UK expands online pre-travel check to more non-European visitors

Applications for the UK’s recently introduced Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme are now open to all eligible non-European visitors, including those from the US, Canada and Australia.

Travellers from eligible non-European countries (those who do not currently require a visa for short-stay visits) can now complete the online pre-travel authorisation that will be necessary to enter the UK from 8 January.

The requirement will then extend to travellers from European countries from 2 April 2025, with applications for these travellers available from 5 March.

The ETA was first introduced in November 2023, initially for Qatari travellers, and has since been extended to travellers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. 

The move to digitise the UK’s borders will require all visitors and transit passengers who do not currently need a visa – except British and Irish citizens – to obtain an ETA prior to arrival.

Similar to pre-travel checks required to enter the US, the ETA will be electronically linked to travellers’ passports and applications can be made through “a quick and simple process” online or via a dedicated app.

An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK (for stays of up to 6 months) over a period of two years.

However, the UK government has already been warned of potential travel “chaos” due to limited public awareness of the scheme and a “lack of coordination with the EU” on the launch of its two similar initiatives: the long-delayed Entry/Exit System (EES) and Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

Commenting on the expanded rollout, minister for migration and citizenship Seema Malhotra, said: “This expansion of ETA is a significant step forward in delivering a border that’s efficient and fit for the digital age. Through light-touch screening before people step foot in the UK, we will keep our country safe while ensuring visitors have a smooth travel experience.”