Table of Contents
▼
Table of Contents
▼The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is now a compulsory requirement for citizens of several countries. In the coming future, more nations will be added to the ETA programme.
In this post, we explain which nationalities will soon require the ETA to travel to the United Kingdom. You’ll also find details of the most recent updates to the ETA system.
What is the Electronic Travel Authorisation?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation is a digital pass for entry to the United Kingdom. It allows eligible travellers to visit for up to 6 months visa-free.
The application process is 100% online, making it a quick and easy alternative to traditional visa systems.
Once approved, your ETA is automatically linked to your passport, so there’s no need to carry any extra documentation when you travel.
Why was the ETA introduced?
In 2023, the ETA system was launched as part of the UK government’s plans to modernise border controls and digitalise immigration processes. It replaces the formerly used Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW).
The ETA is similar to new travel permits introduced by other countries in recent years, such as the United States' ESTA and Canada’s eTA. It allows data on passengers entering and leaving the UK to be collected digitally.
Benefits for visa-free travellers
The launch of the ETA system means eligible travellers can continue to enjoy visa-free visits to the United Kingdom.
The online application process is quick and user-friendly, with no need for in-person visits to consulates or visa offices. It’s also designed to reduce wait times at border control, making immigration processes more efficient.
Who needs an ETA in 2025?
The ETA programme has been rolled out in stages since it was launched in 2023. Over time, new countries have been added to the list of those requiring an ETA for the UK.
The latest update came in early 2025, as part of broader immigration and visa policy changes. Citizens of most European countries could begin to apply for an ETA from 5th of March 2025.
As of 2nd of April 2025, citizens of the following countries need the electronic travel authorisation to enter the United Kingdom.
- Andorra
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahrain
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Kiribati
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao Special Administrative Region
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Malta
- Marshall Islands
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Nauru
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Nicaragua
- Norway
- Oman
- Palau
- Panama
- Papua New Guinea
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Saudi Arabia
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- The Bahamas
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- United Arab Emirates
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican City
*British national overseas passport holders from Hong Kong are eligible for the ETA.
**To get an ETA, Taiwanese citizens must have a passport which contains their personal ID number.
If you’re planning to visit Great Britain or Northern Ireland, make sure to apply for your ETA in good time to ensure it’s ready for travel.
Can citizens of other European countries not listed above get the ETA?
Irish citizens do not need the ETA or a visa to enter the United Kingdom.
If you’re a resident of Ireland travelling to the United Kingdom from other parts of the Common Travel Area, you’re also exempt from ETA requirements. The Common Travel Area includes Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, and the Isle of Man.
Citizens of the following countries cannot apply for an ETA:
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Georgia
- Kosovo
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Russia Serbia
- Turkey
- Ukraine
If you hold a passport from a country in this list, you must request a Visit visa to come to the United Kingdom for tourism or business trips.
Changes to ETA eligibility
Citizens of the following countries formerly had a visa exemption for the United Kingdom, but must now apply for a Visit visa:
- Dominica
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Jordan
- Namibia
- Timor-Leste
- Vanuatu
If you hold a passport from one of these countries, it’s not possible to get an ETA. Instead, you must request a Visitor visa through the UK government visa portal.
Exemptions from ETA requirements
Some people do not need an Electronic Travel Authorisation to travel to the United Kingdom, and will not require one in the future. This includes travellers who:
- Hold a UK visa
- Are permitted to live, work, or study in the United Kingdom
- Have a British or Irish passport
- Carry a British Overseas Territories passport
ETA UK updates
Here’s a breakdown of the most recent updates and scheduled changes to the ETA system for the United Kingdom:
- 9th March 2023 — The UK government announces that the Electronic Travel Authorisation will replace the Electronic Visa Waiver.
- 25th October 2023 — ETA applications are opened to Qatari citizens, for travel from the following month.
- 1st February 2024 — Citizens of all other GCC countries become eligible to apply for the ETA.
- 8th January 2025 — ETA becomes a requirement for travel for 50+ nationalities, including Australia, Canada, Japan, and the United States.
- 2nd April 2025 — ETA is required for travel for all EU citizens and nationals of other European counties, including Iceland, Switzerland, and Norway.
At UK Visa Kingdom, we’re dedicated to helping our customers understand UK visa policies and entry rules. Check our site when preparing for your trip to get all the details you need on the latest UK ETA news.
Tips for smooth travel with an ETA
If you require an ETA to travel to the UK and arrive without having applied, you may face delays at immigration control, or could be denied entry to the country. It’s essential to make your application before travel.
Here are our top tips to make your journey through the ETA process trouble-free:
- Apply in good time to allow sufficient processing time — around 7 days is recommended.
- Make sure all the information provided in your application is accurate and matches your travel documents.
- Double-check the expiration date of your passport — it must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
Reminder: Your ESTA is valid for 2 years, or until the passport it’s linked to expires — whichever comes first. If you have renewed your passport, you must apply for a new ETA.
Get your ETA through our expert application service
It’s easy to get your Electronic Travel Authorisation with UK Visa Kingdom. We’ll double-check your details before your form is submitted, so we can spot any errors in time. Once your form is ready to go, you’ll receive a response in just 1 to 3 days.
Worried about rejection? With our dedicated application service, your fee is guaranteed. We’re confident your ETA will be approved, but in the rare case it’s denied, you can request a full refund.
