How to Navigate the UK ETA for Non-Visa Nationals
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The United Kingdom has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, a new requirement for non-visa nationals, including EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals and non-EU business visitors. This initiative aims to enhance border security without the more complex visa application process. It is supposed to streamline the entry processes. Understanding the ETA’s purpose, application process, and implications is essential for business travellers planning trips to the UK.
ETA meaning UK: An introduction to the new system
The UK ETA is a digital travel authorisation required for visitors from visa-exempt countries. Its primary purpose is to strengthen UK border security by pre-screening travellers’ immigration status before they arrive. It is safe to say that the introduction of the United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorisation system marks a significant step in modernising and securing the immigration rules for international travellers.
The system is being rolled out in two phases: from 8 January 2025, citizens from non-European visa-exempt countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, will need to obtain an ETA. From 2 April 2025, European Union, EEA, and Swiss nationals will also require an ETA, marking a notable shift in travel requirements. This represents a significant shift, particularly for EU citizens who have historically enjoyed unrestricted travel to the UK without pre-authorisation. EU nationals will have to apply for an ETA even for short visits.
The UK Government has described the ETA as necessary to bolster national security. It aligns with similar systems implemented worldwide, such as the United States Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and the European Union’s upcoming European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). These initiatives reflect a global trend towards enhanced border security and the adoption of digital travel solutions.
Travellers with pre-approved ETAs will experience faster and smoother entry, reducing bottlenecks at airports and other entry points. This added efficiency is particularly beneficial for business travellers, who often operate on tight schedules.
Nevertheless, the system poses certain challenges, especially when it comes to informing potential visitors about these new requirements. Companies that regularly send employees to the UK need to revise their travel policies and guarantee compliance to prevent delays or interruptions.
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Who needs an ETA?
Nationals from countries that previously did not require a visa for short stays in the UK now need an ETA. This includes travellers from the United States, Canada, Australia, and other visa-exempt nations. From 2 April 2025, EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals will also need an ETA. This includes short-term visits for tourism, business, and other non-paid activities. Exemptions apply to British and Irish citizens, individuals with existing UK visas or immigration permissions, and legal residents of Ireland travelling from within the Common Travel Area. These exemptions ensure that the new system does not disrupt the unique travel arrangements between the UK and Ireland under the CTA framework.
Important: Business travellers should be aware that an ETA is mandatory for attending meetings, conferences, or engaging in other short-term business activities. However, it does not allow for paid work or extended stays, which still necessitate a separate visa.
The introduction of the ETA is particularly significant for frequent business travellers from non-EU and EU countries. For example, executives who often travel to London for client meetings or conferences must now incorporate the ETA application into their travel planning. Failure to secure an ETA before departure could result in denied boarding or entry, causing significant schedule disruptions and potential financial losses.
To mitigate these risks, finance leaders and travel managers should proactively identify employees needing an ETA and integrate the requirement into their travel policies. Additionally, raising awareness among travellers about the application timeline and process will be critical in ensuring compliance.
Who can apply now
Nationalities from the following locations (including associated territories) can apply for an ETA now.
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
The Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belize
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Costa Rica
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas)
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Kuwait
Macao Special Administrative Region
Malaysia
Maldives
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Federated States of Micronesia
Nauru
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Oman
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Qatar
Samoa
Saudi Arabia
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Taiwan (if you have a passport issued by Taiwan that includes in it the number of the identification card issued by the competent authority in Taiwan)
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uruguay
Who can apply from 5 March 2025
Nationals from the following countries can travel to the UK with an ETA from 2 April 2025.
Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
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
Please note: Jordan nationals must apply for a visa. You can also check the immigration laws for your country here.
ETA application UK: Our step-by-step guide
Applying for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a straightforward process. Here, we have compiled a detailed guide based on the latest information provided by the UK government:
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Ensure you are from a country that requires a UK ETA.
From 8 January 2025: Nationals from visa-exempt, non-European countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand must apply.
From 2 April 2025: EU nationals will also need an ETA.
Also, verify if you qualify for an exemption:
British and Irish citizens are exempt, and if you are legally resident in and entering the UK from Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, you will not need an electronic travel authorisation.
Residents of Ireland travelling to the UK from within the Common Travel Area (CTA) do not need an ETA.
Individuals holding a UK visa or other valid immigration permissions are also exempt.
Step 2: Required documentation and information
To apply for a UK ETA, you will need:
A valid passport: Must be machine-readable and valid for at least the duration of your stay.
An email address: Used to receive your application confirmation and ETA approval.
A payment method: A credit or debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay the application fee (£10).
Step 3: Start your application online or via the mobile app
Visit the official UK Government ETA application portal (gov.uk). Alternatively, download the UK ETA app from the official app stores.
Step 4: Upload documents and complete the application form
During the process, you will be asked to upload or take photos of the passport and the face of the person applying. However, you do not need to enter your travel details.
Step 5: Pay the application fee
Use a credit or debit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay to pay the £10 fee. Also make sure that the payment is successful before submitting the application.
Step 6: Submit your application
Double-check all entered information before submitting your application via the online portal or mobile app.
Expected processing times
Most applications are processed within three working days, though some may take longer if additional checks are required. If you or your employees need to travel soon, you can do so while waiting for a decision. You will receive an email notification once your application is approved or denied. Once approved, your ETA will be electronically linked to your passport.
Costs and validity
The application fee for a UK ETA is £10. The authorisation is valid for two years or until the associated passport expires, permitting multiple visits of up to six months each for purposes such as tourism, certain business (such as attending client meetings or conferences), or short-term study.
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Recommendations for finance leaders and AP managers
Finance leaders should update travel policies to include ETA application procedures and associated costs. Ensuring all business travellers obtain the necessary authorisations before travel can prevent disruptions and additional expenses. Yokoy’s travel expense management platform can be configured to align with updated travel policies, including ETA requirements.
Match various travel policies with Yokoy
Yokoy enables finance teams to pre-plan travel budgets by incorporating all potential expenses, including occurring ETA fees via corporate cards. This proactive budgeting ensures that all costs are accounted for and that travellers comply with necessary travel authorisations.
Yokoy enables companies to oversee and manage travel policies in various countries. This centralised management ensures compliance and minimises the chances of travel interruptions. The platform is customisable to meet local laws and regulations, such as per diem rates, tax regulations, and reporting requirements for each country where your business operates. As a result, you can effectively handle international expenses and are assured that Yokoy can navigate the intricacies of local compliance.
Yokoy’s corporate cards can be used to pay travel-related expenses, including ETA application fees. These cards provide transparency and control over spending, simplifying expense tracking and reimbursement processes.
Next steps
Non-EU business travellers to the UK must now navigate the ETA system as part of their travel preparations. By understanding the UK immigration requirements and utilising tools like Yokoy, finance leaders and AP managers can reduce the risk of non-compliance, streamline travel expense management, and maintain efficient travel operations. Explore Yokoy’s powerful features for a complete solution to manage travel expenses and meet new regulations.
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