New UK Entry Rules: the ETA Becomes Mandatory for Visa-Exempt Travellers

The UK has taken another step towards fully digital borders. As of 8 January 2025, travellers from 48 more non-European countries — including the United States, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore — must complete an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK. The requirement applies to those who previously enjoyed visa-free travel for short stays.

This article sets out the rollout timeline, who needs an ETA, what it costs, and how the scheme compares to the EU's planned ETIAS.

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Who needs an ETA and from when

The 48 newly added countries join Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, for which the ETA had already been required since November 2023. The expansion did not stop there: from 2 April 2025, European visitors would also need an ETA, with applications opening on 5 March 2025.

There are important exceptions. British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA, and neither do travellers who require a visa — they continue to apply through the visa route instead. For everyone else who is visa-exempt, the ETA becomes a standard pre-travel step.

Cost, validity and how to apply

The ETA costs £10 and is valid for multiple trips of up to six months over a two-year period. Applications can be made online or through a dedicated app, and the system checks travellers' criminal backgrounds before arrival. If an ETA is denied, the traveller would need to apply for a visa instead, which could take additional time.

The practical stakes are high: travellers who arrive without an ETA can be denied entry to the UK, even for transit, and airlines may not refund tickets for passengers whose applications are rejected. The clear advice is to plan ahead and apply early to avoid delays or disruption.

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How it compares to the EU's ETIAS

The UK's approach mirrors pre-travel checks elsewhere, such as the United States' ESTA, Australia's ETA and Canada's eTA. The EU is moving in the same direction: at the time of this report, its European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) was expected to launch later, requiring visa-exempt visitors to the Schengen area to obtain an authorisation before travelling.

With more destinations introducing digital permits, travellers increasingly need to check the rules for each country before booking. To see who is affected by the EU scheme and whether it applies to you, our eligibility guide explains the ETIAS requirements in plain terms.