Electronic Travel Authorisation (eta) replaces visa-free travel to the UK

By 1st 4Immigration - #1 UK Immigration Experts -

This is a change for nationals who normally did not need a visa to come to the UK for a holiday or business trip. This includes people from Europe, Australia, Canada, USA, Malaysia, UAE, Qatar and many other countries, the Rules call them “non-visa nationals”. Whereas before it was possible to visit the UK without any visa (just get a stamp at the airport), now you would need an ETA prior to travel. It is similar to American ETA and Australian ESTA, still not a “proper” visa, but an online authorisation before travel. If the system approves – you can head to the airport. If not – you’d have to apply for a Visitor visa.

 

When does ETA start?

Most nationals can apply from 27 November 2024; European visitors – from 5 March 2025. When eligible, you can apply here.   

 

Costs and timing

ETA costs 10 British Pounds per person, including per each child, and takes 3 working days to be processed. In some cases, it may be possible to travel to the UK while waiting for ETA, but you still have to apply for it. When approved, an ETA lasts for 2 years, so you can travel back and forth during that time, each staying maximum 6 months as a visitor/holidaymaker. 

 

 Visa nationals still need a "proper" Visitor visa 

If your nationality is on the list of “visa nationals”, you will have to apply for a Visitor visa (not for ETA), even to come to the for a holiday. Submitting an online visa form, providing all the supporting documents, such as finances, reasons for travel to the UK, ties with your home country etc. The visa Rules and documents remain the same, even with electronic visas. The same caseworkers will be considering all applications, including checking the previous immigration history. 

 

Who is a visa national?

Examples: Chinese, Indian, Filipino, Russian, South African etc, you can check your nationality here.   

 

For immigration advice, Book online consultation here. A call over Zoom or WhatsApp costs £150 if you prefer to talk to a lawyer. An email consultation costs only £120 and we provide answers by the next working day. Advice fee counts towards our future services with a visa application, so the final fee is the same, just split into 2 stages. 

 

1st 4Immigration is one of the most experienced UK immigration law companies, OISC – accredited at the highest Level 3. We have been in business for over 15 years, our OISC reference is 200800152, in which 2008 stands for the year accreditation. Office: Tower 42, 25 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1HN. Website 1st4immigration.com

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