states, it would be worthwhile now preparing information on the ETA to be distributed to ensure that travellers apply for the ETA in good time before the visa launches. An application for an ETA could be delayed or refused if someone has an adverse immigration history or criminal record so applying early is advisable.
In 2024, UK businesses will need to communicate the worldwide launch of the ETA within multinational offices to avoid delays or missed flights due to last minute ETA applications.
With thanks to Solicitor Apprentice Shakir Copeland, co-author of this article.