The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)

The UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirements are currently being implemented for citizens of the GCC and Jordan.

Business operators and GA airports need to be prepared for the new requirement that grants nationalities permission to travel to the UK except for British and Irish citizens.

Everyone including children who enters or transits through the UK must apply for the ETA which will be electronically linked to their passport.

ETA clearances are valid for two years and cover multiple trips to the UK.

The UK ETA will apply to the EU, U.S. and Canadian citizens by this time next year.

When is an UK ETA necessary?

• For anyone who is visiting the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study
• For anyone visiting the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa
• For anyone transiting through a UK airport, even when it’s not necessary to go through UK border control

Who needs an ETA?

• Qatari citizens have needed an ETA to enter the UK since November 15, 2023
• Citizens of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have needed an ETA to enter the UK since February 22, 2024

More nationalities will be added in the coming months.

Who does not need an ETA?

• British or Irish passport holders
• Persons with permission to live, work or study in the UK
• UK visa holders

Note: The UK ETA is not a visa. All entry requirements into the UK remain unchanged.

How to apply 

• Apply on the UK ETA app, or online at GOV.UK
• Each visitor requires their own ETA, including children and babies
• It takes about 3 working days to find out whether the application is successful
• Visitors must apply at least 3 days before they travel and applications may take longer if further checks are needed
• An ETA will cost £10 per person
• An ETA will last for two years or until the passport expiration and allows multiple journeys to the UK

For more details, check out the UK government website here.

For more updates on global travel requirements, check out the UAS Blog