The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which serves as a digital permit for short-term travel to the UK, became available for eligible non-European visitors starting November 27, 2024. This system replaces the previous visa waiver for certain nationalities and requires non-EU travelers who were previously visa-exempt to obtain an ETA for entry to the UK on or after January 8, 2025.
The rollout of the ETA has been implemented in phases. The first phase allowed Qatari nationals to apply from October 2023, followed by other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals in February 2024. The current phase has extended the scheme to include citizens from 48 non-EU countries, as listed below:
| Antigua and Barbuda | Argentina | Australia |
| The Bahamas | Barbados | Belize |
| Botswana | Brazil | Brunei |
| Canada | Chile | Costa Rica |
| Grenada | Guatemala | Guyana |
| Hong Kong | Israel | Japan |
| Kiribati | Macao | Malaysia |
| Maldives | Marshall Islands | Mauritius |
| Mexico | Micronesia | Nauru |
| New Zealand | Nicaragua | Palau |
| Panama | Papua New Guinea | Paraguay |
| Peru | Samoa | Seychelles |
| Singapore | Solomon Islands | South Korea |
| St Kitts and Nevis | St Lucia | St Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Taiwan | Tonga | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Tuvalu | United States | Uruguay |
The final phase of the ETA rollout is scheduled for March 2025, when all eligible European travelers will be able to apply. Once fully implemented, the ETA will be mandatory for all travelers unless they require a visa, hold UK immigration status, or are citizens of Britain or Ireland.
Seema Malhotra, Member of Parliament and Minister for Migration and Citizenship, has commended the ETA scheme, describing it as a “light-touch screening” process that enhances border efficiency and security. She emphasized that the system is designed to provide a seamless travel experience while maintaining the safety of the UK.
Compared to the previous visa waiver system, the ETA offers a faster and more straightforward application process for travelers and transit passengers. It also strengthens immigration control and optimizes resource allocation for border authorities.
Eligible travelers can apply online, and successful applicants will receive their digital permit via email. The ETA is automatically linked to the applicant’s passport and remains valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, travelers can enter and transit through the UK multiple times.
The ETA scheme is expected to boost the UK’s travel and tourism sector, which saw significant contributions from countries like the USA, Canada, and Australia, totaling £8.8 billion in 2023. By simplifying entry requirements, the UK aims to foster economic growth while maintaining robust border security.