Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) For Entry Into the UK
Table of Contents
- Eligibility Criteria for ETA
- Exceptions to ETA Requirement
- Application Process
- Associated Costs
- Receiving Your ETA
- Post-ETA Issuance Protocol
- Steps to Take if ETA Application is Unsuccessful
Overview
The UK government will institute a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for individuals intending to travel to the UK without a visa. This electronic permit will be your formal authorisation to enter the UK and will be electronically tethered to your passport.
An ETA will be obligatory if you are planning to:
- Stay in the UK for a maximum of 6 months for tourism, family visits, business engagements, or educational purposes.
- Reside in the UK for up to 3 months under the Creative Worker visa concession.
- Transit through the UK, even if you intend to avoid passing through UK border control.
For further information regarding visa requirements, please arrange a free consultation with one of our experts.
Eligibility Criteria for ETA
Nationals of Qatar
Qatari citizens must possess an ETA for travel commencing on or after 15 November 2023. Applications will open on 25 October 2023.
Nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, or the United Arab Emirates
Regarding the nations mentioned above, ETA requirements will come into force on or after 22 February 2024, with the application process commencing on 1 February 2024.
Nationals of Other Countries
For citizens of other countries, the ETA is not currently obligatory. Additional countries will be incorporated into the scheme at a later date.
Exceptions to ETA Requirement
You shall not require an ETA if you possess:
- A British or Irish passport,
- Existing permission to reside, work, or study in the UK,
- A visa authorising entry into the UK.
Residents of Ireland Who Are Not Irish Citizens
You will be exempted from ETA requirements if you meet the following conditions:
- Legal residence in Ireland.
- Have no existing visa requirement for UK entry.
- Entry into the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
Application Process
Applications for the ETA can be submitted via the official UK ETA app or through the GOV.UK website. Proxy applications are permissible.
It is imperative that each traveller, including minors, obtains their own ETA. Typically, applicants will receive a decision within three working days, although additional time may be required for further vetting.
Associated Costs
The application fee for the ETA is £10 per individual.
Receiving Your ETA
Successful applicants will receive an email confirmation. The issued ETA will be electronically linked to the passport used during the application. It is crucial to use the same passport when travelling.
Post-ETA Issuance Protocol
The validity of your ETA is two years. A new ETA must be procured if your passport expires within that period. An ETA does not confer an unequivocal right of entry into the UK; admission is at the discretion of Border Force officers.
Steps to Take if ETA Application is Unsuccessful
In the event of an unsuccessful ETA application, alternative avenues for entry include applying for:
- A Standard Visitor visa for general UK visits,
- A Temporary Work – Creative Worker visa for creative professionals,
- A transit visa for transiting through the UK.
Do not hesitate to contact Axis Solicitors Limited for any queries or further clarification. Our experts have successfully helped thousands of people apply for UK visas. Since the start, the core service of our law firm has always been personal and business immigration to the UK.
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Disclaimer: This text is informational and does not replace case-specific legal advice. Always consult with one of Axis Solicitors Limited’s qualified immigration professionals for case-specific guidance.
