UK ETA Rollout update from UK Home Office

ETA Rollout update Eligible non-European national visitors Applications open Wednesday 27 November.  This date marks a major step in the UK Government’s plan to digitise the UK border and immigration system.

From 27 November 2024 all eligible non-European national visitors can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and will need one to travel to or transit through the UK from 8 January 2025.

Next year, we will open ETA to eligible Europeans, who will be able to apply from 5 March 2025 and will need an ETA to travel to or transit through the UK from 2 April 2025.

From April 2025, all travellers to the UK, except British and Irish citizens, will need permission to travel in advance through either ETA or an eVisa.  

This expansion follows the successful rollout of ETAs to Gulf Cooperation Council nationals earlier this year.  In the first half of 2024, over 388,000 Gulf nationals were issued with ETAs and can now benefit from smoother, easier travel to the UK for short trips.

Eligible visitors should apply for their ETA through the UK ETA app, which is quick and simple to use and enables most applicants to receive a decision within hours.

People who require a visa to visit the UK will continue to do so and should not obtain an ETA. Those who are exempt from immigration control will not require an ETA.

For information see:  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

Partner Pack 

Please help us raise awareness of ETA with your visiting staff, customers and others travelling to the UK. You can download the latest ‘Partner Pack’ of updated promotional materials, model website content, social media assets and factsheets here:

Partner Pack

Information events

The introduction of the UK ETA is a significant change for many travellers who previously did not need to interact with the Home Office prior to travelling. The UK Government continues to work closely with the travel industry, international businesses, short-term education providers and other organisations that attract visitors to the UK, to ensure visitors understand the steps they need to take before they travel to the UK.

We continue to host weekly ETA information events to hear about how ETA is changing travel to the UK, and to ask questions.

If you, your colleagues, or anyone in your business networks would like to attend, please register  here:

If you have any queries, please contact the ETA Engagement Team: ETAengagement@homeoffice.co.uk