Travelling to the United Kingdom? Without an ETA, You May Not Be Allowed to Board

Author/Editor Maria Anna Furman

Are you planning to travel to the United Kingdom for the Stars Night Awards, a family visit, a holiday or a business meeting? A valid passport alone may no longer be enough. Before travelling, check whether you need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation).

What is an ETA?

ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation. It is not a traditional visa. It is an electronic authorisation that allows eligible travellers who do not require a visa for a short stay to travel to the United Kingdom.

An ETA can be used to travel to the UK for purposes including:

* tourism,

* visiting family or friends,

* business,

* short-term study,

* certain permitted paid engagements.

In most of these cases, visitors may stay in the UK for up to six months. However, an ETA does not automatically guarantee entry. The final decision remains with the UK Border Force.

More information about permitted travel is available on GOV.UK: what you can and cannot do with an ETA https://www.gov.uk/eta/what-you-can-cannot-do

Do you need an ETA to travel to the UK?

Whether you need an ETA depends on your nationality and the purpose of your journey.

Visitors from European countries, the United States, Canada, Australia and many other countries whose citizens do not normally require a visa for a short visit to the UK will generally need an ETA before travelling.

Citizens of countries subject to UK visa requirements must apply for the appropriate visa instead of an ETA. Every traveller should check the requirements that apply to their nationality and individual circumstances before travelling.

People who do not need an ETA include:

* holders of a British or Irish passport,

* people with a valid UK visa,

* people who have permission to live, work or study in the UK,

* holders of settled or pre-settled status,

* passengers transiting through a UK airport without passing through border control, known as “airside” transit.

A complete list of exemptions is available on GOV.UK when you do not need an ETA: https://www.gov.uk/eta/when-not-need-eta

To confirm whether you need an ETA, a visa or another form of permission, use the official Check if you need a UK visa or ETA https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa service.

Every traveller needs their own ETA

Every person who requires an ETA must have their own authorisation. This includes children and babies. A parent or guardian can apply on behalf of a child or another family member.

An ETA is electronically linked to the passport used during the application process. You must therefore travel using the same passport. If you receive a new passport, you may need to apply for a new ETA.

According to the latest information from the UK Government, an ETA application costs £20. The fee is non-refundable.

An ETA is valid for two years, or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can travel to the United Kingdom multiple times, provided that every visit complies with the relevant rules.

Submit your application only through the official UK ETA app or the GOV.UK ETA application service https://www.gov.uk/eta/apply

The UK Government warns travellers about unofficial websites that may charge higher fees and cannot provide a faster decision.

What do you need to apply?

You will need:

* the passport you intend to travel with,

* an email address,

* a photograph of the applicant’s face,

* a credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay.

You will usually receive a decision by email within one day, although the process may take up to three working days. You must wait until you receive confirmation that your ETA has been granted before travelling.

What does an ETA not allow you to do?

An ETA does not allow you to undertake regular paid or unpaid work for a UK company, claim public funds or effectively live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.

It also does not allow you to marry, register a civil partnership or give notice of marriage or civil partnership. You need an appropriate visa for these purposes.

Check before you travel

If you are travelling to the United Kingdom, do not leave the formalities until the last minute. Check your passport, immigration status and whether you need an ETA, a visa or another form of permission.

Without the correct travel authorisation, your journey could end before you even board the plane.

For current information, visit the official ETA guide on GOV.UK https://www.gov.uk/eta