UK to introduce ETAs for all non-Visa visitors
The UK Government has announced that all visitors who do not require a visa will soon need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to enter the country as part of a broader initiative to digitise the UK’s border and immigration system. Today, the government revealed implementation dates for the ETA scheme and the transition to eVisas. From 8 January 2025, eligible non-Europeans will need an ETA to enter the country. The scheme will then extend to eligible Europeans from 2 April 2025.
“Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over £32 billion to our tourism economy this year”, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra said in a press statement. “The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system”, Malhorta added.
The ETA, which will cost £10, allows multiple entries to the UK for stays of up to six months over a two-year period or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first. Applications for non-Europeans will open on 27 November 2024, while Europeans can apply from 5 March 2025.
This digital authorisation will be linked to travellers’ passports, enabling more robust security checks before journeys commence. The government emphasised that this approach aligns with border security measures in countries such as the US and Australia.
Alongside the ETA, the UK is also transitioning to eVisas for those needing to live, work, or study in the country. This digital proof of immigration status is set to replace physical documents, which can be lost, stolen, or tampered with.
The government is urging migrants currently using physical immigration documents, including biometric residence permits (BRPs), to create online accounts to access their eVisas. With most BRPs set to expire on 31 December 2024, holders are encouraged to act promptly. In the release, the government states that “Creating an online account enables people to use online services to prove their rights and manage their data, such as their personal details and passport information. Importantly, this won’t impact their underlying immigration status”.
To support this transition, particularly for vulnerable individuals, the government has allocated funding for additional assistance in moving from physical documents to eVisas. For more information about ETA eligibility and application processes, individuals are directed to visit the official GOV.UK website.
