Changes to UK entry rules from November 2023
From November 2023, some of your customers travelling to the UK without a visa may need to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
-
What is an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel to the UK. It’s for people who don’t need a visa, and it’s electronically linked to their passport. So if a customer plans to stay in the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, business, transit, short-term studies, or to visit family and friends, they’re likely to need an ETA.
For a quick overview, check out this 2-minute video created by the UK Home Office.
-
Who will need an ETA?
From 15 November 2023, Qatari nationals travelling to the UK without a visa need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). If they need to, your customers can apply for an ETA now.
From 22 February 2024, nationals from the following countries will need an ETA:
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
They will be able to apply from 1 February 2024.
More nationalities will be added later.
Please note that ETAs are required by both adults and children of all ages.
-
Who won’t need an ETA?
A customer won’t need an ETA if they have either:
- A British or Irish passport
- Permission to live, work, or study in the UK
- A visa to enter the UK
If a customer lives in Ireland and isn’t an Irish citizen, they’ll need to visit GOV.UK to check they won’t need an ETA.
-
How does a customer apply for an ETA?
If they need to, your customers can apply for an ETA now at GOV.UK or on the UK ETA app.
They can visit GOV.UK for updates and a full explanation of the application process.
-
How long will an ETA be valid for?
An ETA will be valid for 2 years or until the passport it’s linked to expires (whichever comes first). A customer will be able to make multiple trips to the UK during this period.
If a customer has more than one passport, they’ll have to travel to the UK using the passport their ETA is linked to.
-
How much will an ETA cost?
It will cost £10 per applicant.
-
Does a customer still need to bring their passport and/or travel documents when travelling?
Yes, they do. Their passport, and any other relevant travel documents, will be checked by border authorities at the station before departure.
-
Where can I find out more?
The information provided on this page is correct as of 28th November 2023.
For the latest updates, please visit GOV.UK.