UK Electronic Travel Authorization: What Travelers Need to Know
Planning a trip that involves entering or transiting through the United Kingdom? Recent updates regarding UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirements may impact your travel plans. Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for your journey with ease.
As of January 8, 2025, the UK requires certain travelers to obtain an ETA. You’ll need a UK ETA if:
You’re entering the UK for a short stay, such as sightseeing, staying in a hotel, or any other independently arranged plans.
You’ll be transiting through the UK and need to pass through border control (e.g., transferring between airports or moving landside).
Learn more about the UK ETA requirements here
Airside transit travelers do not need a UK ETA. This applies if you’re simply connecting flights at a UK airport and remain airside, avoiding UK border control.
A UK ETA is valid for multiple entries over its validity period, which is typically two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. This means you can use the same ETA to enter the UK, leave, and return within that timeframe without reapplying.
Travelers may enter and exit the UK as often as they wish during the validity period of their ETA. Be sure to keep your passport and ETA details updated and properly aligned before each journey.
Before departing, check your flight itinerary with your airline to verify whether you’ll remain airside during transit. This ensures you know whether a UK ETA is necessary.
If you need to apply for a UK ETA, the process is simple:
The current cost is £10 (approximately $12 USD/$17 CAD), and applications are processed within approximately three business days.
Apply for your UK ETA well in advance to avoid travel disruptions.
Guests without the required documentation may be denied boarding their flights, so ensure all necessary steps are completed before departure.