The Ultimate Guide to the UK’s ETA Scheme (2025): Costs, Rules, and How to Apply

Thinking of popping over to the UK for a cheeky Nando’s or a big-city binge? There’s a new hoop to jump through – called the ETA. Spoiler: it’s not a visa, but it is mandatory. Let’s taxi through it.

First Things First: What’s an ETA?

An ETA – Electronic Travel Authorisation – is basically permission to travel to the UK.

It’s linked electronically to your passport. No sticker, no stamp, no awkward trips to a consulate. Just a quick online form and a digital nod, and you’re good to go (mostly).

An ETA isn’t a visa and doesn’t guarantee you’ll be let in – you’ll still need to clear the border either by chatting to a friendly (or not-so-friendly) Border Force officer or using the eGates.

Who Needs an ETA?

Short answer: Almost everyone who used to visit was visa-free.

If you’re from countries like:

• The United States
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Japan
• South Korea
• EU nations (France, Germany, Spain, etc.)

You’ll now need to get an ETA before boarding any flight, train, or ferry to the UK.

Don’t Confuse It With ETIAS

Heads up: the UK ETA differs from the EU’s upcoming ETIAS system.

ETIAS will be required to enter most European countries (like France, Italy, and Spain), but it’s not live yet.

For now, if you’re just heading to the UK, you only need the UK’s ETA.

(Planning a multi-stop Europe trip? You’ll probably need both soon – double the fun.)

If you’re British or Irish?

You’re exempt.

If you live in Ireland but aren’t Irish?

You’re exempt only if you’re entering from within the Common Travel Area (Ireland, UK, Isle of Man, Channel Islands).

Hoping over from Paris or New York, you’ll still need an ETA.

How Much Is It?

It costs £16 per application – and no, your airline isn’t covering it.

It was £10, but inflation and paperwork being what they are, it’s now officially £16 as of April 2025.

How Long Does It Last?

• Valid for two years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first).
• It covers multiple entries and is handy if you’re a serial city-breaker.
• Allows stays of up to six months per visit.

How to Apply

Simple enough:

• Apply via the official ETA app or the GOV.UK website.
• Upload your passport info and a digital photo, and answer some security questions.
• Pay the £16 fee.

Processing time:

Most applications are approved within minutes. Officially, allow up to three working days, just in case.

Top tip:

Don’t leave it until you’re juggling your Pret coffee and carry-on at Heathrow T5.

Airside Transit Rules

You currently don’t need an ETA if you’re only transiting airside (meaning you don’t go through UK passport control).

But – and it’s a big but – this is subject to change. The UK government has hinted that even airside passengers might need ETAs in the future. Watch this space (and maybe get one anyway if you’ve got a long layover and fancy a pub visit).

You’ll definitely need one if you need to enter the UK to connect – even just overnight.

How Did We Get Here?

The ETA scheme started in late 2023 with a pilot for travellers from Qatar.

By 2024, it expanded to visitors from:

• Bahrain
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

By 2025, it’s being rolled out to most of the big-hitting visa-free countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and the EU bloc.

Final Approach

In short: if you’re hopping to the UK from anywhere visa-free, you’ll need an ETA from now on.

It’s quick, cheap-ish, and saves you awkward chats at the boarding gate.

Get it sorted. Then pack your bags and worry about more important things – like how much you can stuff into a carry-on.

Still Taxiing? Read On:

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