Recent changes to immigration rules and visas

Here is an update on the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, changes to maintenance fees, and eVisas.

Electronic Travel Authorisation roll-out continues

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel to the UK for those who do not currently need a visa to travel or have UK immigration status.

Phase 1 – The ETA was introduced in November 2023 for Qatari nationals and extended to Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

UKVI has announced when other non-visa nationals will need the ETA before they are allowed to travel to the UK.

Phase 2 – From 8 January 2025, nationals of all non-European countries on the list of visa-national countries will need to show they have an ETA before boarding their flight to the UK. Applications for the ETA for this group of countries will open on Wednesday, 27 November 2024.

Phase 3 – From Wednesday 2 April 2025, all nationals from European countries (EU/ EEA and European micro-states) will need an ETA when entering the UK.

Applications can be submitted from Wednesday 5 March 2025.

Cost

The ETA costs £10 per applicant and is valid for two years. The ETA is linked to the visitor’s passport. A new ETA will be needed if the passport expires in less than two years.

How to apply?

Applications can be made online or using the UK ETA app. A decision is given within three days.

What happens if an ETA is refused?

An application for an ETA can be refused. If this is the case, the applicant must apply for a visitor visa.