About the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a permit for entry into UK regions through an electronic system used to verify travelers to the United Kingdom as a step to protect its borders. This authorization can be applied online through the official website: gov.uk, and the processing time is typically 3 days unless additional requirements are needed, in which case it might take more than three days.
Once the permit is given, it is digitally linked to the applicants’ passports. Therefore, travelers do not need to print or present a paper copy upon arrival in the UK. However, it is advisable to retain a copy of the confirmation email sent.
The UK will begin implementing the Electronic Travel Authorization starting from October 25, 2023. At first, Qataris will be allowed to submit their applications for the permit from this date. By November 15, 2023, the UK Electronic Travel Authorization will become a mandatory requirement for Qatari citizens wishing to travel to the UK.
In the second phase, which begins on February 1, 2024, the application process will be opened to citizens of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. Starting from February 22, 2024, obtaining the British Electronic Travel Authorization will be a fundamental requirement for travelers from these countries, replacing the Electronic Visa Waiver System (EVW).
In the next phases, other visa-exempt countries will be included in the system. The primary purpose of introducing these measures is to strengthen UK border security and tackle potential risks arising from exempted travelers, whether these risks are security-related or pertain to illegal immigration. The measures also aim to expedite inspection processes upon arrival and reduce the number of individuals denied entry upon their arrival in the UK.
Who is required to obtain a UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?
Travelers from the following categories are required to apply for an Electronic Visit Permission before heading to the UK:
- Qatari citizens (they can start applying from October 25th for entry on November 15th or later).
- Citizens of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, and (they can start applying from February 1st for entry on February 22nd, 2024, or later).
- Many countries, including holders of American and Canadian passports and some Caribbean countries (It will apply from November 27th, 2024, for entry on January 8th, 2025).
- European passport holders (will apply from March 5th, 2025 for entry on April 2nd, 2025).
Categories exempt from the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
There are categories of travelers who do not need the British Electronic Travel Authorization, including:
- British citizens and citizens of Ireland.
- Individuals residing in the UK, meaning those who hold residency permits for various purposes such as work or study.
- Residents of Ireland who don’t need a visa to enter the UK, provided they come from Ireland or Guernsey or Jersey or the Isle of Man.
- Individuals holding British entry visas.
Steps to apply for the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
All travelers who are exempt from obtaining a visa need to secure an electronic travel authorization before travelling to the UK. This includes children and infants individually. Individuals can apply for themselves or on behalf of others through the official UK government website by following these steps:
- Fill out the application form
This can be done through the ETA application or via the official website: gov.uk. Applicants must fill out the online application form, where they are required to enter their personal details and passport information, in addition to answering other questions. - Send a personal photo
This involves submitting a new, clear personal photo that complies with passport photo specifications. The photo should be in color and not enhanced or modified using photo editing program. - Pay the fee
Applicants are required to pay the fees associated with the authorization request online, which amounts to 10 pounds sterling during the application process. This involves entering the details of the bank card, its expiration date, the cardholder’s name, and the verification code to successfully complete the payment. - Receive the decision
If the applicant meets all of the requirements and there are no grounds for rejection, such as previous violations of immigration laws or the existence of criminal records, authorization will be given and a confirmation notification will be sent to the applicant’s email.
Once the authorization is received, travelers can use it for multiple trips to the UK as long as it remains valid.
ETA Duration and Fees
The fee for the UK Electronic Permit is 10 pounds sterling for each application. This fee is set for all individuals, regardless of age or nationality. This permit allows holders to make multiple trips to the UK for various time-limited purposes as follows:
- Stay for up to 6 months for tourism, business, visiting family and friends, or short-term studies.
- Stay not exceeding 3 months under the Creative Worker visa concession.
- Transit purposes, especially for travelers wishing to enter UK territories for a short period.
It’s worth noting that the electronic travel authorization does not allow for working or pursuing studies for extended periods. Therefore, individuals wishing to visit the UK for these purposes must apply for the appropriate visas for their visit.
