It was inevitable that the UK would join most of the rest of the world (USA, New Zealand, Australia) and introduce an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to raise funds from visitors, presumably for their tourism infrastructure.
And so it is, that from January 8, 2025 all those of us from countries that used to enjoy unfettered access by being Commonwealth, or just part of the snuggly relationship between our countries, will now be required to fork over £ to enter the United Kingdom for our high tea.
Don’t be caught short as they are not as instantaneous as some ETAs can take up to three days to come through!
It’s a phased in requirement and there are two main dates where citizens can apply.
Citizens from most countries can apply from 27 November 2024 for their UK ETA (check this list of countries who can apply then, who can apply now, and who is not eligible to apply at all) for use from 8 January 2025.
Your country may be in the next wave (European countries), able to apply from 5 March 2025, for required use from 2 April 2025.
Middle Eastern passport holders can apply now, except Jordanians who will need to apply for a visa to enter the UK after 8 October 2024.
What can you do with the UK ETA?
You can visit as a tourist for up to six months. You can visit family and friends, go for business or short-term study. There are some other benefits, check them out here.
Note: you will need an ETA even if you are transitting through the UK to another destination, like Europe for example.
Once you get there, this is my idea of the perfect 2 days in London. It includes my favourite places to shop, have afternoon tea, and ends with a show.
How much does a UK ETA cost?
It costs £10 and everyone must have their own, including babies, who also need to have their own passport. It lasts two years.
Who does NOT need a UK ETA to enter the UK?
If you are travelling with a visa, you do not need the ETA. If you already have permission to live, work or study in the UK, or are under the EU Settlement Scheme. You do not require an ETA if you have a British or Irish passport, or if you have a passport from British overseas territories.
Apply for your ETA on this link which is the official UK Government website. (Please make sure the URL says www.gov.uk at the beginning).
