From today, citizens of 48 non-European countries must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK.

The United Kingdom is taking a further step towards tightening its border controls by requiring citizens of 48 non-European countries to have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the country from today.

Electronic Travel Authorisation, similar to ESTA in the US and quite distinct from the traditional visa, aims to strengthen security while facilitating administrative procedures for visa-exempt travellers to the UK.

Already in place for certain Persian Gulf countries, ETA will be extended to European visitors from April 2, 2025.

UK ETA extension: the 48 new countries affected

As of January 8, 2025, ETA for travel to the UK applies to nationals of the following 48 countries and territories:

• Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States and Uruguay.

Next step: European visitors

From April 2, 2025, European citizens will also need an ETA to visit the UK.

Travelers from the Old Continent will be able to apply for their Electronic Travel Authorisation for the UK from March 5, 2025.

According to recent figures, over 600,000 ETAs have already been issued, testifying to the fluidity of the system and the support of travelers already eligible for the scheme. The British authorities anticipate that this measure will help to simplify entry controls while enhancing security.

How to apply for an ETA to travel to the UK?

Intended for tourists and business travellers on short-term trips, the ETA must be obtained before entering the United Kingdom.

The ETA application can be submitted on the UK government website www.gov.uk or via the “UK ETA” mobile app available on the App Store and Google Play Store.

It requires basic information such as passport details, travel plans and some personal data. A copy of the passport and a passport photo must be inserted online when applying.

The cost of the ETA is £10, or around $/€13 (including bank charges), and the application is usually processed within a few hours.

Once approved, the ETA is sent to the applicant by e-mail and allows multiple entries in the UK. It is valid for 2 years, or until expiry of the passport if the travel document is less valid, and allows up to 6 months stay per entry into the country.