Traveling To The Uk: Which Countries Are Allowed?

The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme has been in place since November 2023, when it was first rolled out to visitors from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Since then, the scheme has expanded to include other nationalities, including Europeans, Australians, Americans and Canadians. The ETA scheme grants permission to enter the country and is part of the UK's plan to digitise its borders by the end of 2025.

From January 2025, everyone wishing to travel to the UK – except British and Irish citizens – will need permission to travel in advance of their arrival. This includes US, Canadian, Australian and European citizens, who will require an ETA even for short stays.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for the UK

The UK has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme as part of its plan to digitise its borders at UK airports by the end of 2025. The ETA scheme requires tourists to gain permission to enter the country before travelling. The scheme was first introduced in 2023 for visitors from seven Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

The UK government has since announced a worldwide expansion of the programme, with the ETA scheme opening up to all other nationalities, except Europeans, in November 2024, and it will be required for entry from 8 January 2025. Europeans, meanwhile, will be required to have an ETA for travel from 2 April 2025, with applications opening in March.

The ETA is not a visa but grants permission to enter the country. All visitors who currently don't have to apply for a visa will need to get an ETA before they travel. This includes those who do not currently need to make any form of application to visit the UK, meaning US, Canadian, Australian, and European citizens will require an ETA even for short stays. The ETA costs £10 and is valid for multiple trips over two years for stays of up to six months at a time, or until the holder's passport expires. Each traveller is required to have their own ETA, including babies and children, and it must be digitally linked to their passport.

To apply for an ETA, you will need to fill in an online application form. Most visitors will be able to apply using a mobile app with a swift decision on their application. You will need a valid biometric passport from an eligible country, travel details, an email address, and a credit or debit card. You will also have to answer a set of suitability questions. Travellers are advised to apply a few days before their planned journey, and approval should be granted within 72 hours.

ETA costs and validity

The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement for travellers who don't need a visa to enter the UK. The ETA costs £10 (or $13.05 for US citizens) and is valid for multiple entries for two years or until the applicant's passport expires, whichever is sooner. The ETA can be used for temporary stays for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, study, certain types of work, or transit. It is important to note that having an ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK.

The ETA application process involves filling out an online form, which will grant permission to enter the UK. Applicants will need a valid biometric passport from an eligible country, travel details, an email address, and a credit or debit card. They will also need to answer a set of suitability questions and provide a photo. Most visitors will be able to apply using a mobile app and can expect a swift decision on their application, typically within 72 hours.

The ETA is part of the UK's plan to fully digitise its borders by the end of 2025 and reduce queues at the border. The scheme is similar to the US ESTA and the European Union's ETIAS, serving as a security measure for those travelling to the UK without a visa.

The rollout of the ETA began in November 2023 for travellers from various countries in the Middle East, including Qatar, and replaced the previous Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) scheme. From February 2024, it was extended to nationals from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Starting January 8, 2025, travellers from eligible non-European countries will need an ETA before arrival, with applications opening on November 27, 2024. European countries' citizens will need an ETA starting April 2, 2025, with applications opening on March 5, 2025.

Countries requiring a visa to enter the UK

As of September 2024, the UK government has announced that all tourists, except for British and Irish citizens, will need to obtain an "Electronic Travel Authorization" (ETA) to visit the country. This means that citizens of all countries will require permission to enter the UK in advance of their arrival. The ETA is linked to the traveller's passport and is intended to streamline security checks and prevent abuse of the immigration system. The ETA will be valid for multiple trips over two years for visits of up to six months at a time. The fee for the ETA is $13.05 (£10) and it can be applied for online.

Previously, citizens of some countries were able to enter the UK without a visa, but with the new ETA requirement, all non-British and non-Irish citizens will need to obtain this authorization before travelling to the UK. This includes citizens of countries such as the United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Australia. The ETA requirement will go into effect on January 8, 2025, and applications will be accepted starting November 27, 2024.

Countries with visa-free access to the UK

As of September 2024, the UK government has implemented a new requirement for travelers known as the "Electronic Travel Authorization" (ETA). This digitized system requires all tourists who are not British or Irish citizens to obtain permission to travel to the UK in advance and pay a fee of approximately $13. The ETA is linked to the traveler's passport to streamline security checks and prevent immigration system abuse. It is valid for multiple trips over two years, with each trip allowing a stay of up to six months or until the passport expires.

Prior to this update, citizens of many countries could enter the UK without a visa for short-term visits. However, the new ETA system will eventually apply to all nationalities, except Europeans, starting in April 2025. This includes citizens from countries like the United States, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Australia.

Previously, the ETA was introduced for visitors from specific countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Now, the UK is expanding this requirement to include more countries, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing security and modernizing their immigration system.

It is important to note that the ETA is not a visa, but rather an electronic authorization linked to the traveler's passport. The application process involves submitting valid passport information, travel details, an email address, and payment via an online form. The UK government aims to provide a smooth experience for travelers while also enhancing security and managing immigration.

UK visa requirements for other British nationals

The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme requires tourists to gain permission to enter the country as part of plans to fully digitise its borders by 2025. The scheme is intended to reduce queues at the border, helping to speed up legitimate journeys to the UK.

The ETA scheme is not a visa but it does grant permission to enter the country. All visitors who currently don't have to apply for a visa will need to get an ETA before they travel. This includes US, Canadian, Australian, and European citizens, even for short stays.

British citizens had visa-free or visa on arrival access to 192 countries and territories as of 2024, ranking the British passport 4th in the world according to the Henley Passport Index.

However, the visa requirements for other classes of British nationals, such as British Nationals (Overseas), British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens, British Protected Persons, or British Subjects are different.

The following persons can enter the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man without a visa:

• British subjects with the right of abode in the United Kingdom
• British Overseas Territories citizens
• British Nationals (Overseas)
• British Overseas citizens
• British protected persons
• British subjects without the right of abode in the United Kingdom
• Citizens of European Union member states (except Ireland)
• Citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States of America

By April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will need an ETA to travel to the UK.

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