Travelling to the United Kingdom has become more streamlined for many international visitors thanks to the introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), often referred to as an Electronic Travel Pass. This system simplifies entry for eligible individuals, but understanding who needs one and how it works is crucial for a smooth journey.
Who Needs an Electronic Travel Pass for the UK?
Whether you require an electronic travel pass depends primarily on two factors: your nationality and your travel date. The UK government is rolling out the ETA scheme in phases, starting with certain nationalities. To determine if you need to apply, you should always check the official government guidelines based on your passport’s nationality and when you plan to travel.
Check if you can apply for an ETA on the official government website for the most up-to-date information.
Exemptions: Who Doesn’t Need an Electronic Travel Pass?
Not everyone needs to obtain an electronic travel pass to enter the UK. You are exempt if you fall into any of the following categories:
- Visa Holders: If you already possess a valid UK visa, you do not need an ETA. Your visa serves as your entry permission.
- UK Residence Permission: Individuals with the right to live, work, or study in the UK, including those with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme or right of abode, are exempt.
- Transit Passengers (Specific Cases): If you are transiting through a UK airport without passing through border control, an ETA is not required. However, it’s essential to confirm this with your airline to ensure you meet the criteria for airside transit.
- British and Irish Citizens: Citizens of the United Kingdom and Ireland are automatically exempt from the ETA requirement.
- British Overseas Territories Citizens: Those travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport are also not required to have an ETA.
- Residents of Ireland (Travelling from Specific Locations): If you live in Ireland and your journey to the UK originates from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, you are exempt.
- Children on France-UK School Trips: Children travelling on the France-UK school trip travel information form are covered under a separate scheme and do not need an individual ETA.
Special Note for Dual Citizens
Dual citizens, particularly those holding British or Irish citizenship alongside another nationality, do not need an electronic travel pass. To prove your right to enter the UK, you should travel with either a valid British passport, a valid Irish passport, or another valid passport that includes a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode in the UK.
What Can You Do With a UK Electronic Travel Pass?
An electronic travel pass is designed for specific purposes of visiting the UK. With a valid ETA, you are permitted to:
- Visit for Tourism: Explore the UK’s attractions, from historical sites to bustling cities.
- Visit for Business: Attend meetings, conferences, or other business-related activities.
- Visit for Study (Short Courses): Undertake short-term study courses that meet the permitted activities.
It’s important to remember that possessing an electronic travel pass does not guarantee entry into the UK. Upon arrival, you will still need to pass through border control, either by seeing a Border Force officer or using an ePassport gate if eligible.
For visits to the UK for reasons outside of tourism, business, or short-term study, especially if you have a criminal record or have previously been denied entry to the UK, you might consider applying for a Standard Visitor visa instead.
Restrictions: What You Cannot Do With an ETA
The electronic travel pass has limitations on what you can do during your visit. Specifically, with an ETA you cannot:
- Stay Longer Than 6 Months: ETAs are for short visits, and you cannot stay in the UK for more than 180 days.
- Engage in Paid or Unpaid Work (Except Specific Permitted Activities): You cannot undertake paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed individual. Exceptions exist for permitted paid engagements, events, or work under the Creative Worker visa concession.
- Claim Public Funds: Accessing public funds or benefits is not permitted with an ETA.
- Live in the UK Through Frequent Visits: Attempting to reside in the UK by making frequent or successive visits using an ETA is not allowed.
- Marry or Register a Civil Partnership: If your primary purpose is to get married, register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership in the UK, you need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa instead.
Cost of the Electronic Travel Pass
Applying for an electronic travel pass costs £10. This fee is applicable to each traveller, including babies and children, as everyone requires their own ETA. It’s important to note that the application fee is non-refundable once you have applied, regardless of the outcome.
How to Apply for a UK Electronic Travel Pass
The most efficient method to apply for an ETA is through the official UK ETA app, available on both the App Store and Google Play.
To complete your application, you will need:
- Your Passport: The valid passport you will use for travel. Photocopies or digital passports are not accepted.
- Email Access: You need access to your email account to receive updates and confirmation.
- Payment Method: A credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay to pay the application fee.
During the application process, you will be required to upload or take photos of your passport and your face. You are not required to provide specific travel details as part of the ETA application.
Alternative Application Method
If you are unable to use the app, you can also apply online through the UK government website.
For those applying on behalf of someone who is not present with them, the online application portal should be used.
Processing Time for Your Application
Typically, you will receive a decision on your electronic travel pass application within 3 working days. In many cases, decisions are made much faster. However, occasionally, processing can take longer than 3 working days.
Group Applications
It’s important to remember that each individual must apply for their own ETA separately, even if travelling as part of a group or family. Decision times may vary, even for applications submitted together.
Travelling Urgently
You must apply for your ETA before you travel to the UK. You are permitted to travel while your application is being processed.
After You Receive Your ETA
Once your application is approved, you will receive an email confirmation that your electronic travel pass has been granted. The ETA is digitally linked to the passport you used for your application.
Your UK electronic travel pass is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this validity period, you can travel to the UK multiple times without needing to re-apply for a new ETA, provided your reasons for travel remain within the permitted activities.
Need Help?
For further assistance or if you have additional questions, you can use the ETA webchat service for real-time support.
