UK ETA rollout: Which nationalities must apply from Nov 27
The UK ETA system will require tourists and business travellers from 56 countries to apply for electronic travel authorisation ahead of trips from January 2025.
The countdown has begun for travellers heading to the UK. From 27 November 2024, nationals of 56 countries will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This move, part of the UK’s plan to digitise its borders by 2025, will affect millions of tourists and business visitors.
Phased rollout
London has chosen a staggered approach. Gulf Cooperation Council and Jordanian nationals have already been required to apply since February 2024. The next wave opens on 27 November 2024, with the ETA becoming mandatory on 8 January 2025 for short-term visitors from non-EU eligible countries.
https://twitter.com/ukinaustralia/status/1834445017924206728
EU travellers get more time: applications open on 5 March 2025, with the authorisation mandatory from 2 April 2025.
All visitors, including babies and children, will need an ETA. It is required for every entry, including simple transit through the UK.
UK Government
Who must apply?
From 8 January 2025, the 56 countries covered are: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, South Korea, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Solomon Islands, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, 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, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Uruguay, USA.
The full EU list plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein are included, while Irish and British citizens are exempt.
Not a visa, not quite a visa |
Faster, but not foolproof
The Home Office promises a simple process, mostly via a dedicated mobile app with a 72-hour turnaround. Still, travellers are urged to apply early to avoid last-minute issues.
Required details include a valid biometric passport, travel details, an email address and a debit/credit card for payment. Applicants must also answer eligibility questions.
This new rule will have knock-on effects on UK tourism, projected to bring in more than £32 billion this year. Some fear the ETA could deter visitors, yet the government insists it will smooth border checks and improve the travel experience overall.
The UK is following global norms seen with the US ESTA and Australia’s eVisitor. The goal: tighter security without harming legitimate travel.
En tant que chargée de relation client, mes missions sont la gestion et le suivi des demandes de visas. Je reste informée des actualités concernant les nouvelles formalités de voyage ainsi que les spécificités des nouveaux visas.
