The United Kingdom is implementing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for visa-exempt travelers in a phased approach. From 2025, visa-exempt travelers visiting the United Kingdom for tourism, business, or transit will be required to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This new requirement will impact millions of travelers and have important implications for airlines and tourism companies operating in the UK market.

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What is the UK ETA?

The UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a mandatory travel permit for most visa-exempt travelers visiting the United Kingdom for short stays. It is similar to the United States' Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), and the European Union's upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS).

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Key Details

• The UK ETA will be required for tourism, business, or transit visits lasting up to 6 months.
• The UK ETA is valid for 2 years for multiple entries. If travelers obtain a new passport, they require a new ETA.
• The government fee is £10.
• The processing time is 3 business days.
• Travelers must apply online and provide passport information and a facial image.

Who Needs an ETA

The UK government is rolling out the ETA in phases:

Phase 1: Gulf Cooperation Council Countries

Launch Date: February 1st, 2024
Applies to: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates

Phase 2: Non-European Visa Waiver Countries‍

Applications Open: November 27th, 2024
Requirement Starts: January 8th, 2025
Applies to: Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, 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, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States, Uruguay

Phase 3: European Countries‍

Applications Open: March 5th, 2024
Requirement Starts: April 2nd, 2025
Applies to: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City

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Exemptions

Travelers are not required to apply for an ETA if they have:

• A visa for the UK
• A British or Irish passport
• Permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme)
• Legal residence in Ireland and traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

Preparing for the Change

To ensure a smooth transition, airlines and travel companies should:

• Update all customer-facing information about UK entry requirements.
• Train staff on the new ETA system and application process.
• Consider implementing ETA verification into booking systems.

If you are using Sherpa°–we've got you covered!

At Sherpa°, we have been processing UK ETA applications for GCC nationals since February 1st, 2024. To help travelers stay prepared, we also opened pre-registration for eligible non-European nationals (mandatory starting January 8th, 2025) and European nationals (mandatory starting April 2nd, 2025), ensuring a seamless transition to meet these new requirements.

Sherpa° solutions have been updated to include the UK ETA requirements. Eligible travelers can now seamlessly apply for the ETA directly through Sherpa°:

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Optimize Sherpa° for the UK ETA

Your travelers need to know about the new UK ETA requirement. Help them stay informed by including Sherpa° at two key moments:

First, add Sherpa° to your post-booking communications. This early notification gives travelers time to prepare and understand their entry requirements.

Then, address the UK ETA in your pre-departure communications. Since this is a new requirement, consider sending dedicated messages about the UK ETA with direct links to your Sherpa° integration. If you're using standard pre-departure templates, include both the requirement and your Sherpa° solution to make the application process straightforward for your travelers.

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Updates

26 November 2024: Colombia has been removed as Colombian nationals now need a visa to visit the UK.

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