When does the ETA come into force?
From November 27th, 2024, eligible non-EU citizens can apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is required for travel (and transit) in the UK starting from January 8th, 2025.
From April 2nd, 2025, with the possibility of applying starting from March 5th, 2025, ETA will also be mandatory for short-term travel and transit only in the UK, for Italian citizens, as well as for all EU citizens.
Who must apply for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation
All visitors, including minors, who do not require a UK visa for short stays or who do not have any immigration status in the UK, must apply for and obtain an ETA to travel to or transit through the UK.
The following are therefore exempt from the ETA application:
- British and Irish citizens
- Holders of a valid UK visa
- Residents with a residence permit in the United Kingdom
- Irish residents travelling from Ireland
- Citizens of the British Overseas Territories
How to apply for the ETA
You can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation via the official “UK ETA” app, which can be downloaded on your smartphone from:
- Apple Store UK ETA on the App Store on the App Store for iOS or
- Google Play UK ETA – App su Google Play for Android
You can also apply via the official website of the British Government.
Before starting the procedure, you must have the following at hand:
- Valid passport;
- Recent digital photo;
- Credit or debit card for payment.
Once registered, you will need to scan your passport, enter your personal details, pay the required fee and wait for confirmation of the correct finalization of the application.
How much is the ETA fee?
It costs £10 to apply for an ETA. All travelers must obtain an ETA, including infants and children, and it is usually possible to apply for a third person.
There is no refund of the amount paid for any reason after you have submitted your application.
ETA processing time
The standard processing time is 48-72 working hours.
However, applying for an ETA via the mobile app is the quickest method. The authorisation is usually issued within a few hours of submitting your application.
It is recommended that you apply for your ETA at least a week before your planned trip to avoid any confusion.
How does the ETA work?
The ETA is digitally linked to the passport of the traveler who applies for it. It ensures that visitors are subject to a more stringent security check before they travel to the UK, to help prevent abuse of the UK immigration system.
The ETA authorisation allows the holder to make multiple trips to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time within a period of two years or until the expiration date of their passport, whichever comes first.