Are you planning on visiting or studying in the UK next year? The UK has just announced a new immigration step for US, Canadian and Australian citizens starting January 2025. All citizens must apply for an ETA. Here’s what you need to know before traveling to the UK.
What is an ETA?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a digital permit that allows travelers to enter specific jurisdictions. An ETA gives you permission to travel to the UK.
The fastest way to apply is using the UK ETA app. If you don’t have the app, you can also apply online. If you are applying for someone else who is not with you, you should apply online.
Before applying, you must first prepare your passport, have access to your emails, and have a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You will also need to upload or take photos of your passport and the face of the person applying.
For group applications, each person must apply separately. You may get a decision at a different time from others in your group, even if you applied at the same time.
For US students who want to study in the UK, you will need an ETA prior to traveling for short-term study which goes up to 6 months. Students from the US who wish to study in the UK for more than 6 months are required to obtain a visa.
Your eligibility for application depends on the date of your travel and your nationality as shown on your passport. On the other hand, you do not need an ETA if: (1) you have a visa (2) you have permission to live, work, or study in the UK (3) your a British/Irish citizen (4) you are travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport, (5) you live in Ireland and you are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, and (6) you are a dual citizen with British/Irish citizenship.
You can get an ETA instead of a visa if you are:
- coming to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study
- coming to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
- coming to the UK for a permitted paid engagement
- transiting through the UK – including if you are not going through UK border control
What you cannot do with an ETA:
- stay in the UK for longer than 6 months
- do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless you are doing a permitted paid engagement or event or work on the Creative Worker visa concession
- claim public funds (benefits)
- live in the UK through frequent or successive visits
- marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership
As for the application, it costs £10 to apply. You can also apply for other people. You cannot get a refund after you apply.
How long will the process take?
You will usually get a decision within 3 working days, but you may get a quicker decision. Occasionally, it may take longer than 3 working days.
You will get an email confirming you have got an ETA. It will be linked to the passport you applied with. Your ETA lasts for 2 years. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time. If you get a new passport, you will need to get a new ETA.
For more information, visit the gov.uk website.
