Partner London
"The ETA scheme will apply to all nationals who do not currently require a visa either to travel to the UK as a visitor or to transit through the country."
This will have a wide-ranging impact on those travelling to the UK, with UK employers in particular needing to take note and be prepared.
The purpose of the scheme is to enhance security assessment procedures prior to a visitor’s entry to the UK, as well as streamline checking at UK border entry points.
The ETA scheme will apply to all nationals who do not currently require a visa either to travel to the UK as a visitor or to transit through the country. British and Irish nationals, or any individuals who hold lawful permission to work and/or reside in the UK, will not be required to apply.
The European Union (EU) is due to launch its European Travel Information and Authorisation System (“ETIAS”) in mid-2025, which will mirror the ETA scheme and will mean that UK nationals will need to obtain a similar waiver to travel to the EU.
Prior to travelling to the UK, individuals subject to the ETA scheme will need to submit a valid online application to the UK immigration authorities and satisfy the relevant suitability criteria for the application to be approved.
Roll-out dates
The ETA scheme has been operational since November 2023 for nationals of various Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The UK authorities are now in the process of expanding the scheme so that it applies to all required nationalities as outlined below.
From 8 January 2025 onwards, nationals of applicable non-European Economic Area (‘EEA’) countries will be required to obtain ETA authorisation prior to travelling to the UK. This includes nationals of Australia, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand and the United States of America. The ETA application portal has already opened for citizens of said countries. Individuals who fall under this category, and who are due to travel to the UK from 8 January 2025 onwards, are advised to apply as soon as it is known that they will travel to the UK.
Key contacts
"From 8 January 2025 onwards, nationals of applicable non-EEA countries will be required to obtain ETA authorisation prior to travelling to the UK."
EEA nationals will be required to obtain an ETA on or after 2 April 2025. The application portal will open for these populations from 5 March 2025.
A visitor’s nationality will dictate whether they are required to obtain a formal visa prior to travelling to the UK, or whether ETA authorisation will be sufficient. Any individuals travelling to the UK on a temporary basis as visitors should ensure that they review the Immigration Rules Appendix Visitor: Visa national list. Citizens of any countries which appear on the visa national list are required to obtain a formal visa to enter the UK under all circumstances, so the ETA scheme does not apply to them.
Application process
Visitors will need to complete the application by downloading the UK ETA app with a smartphone, or via an online form. They will be required to scan their biometric passport via the mobile phone app and then take a scan or photo of their face. They will then be required to complete a brief online form, which will request their personal details.
An ETA application will cost £10 and the application should be completed at least three days prior to proposed travel to the UK to allow for sufficient time for the authorities to review and approve the application.
"The UK authorities can refuse an application on various grounds, including for criminality, previous breaches of immigration law or on suitability grounds."
Assuming the ETA is approved, it will be valid for a period of two years, or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner. Individuals will be able to travel to the UK as many times as they like while their ETA is valid, so long as their activities are in accordance with the provisions lawfully permitted for visitors. An ETA will always be linked to an individual’s passport, so a new ETA will need to be obtained if a passport is renewed or replaced.
Refusals should be unlikely. However, the UK authorities can refuse an application on various grounds, including for criminality, previous breaches of immigration law or on suitability grounds.
Impact for UK employers
Any UK-based employers who host business visitors from overseas should ensure that any relevant stakeholders travelling to UK are aware of the new ETA regulations and that any affected populations have obtained their ETA permission prior to their proposed travel to the UK. Individuals who have not obtained permission to travel to the UK under the ETA scheme at the required date may be refused permission to travel.
Our Employment and Immigration team is well-placed to provide further information on the proposed changes and any assistance you may require.
Immigration Adviser Alice Balgarnie also contributed to this article.
