Over the last few years, the UK has been transitioning to a more streamlined digital immigration system including the introduction of eVisas and more recently the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Here’s an update on the current requirements – always check you have everything you need before you travel!
New requirement for non-visa nationals: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
The government have recently introduced Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for non-visa nationals which they claim will make travel quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border each year and help prevent the arrival of those who present a threat to the UK. The ETA is similar to the US ESTA and upcoming EU ETIAS systems.
Who are non-visa nationals?
Non-visa nationals are citizens of countries that do not require a visa to visit the UK for short stays (up to six months) or transit purposes. The list includes countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and European Union member states. Since April 2025, travellers from these countries will now need an ETA to enter the UK. The full list of countries is set out in the Immigration Rules Appendix ETA National List Immigration Rules – Immigration Rules Appendix ETA National List – Guidance – GOV.UK
Everyone travelling to the United Kingdom from the relevant countries now requires an ETA, including babies and children.
Who is exempt?
British and Irish citizens, as well as people with status under the EU Settlement Scheme do not need an ETA. Passengers transiting airside through the UK are exempt for the moment from needing an ETA although this will be kept under review. As of 9 April 2025, British National (Overseas) passport holders are also exempt from needing an ETA to enter the UK.
Application Process
Applying for an ETA is quick and simple. You can apply through the ‘UK ETA app’, which can be downloaded from the Google Play or Apple App Store. People can apply on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone. Most people get a decision in minutes or within 3 working days at most.
The ETA costs only £16 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is the sooner.
People must travel using the same passport they used when they applied for an ETA.
Those applying for an ETA provide their biographic, biometric and contact details, and answer a short set of questions on suitability and criminality.
If a person’s ETA application is rejected, they will be told the reason and can apply again; there is no right of appeal.
What does the ETA allow you to do?
An ETA is a digital permission to travel – it is not a visa or a tax and does not permit entry into the UK – it simply authorises a person to travel to the UK.
The ETA does not grant permission to live or work in the UK. It is an authorisation to travel for short term visitors only but does not guarantee entry. Business travellers can use an ETA to attend meetings, conferences, negotiations and perform other similar activities (as permitted on a normal visit visa), but not for long-term employment. If your business trip involves actual employment or extended stays, a longer-term work visa will be required.
Update on the transition to eVisas
Timetable
At the end of 2024, the Home Office acknowledged widespread issues with the rollout of eVisas and decided to drop the fixed deadline of 31 December 2024 and allow expired Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) to remain valid in certain situations past the original deadline. This shift was welcomed and followed sustained advocacy by various individuals and groups.
On 27 February 2025, a further delay was announced to the eVisa implementation. The current position is that expired BRPs can still be used for international travel until 1 June 2025. After this date, expired BRPs will no longer be accepted, making it essential that individuals have a working eVisa from then. It is still recommended that travelers carry their expired BRP alongside their eVisa, if available.
Purpose of your eVisa
Your eVisa is not only needed for international travel. You will also need it for the following:
- For job applications: employers check your ‘share code’ to see your status as part of their right to work check.
- Renting in England: landlords will check your share code and eVisa when performing right to rent checks
- Other checks: to confirm your immigration status and prove your right to be in the UK, others can check an individual’s immigration status using a share code provided by the individual. NB: share codes are valid for 3 months each time.
Maintaining Your eVisa
Once your eVisa is set up, it’s your responsibility to keep it up to date. This includes updating personal details if they change or are incorrect, and renewing your photo every 10 years (or every 5 years if under 16), until the age of 70.
Problems
The transition to a digital-only immigration system has been plagued with problems. As of February 2025, an estimated 600,000 people had yet to move to an eVisa. Data from the Home Office revealed that some of the reported account numbers may be inflated due to duplicate entries. Many people facing digital exclusion have not received adequate help to complete the transition.
Even those who have created UKVI accounts and accessed their eVisa have encountered multiple issues, such as:
- Inability to view the eVisa after account creation
- Rejection of eVisas as valid ID by organisations like the DWP or banks
- Incorrect personal details on eVisas
If you’re affected by these or similar issues, please do get in touch. We would be happy to help you.
Alice Boyle
