For many foreign visitors, travelling to the United Kingdom is about to change with the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Designed to streamline entry procedures, the ETA is a new requirement for visa-exempt travellers who wish to visit the UK for short stays. If you are an expat living in France and planning a holiday, a business trip, or a visit to family and friends in the UK, understanding the ETA process is essential.
What is the UK ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital travel permit that grants permission to enter the UK. Similar to systems used by other countries, such as the United States ESTA or Canada’s eTA, it aims to enhance border security while simplifying the process for travellers.
Although an ETA allows entry into the UK, it does not guarantee admission. Upon arrival, visitors must still pass through border control, either by speaking to a Border Force officer or using an ePassport gate if eligible.
Who Needs an ETA to Visit the UK?
Whether you require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) depends on your nationality and travel plans. The UK government is rolling out the system in stages, meaning that some travellers already need an ETA, while others will be required to apply in the near future.
If you are a visa-exempt traveller planning to visit the UK for tourism, business, short-term study, or family visits for up to six months, you will likely need an ETA before your trip. This applies to visitors from countries such as Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait (as of the initial rollout). More countries are expected to be added to the list soon, so it’s essential to check the UK government website before making travel plans.
For example:
- A Qatari tourist planning a week-long holiday in London must apply for an ETA before travelling.
- A Canadian business traveller attending a short conference in Manchester may soon be required to get an ETA, depending on when Canada is added to the scheme.
If you are unsure whether you need an ETA, it’s always best to check the latest regulations before booking flights.
Who Does NOT Need an ETA?
Not everyone travelling to the UK requires an ETA. You do not need to apply for an ETA if you already have permission to enter or reside in the UK under one of the following conditions:
- You already have a UK visa – If you hold a valid visa for work, study, or long-term residency, an ETA is unnecessary.
- You have settled or pre-settled status in the UK – Individuals under the EU Settlement Scheme do not require an ETA.
- You are a British or Irish citizen – British and Irish passport holders can enter the UK freely.
- You are travelling on a British Overseas Territories passport – If you hold a passport issued by a UK overseas territory, you are exempt from the ETA requirement.
- You live in Ireland and are travelling from Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, or the Isle of Man – This exemption applies to those who are permanent residents in these areas.
- You are a child travelling under the France-UK school trip travel information form – School groups travelling under this special agreement do not need individual ETAs.
- You are exempt from UK immigration control – Some diplomats and government officials may fall under this category.
- You are transiting through a UK airport and will not pass through border control – If your flight connects through the UK but you do not enter the country, you may not need an ETA. However, always check with your airline to confirm transit requirements.
For example:
- A French national with pre-settled status in the UK does not need an ETA to return home.
- An Irish citizen travelling from Dublin to London can enter freely without an ETA.
- A South African student with a UK study visa does not need to apply for an ETA before travelling.
If you are a dual citizen, you do not need an ETA if you hold British or Irish nationality. To avoid confusion at the border, you should always travel using:
- A valid British passport
- A valid Irish passport
- Another valid passport containing a certificate of entitlement proving your right to enter the UK.
Since ETA regulations are expanding, it’s crucial to stay updated on new requirements and verify your status before your trip.
What Can You Do with an ETA?
If you have been granted an Electronic Travel Authorisation, you can visit the UK for up to six months for:
- Tourism – whether for a holiday or visiting family and friends.
- Business purposes – such as attending meetings or conferences.
- Short-term study – for courses lasting up to six months.
- Permitted paid engagements – where pre-approved professionals can visit for specific short-term work.
- Transit through a UK airport – if you will pass through border control.
What You Cannot Do with an ETA?
While an ETA offers flexibility for short visits, it does not grant rights beyond those listed above. With an ETA, you cannot:
- Stay in the UK for longer than six months.
- Work in the UK, either paid or unpaid, unless part of an approved short-term event or Creative Worker visa concession.
- Access public funds or benefits.
- Attempt to live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.
- Get married or register a civil partnership – for this, you must apply for a Marriage Visitor visa.
How to Apply for a UK ETA
Applying for an ETA is straightforward and must be done online via the official UK government website or through the UK ETA app. The application process includes:
- Providing personal details, including passport information.
- Answering security and eligibility questions.
- Paying the application fee (£10 per applicant).
It is important to note that every traveller, including children and infants, requires a separate ETA. If travelling as a family, you can apply for multiple people at the same time.
The cost of an ETA is £10 per application, which must be paid online at the time of submission. Be cautious of third-party websites that may charge additional fees. The UK government does not offer refunds, so ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying.
Once your ETA is approved, it will be electronically linked to your passport. This means you do not need to carry a separate document—simply use your passport to verify your authorisation when travelling.
If your application is denied, you may need to apply for a visa instead.
To wrap it all up
The introduction of Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in the UK marks a significant shift in border control procedures. While it simplifies travel for visa-exempt visitors, it also adds a new layer of bureaucracy that travellers must navigate.
If you are an expat living in France planning a holiday, business trip, or family visit to the UK, staying informed about ETA requirements and application procedures will help ensure a smooth journey. As border policies continue to evolve, always check the latest travel requirements before booking your trip.
It is worth noting that the European Union is introducing its own system called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System). Expected to be implemented soon, ETIAS will function similarly to the UK ETA and will be required for visa-exempt travellers visiting France and other Schengen countries.