Beginning January 8, 2025, American and Canadian travelers to the United Kingdom will be required to apply - in advance of your trip - for the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). The digital application process opens November 27, 2024 for anyone planning to arrive in Britain from January 8, 2025 and onwards. 

The British government has been introducing the new digital entry permits in a phased approach to a goal of fully digitizing entry into its borders by 2025. Americans and Canadians are now among the groups of foreign residents required to submit and able to apply for an ETA. 

ETA’s are mandatory for entry into the UK. That includes children and babies. The program is for regular travelers going to the UK for tourism, business, visiting family and friends, boarding a cruise departing from the UK or transiting through the UK en route to another country. 

ETA’s only applies to visitors who do not otherwise need a specialized UK visa (for example, for work, marriage, etc.) 

You’ll still have to go through Immigration on arrival at a UK gateway and be cleared by officers at the border entry. If you don’t apply for your ETA before your departure, you could be fined. 

Here’s How the ETA Application Process Works:

How Much Does it Cost? 

• The application fee is £10 (roughly USD 13 / CAD $18).
• There is no refund after you apply. 

How Long Does Your ETA Last? 

• Your ETA lasts 2 years, for unlimited entries during that time.
• You’ll need a new ETA if you get a new passport. 

What You’ll Need to Apply:

• the passport you will travel with - not a photocopy or digital passport
• access to your emails
• a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay

You will need to upload photos of your:

• passport
• face 

You do not need to enter your travel details.

How to Apply: 

According to the British government, the fastest way to apply is using the UK ETA app.

• Download on the App Store
• Download on Google Play 

Need help with the app?

• There’s a guide on using the UK ETA app.

Can’t use the app?

• You can apply online.
• If you are applying for someone else who is not with you, you are advised to apply online.

How Long it Takes to Get an ETA:

• According to the British government, you should get a decision within 3 working days. It may be sooner, but it may also take longer, so give yourself plenty of time.
• You will get an email confirming you’ve got your ETA.

What If I Need to Travel Soon?

• The system makes allowances for people traveling last minute.
• You must apply for an ETA before you travel, but you can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision.

What if I’m Traveling in a Group? 

• Each person must apply separately.
• The British government advises that each of you may get a decision at a different time from someone else in your group - even if you applied at the same time.

Here’s a link to the official page on the British government website.

START YOUR BRITAIN TRIP!

By: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist and expert. 

Image: ©VisitBritain/Sam Barker

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