Published on: October 26, 2024
UK ETA System Expansion: Key Updates and Information
The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is a digital travel permission that permits nationals of certain countries to travel to the United Kingdom for short stays without needing to apply for a visa. Passport holders from certain countries can apply for an ETA if they intend to visit the UK for short stays (of up to six months) for the following purposes:
- Traveling to the UK for up to six months for tourism purposes, visiting family or friends, business purposes, or short-term studying.
- Traveling to the UK for up to three months under the Creative Worker visa concession (if you have a written invitation to an event or engagement from a UK-based organization, you are an expert in your field, and you are above the age of 18).
- Traveling to the UK for a permitted paid engagement.
- Transiting through the UK.
The UK ETA aims to pre-screen travelers from visa-exempt countries before they arrive in the UK, allowing authorities to assess whether they meet the entry requirements. Once issued, the ETA is generally valid for multiple visits to the UK over a period of up to two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Each stay in the UK cannot exceed six months.
The UK began implementing its ETA requirements in 2023. In November 2023, citizens of Qatar were the first required to obtain a UK ETA to enter the country, replacing the Electronic UK Visa Waiver (EVW) scheme. In February 2024, this was extended to nationals of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan, However, in September 2024, a change was made for Jordanian nationals, who were subsequently excluded from the ETA scheme and now need a visa for the UK, instead of an ETA.
The UK is currently expanding the ETA scheme in a phased rollout that will make it mandatory for travelers from more than 80 countries, including 34 European countries and 49 non-European countries.
These phased implementations are part of the UK’s strategy to gradually introduce the ETA system and ensure a smoother transition for both travelers and border authorities. The upcoming changes will significantly impact how travelers from these countries plan their visits to the UK.
UK Travel Statistics and Trends
In 2023, overseas nationals made 38 million visits to the UK, representing an increase of 6.7 million from the previous year. The most popular reasons for visiting the UK were tourism (42%) and visiting family and friends (34%).
Nationals from the following countries made the highest number of visits to the UK in 2023:
| Ranking | Country | Number of Visitors |
| 1 | United States of America | 5,122,000 |
| 2 | France | 3,172,000 |
| 3 | Germany | 2,957,000 |
| 4 | Republic of Ireland | 2,889,000 |
| 5 | Spain | 2,210,000 |
| 6 | Netherlands | 1,960,000 |
| 7 | Italy | 1,696,000 |
| 8 | Poland | 1,628,000 |
| 9 | Australia | 1,169,000 |
| 10 | Canada | 1,003,000 |
The majority of visitors to the UK are short-term visitors who are traveling to the UK for six months or less. The implementation of the UK ETA system comes at a time when the country continues to be a major global destination.
Nine out of the 10 countries whose nationals are the most frequent visitors to the UK will require an ETA from 2025 (excluding the Republic of Ireland). European travellers and visitors from the USA, and Canada have traditionally made up the largest share of travelers to the UK. With the expansion of the ETA system to more than 80 countries starting on April 2, 2025, a substantial portion of these travelers will be affected.
With more than 70% of all international visitors coming from countries that will soon need an ETA, this system is poised to become a central part of the UK's border management. The UK ETA will help streamline entry for more than 30 million travelers annually and provide a more secure and efficient experience at border controls.
The introduction of the UK ETA is not just about security, but also about maintaining the UK’s status as a top destination in the competitive global travel market. By implementing this system, the UK aims to balance visitor convenience with improved border security and ensure a smooth travel experience while protecting national interests.
Nationalities Requiring an ETA for UK Entry from January 2025
The latest electronic travel authorization news announced that from January 8th, 2025, nationals from 49 non-European countries will require a UK ETA to travel to the UK. Applications for ETAs for those traveling after January 8th will open on November 27th, 2024.
Below is the list of countries that will require an ETA from January 8th, 2025.
| Antigua and Barbuda | Argentina | Australia |
| The Bahamas | Barbados | Belize |
| Botswana | Brazil | Brunei |
| Canada | Chile | Colombia |
| Costa Rica | Grenada | Guatemala |
| Guyana | Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas) | Israel |
| Japan | Kiribati | Macao Special Administrative Region |
| Malaysia | Maldives | Marshall Islands |
| Mauritius | Mexico | Federated States of Micronesia |
| Nauru | New Zealand | Nicaragua |
| Palau | Panama | Papua New Guinea |
| Paraguay | Peru | Samoa |
| Seychelles | Singapore | Solomon Islands |
| South Korea | St Kitts and Nevis | St Lucia |
| St Vincent and the Grenadines | Taiwan | Tonga |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Tuvalu | United States of America |
| Uruguay |
Nationalities Requiring an ETA for UK Entry from April 2025
The latest UK ETA news announced that the ETA is being expanded further and starting from April 2nd, 2025, nationals of the following 34 European countries will also require an ETA to travel to the UK. Applications for these countries will open on March 5th, 2025.
| Andorra | Austria | Belgium |
| Bulgaria | Croatia | Cyprus |
| Czechia | Denmark | Estonia |
| Finland | France | Germany |
| Greece | Hungary | Iceland |
| Italy | Latvia | Liechtenstein |
| Lithuania | Luxembourg | Malta |
| Monaco | Netherlands | Norway |
| Poland | Portugal | Romania |
| San Marino | Slovakia | Slovenia |
| Spain | Sweden | Switzerland |
| Vatican City |
UK ETA Overview: Key Points for Travelers
Key information about the UK electronic travel authorization (ETA) travelers should be aware of includes:
- The UK ETA is valid for multiple visits over a period of up to two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
- It allows travelers to stay in the UK for up to six months at a time for purposes such as tourism, visiting family and friends, business, and study.
- To apply for a UK ETA, travelers will need a valid passport, a current email address, a photograph, and a payment method (such as a credit or debit card).
- The UK ETA online application is designed to be quick and straightforward. Most applications are expected to be processed within a few days, but travelers are advised to apply well in advance of their travel date.
- Applicants will receive the ETA electronically, which will be linked to their passport.
Travelers who do not currently require an ETA should ensure they stay updated with UK visa news as more information about the ETA rollout is released. It could be that the UK electronic travel authorisation is expanded further to include more countries.