{"id":22321,"date":"2024-09-30T09:46:04","date_gmt":"2024-09-30T09:46:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.battleface.com\/blog\/?p=22321"},"modified":"2024-09-30T09:46:36","modified_gmt":"2024-09-30T09:46:36","slug":"do-you-need-an-eta-for-travel-to-the-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.battleface.com\/blog\/do-you-need-an-eta-for-travel-to-the-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"Do you need an ETA for travel to the UK?"},"content":{"rendered":"Approx read: <\/span> 3<\/span> mins<\/span><\/span>

Don’t need a visa to go to the UK? Don’t get too excited.<\/h2>\n

Visa-free travellers must have a new digital authorisation called ETA to travel to and through the UK.<\/h3>\n

Depending on your passport, you need it now, soon, or soon-ish. Questions? We have answers.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s an ETA?<\/h4>\n

ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorisation. It\u2019s a digital stamp connected to your passport that authorises travel to and transit through the UK.<\/p>\n

Is it a visa?<\/h4>\n

No. ETAs are digital permission slips for travellers who don\u2019t require a visa.<\/p>\n

What does it do?<\/h4>\n

With an ETA, you can visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family or friends, business, or short-term study. In some cases, you can visit for short-term employment. An ETA also allows travellers to transit through the UK.<\/p>\n

\"ferry<\/p>\n

Who needs an ETA?<\/h4>\n

Eventually, all travellers (babies and kids, too) who don\u2019t need a visa for travel to the UK must have an ETA. And for going through the UK, even if not going through border control.<\/p>\n

The ETA requirement covers all types of transport, including planes, trains, buses, ferries. ETA checks may take place in the departure country. No ETA? No entry.<\/p>\n

When do I have to have it?<\/h4>\n

The programme is rolling out in stages.<\/p>\n

Currently, inbound travellers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates must have an ETA for entry.<\/p>\n

As of 8 January 2025, non-Europeans who don\u2019t require a visa for entry must have an ETA. Applications are available from 27 November 2024. Check your eligibility with GOV.UK\u2019s handy list<\/a>. If your country isn’t on the list, you might need a visa.<\/p>\n

For nationals from European and Schengen countries (and associated territories) the application process begins 5 March 2025. The ETA requirement kicks in 2 April 2025. Here\u2019s the list<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Who doesn\u2019t<\/em> need an ETA?<\/h4>\n

According to GOV.UK\u2019s website<\/a>, you don\u2019t need an\u00a0ETA\u00a0if you have any of these:<\/p>\n