UK Introduces New Travel Entry Requirements, What You Need to Know

By Innocent Eneta,

The UK government has introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, similar to the ESTA system used in the United States, set to impact millions of travelers. Starting from April 2025, visitors to the UK from countries that do not require a visa will need to obtain an ETA before entry.

What the Government Announced

The UK’s interior ministry stated that from April 2, 2025, all travelers to Britain — except British and Irish citizens — will need permission to enter the country, either through an ETA or an eVisa. According to the Home Office, “Everyone wishing to travel to the UK… will need permission to travel in advance of coming here.”

What is an ETA?

The ETA is a digital travel permit linked to the traveler’s passport. It costs £10 and allows multiple entries to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over a two-year period or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Eligibility is determined by nationality, and suitable travelers can apply through the UK ETA app.

Who Needs an ETA?

Previously, many travelers could enter the UK with just their passport. However, since November 2022, the UK began rolling out the ETA requirement, starting with Qatari nationals. The scheme later expanded to include citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, even for children and babies.

From January 8, 2024, nationals of all countries (except European nations) will need an ETA to enter or transit through the UK. The scheme will extend to Europeans starting April 2, 2025, and they can apply from March 5, 2025.

Who is Exempt?

British and Irish passport holders, as well as those with British overseas territory passports, are exempt from the ETA requirement. Additionally, those with valid UK visas, or permission to live, work, or study in the UK, do not need an ETA. This includes individuals covered under the EU Settlement Scheme, which was part of the Brexit agreements.

Purpose of Travel and Restrictions

Travelers can use the ETA to visit the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family or friends, business, or short-term studies. However, they are not permitted to get married, claim benefits, live in the UK through frequent visits, or take up self-employed work.

Comparisons to Other Countries

The UK’s ETA scheme aligns with similar systems in other nations, such as the US and Australia. It also mirrors the European Union’s upcoming ETIAS scheme, which is expected to become operational in 2024. This scheme will require visa-exempt nationals to obtain authorization before entering 30 European countries, including France and Germany.

Why is the UK Implementing the ETA?

The introduction of the ETA is part of the UK government’s broader goal of digitizing its border and immigration system. The Home Office stated that the new system will allow for “more robust security checks” before individuals begin their journey to the UK, helping to prevent “abuse of our immigration system.” The move is also partly a result of Brexit, which ended freedom of movement for European nationals.

Reaction to the ETA Scheme

The implementation of the ETA has faced criticism from some sectors, particularly the aviation industry. Heathrow Airport has blamed the new system for a 90,000 passenger drop on routes affected by the ETA since its initial rollout. The airport has labeled the system “devastating for our hub competitiveness” and has called on the government to review the inclusion of transit passengers in the program.

As the UK moves forward with the full implementation of the ETA, travelers are urged to familiarize themselves with the new requirements to avoid any disruption to their travel plans.