ETA needed to travel to or transit the UK

[Pauline]

One of our members reminded me that the requirement for an ETA, a digital entry permit, for the UK starts in January.

Do I need an ETA to travel to the UK?
AI answer: Yes, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK if you are a non-European and do not have a visa or UK immigration status.

When do I need an ETA?
Non-Europeans: You will need an ETA to travel to the UK from January 8, 2025. You can apply for an ETA from November 27, 2024.
Europeans: You will need an ETA to travel to the UK from April 2, 2025. You can apply for an ETA from March 5, 2025.

An ETA is a digital permission to travel, not a visa. It costs £10 and allows you to travel to the UK multiple times for up to six months at a time over two years. You can apply for an ETA on GOV.UK.

You will also need an ETA to transit through British airports for other destinations.

The ETA scheme is part of the UK government's plans to strengthen and digitise the UK border and immigration system.

More information:

Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

Information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK.

www.gov.uk

Has anyone applied for an ETA?

 

[Pauline]

I’ve posted this in the UK forum but left a redirect in the Travel Talk forum so more people will see it.

 

[Pauline]

Finally an article in the NYTimes about this.

Traveling to the U.K. Soon? Here’s What to Know About ETAs.

As of Jan. 8, an electronic travel authorization will be required for visitors from dozens of visa-exempt countries, including the United States and Canada.

www.nytimes.com