Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
The UK government is introducing a new scheme known as the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which will allow those who do not currently require visas to travel to the UK, permission to travel to the UK: for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, short-term study, or business purposes; up to three months on a Creative Worker visa concession (Temporary Work – Creative Worker visa); and to transit through the UK. The ETA is electronically linked with a visitor’s passport and allows them to make multiple visits to the UK over a 2-year validity period. This will replace the current Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) scheme for visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council.
The application process for ETA is entirely digital, with visitors applying via a mobile app, due to receive a quick decision on their application.
Who can get an ETA:
Visitors from the Gold Cooperation Council states and Jordan are the first to benefit from the new ETA scheme, ahead of its worldwide expansion throughout 2024. If you are a national of Qatar, you will need an ETA if travelling to the UK from the 15th November 2023. Those who are nationals of: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will need an ETA if travelling to the UK from the 22nd February 2024.
Who does not need an ETA:
Visitors with British or Irish passports, permission to live, work or study in the UK, or a visa to enter the UK will not require an ETA. Similarly, if you are legally a resident in Ireland and don’t need a visa to visit the UK, you will not need an ETA if you’re entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
How to make an application:
Applications for an ETA can be made via the UK ETA app or Gov.UK online before booking any travel to the UK. The Gov.UK guidance refers to the decision-making time as being within three working days, however, this may take longer if the government require the need to make further checks. The cost of an ETA application is yet to be confirmed, but each traveller must apply for their own ETA, including children. Alongside the application, individuals will need to provide biometric details and answer a set of suitability questions.
Once approved, visitors will receive an email confirmation, and the ETA will be electronically linked to the passport that was applied with it. Travel to the UK must be made with the same passport. However, the ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK, and visitors who are refused an ETA will need to apply for either a standard visit visa, temporary work-creative worker visa, or transit visa.
By: Jenny Comani