The Rollout, Application Process and Who Needs To Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Do I need an ETA?

Due to the upcoming change in rules, we have prepared the following examples of applicants to help illustrate who will require an ETA and in what circumstances:

1. Joshua is a US passport holder married to a UK citizen and holds a Spouse visa. He is looking to come to the UK in June 2025 to visit his in-laws and visit London for a few weeks. He would not require an ETA as he already holds separate UK status. Those holding separate UK visas that permit entry clearance do not require an ETA. However, non-UK visa holders from the US would require an ETA from 8th January 2025.

2. Sophie is a German passport holder and works for an IT consultancy firm in Germany. Her company would like her to visit their UK subsidiary in May 2025 to attend meetings and consult with her UK-based colleagues on an upcoming project. She would need an ETA as she is travelling after the date that ETAs are required (2nd April 2025). Her ETA permits her to carry-out activities that are permitted under a visit visa, which include visiting for business purposes.

3. Harjit is an Indian passport holder currently in India. He would like to visit the UK to attend a family wedding in April 2025. As India is not included in the countries that the ETA is being extended to, he would need to apply for a visit visa before coming to the UK. He would not need to apply for an ETA after his visit visa is granted. 

How do I apply for an ETA?

ETAs can be applied for using the UK ETA app which can be downloaded to your smartphone. The app is free to download and there is no requirement to attend a biometric appointment when applying for an ETA. ETAs can also be applied for using UKVI’s website - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

You will need to scan your passport biodata page and take a photo of yourself to complete the ETA process.

An ETA will cost £10 to apply for per person. Each passport-holder will need to apply for a separate ETA.

UKVI advise that the decision-making time is typically 3 working days for an ETA to be granted, although this can take longer in certain circumstances. In the event of urgent travel, UKVI advise that an ETA must be submitted before travelling to the UK, but you can travel to the UK whilst awaiting a decision.

Once granted, an ETA is valid for 2 years and you will be able to travel to the UK using it in accordance with UKVI’s visit visa rules. You will be able to make multiple journeys to the UK as a visitor for stays of no more than 6-months on each occasion.

If you receive a new passport however, you will need to apply for a new ETA. Also, if you are refused an ETA there is no right of appeal. You will need to make an application for a visitor visa.

You should also note that an ETA grants you permission to travel to the UK but does not guarantee entry at border control. Therefore, you must be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of your trip, duration of stay and your personal circumstances. Where necessary, you should also carry documents to confirm the purpose of your stay.

How can Paragon Law Help

Paragon Law advise and assist on business, personal and family visit visa applications and assisting clients with UKVI’s new digital visa processes. We would be happy to help with any enquiry or queries regarding ETAs or the visit visa process. Please contact us if you would like to talk about your case.