Everything you need to know about the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
European nationals will soon have to get an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they want to visit the UK.
The ETA scheme was introduced in 2023 for non-European nationals – including those from the USA, Canada and Australia.
The UK government, which says the scheme strengthens the immigration system’s security, is now rolling it out for eligible Europeans, who will need an ETA to travel to the UK from 2 April.
Here’s what you need to know about who needs one and how much it costs to apply
What is an ETA and who needs one?
An ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK. It is not a visa and does not permit entry into the UK – it authorises a person to travel.
Upon being approved, it is attached digitally to the traveller’s passport.
All travellers who do not require a visa to enter the UK for a short stay, or who don’t already have a UK immigration status, are required to have one.
You also do not need an ETA if:
- you have a visa
- you have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)
- you are transiting through a UK airport and you will not pass through border control – check with your airline if you are not sure
- you are a British or Irish citizen
- you are travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport
- you are travelling with a British National (Overseas) passport
- you live in Ireland and you are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
- you are a child travelling on the France-UK school trip travel information form
- you are exempt from immigration control
Pic: PA
What if you are a dual citizen?
If you are a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship, you do not need an ETA.
You can prove you are allowed to travel using a valid British or Irish passport or another valid passport containing a certificate of entitlement.
How much does it cost?
The ETA costs £10 – however, the government has said it intends to raise that to £16 from April.
How to apply for an ETA and how long it takes
The best way to obtain an ETA is through the UK ETA app, but you can also apply through the government’s website.
It usually takes minutes to receive a decision on an application when sent through the app.
However, people are advised to leave at least three working days for a decision as a “small number” of cases need further review.
The application involves paying the fee, providing contact and passport details, providing a valid photo and answering a set of questions.
Visitors must then ensure the passport they use to travel is the same one used to complete the ETA application.
What if my ETA isn’t approved before travel?
As long as you apply before travelling, you can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision on your ETA.
What happens if my application is rejected?
If an application is rejected, the individual will be told the reason and they can apply again.
If it is refused, they cannot appeal – and instead would need to apply for a visa if they still wish to travel to the UK.
Do I need an ETA for transit?
An ETA won’t be needed if you don’t pass through border control while transiting through a UK airport.
The government recommends checking with your airline if you are uncertain.
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How long will the ETA last?
An ETA lasts two years. It allows for multiple journeys and for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
How does it help UK border security?
The Home Office has said that those applying for an ETA will have to provide their biographic, biometric and contact details, and answer a short set of questions on suitability and criminality.
The aim is that this information will increase knowledge about those seeking to come to the UK and prevent the arrival of those who present a threat.
Counter-terrorism police are investigating after an incident involving a crossbow and a firearm left two women injured in Leeds.
Police were called to Otley Road at 2.47pm on Saturday to reports of a “serious incident involving a man seen with weapons”, West Yorkshire Police said.
Officers arrived at the scene to find two women injured – and a 38-year-old man with a self-inflicted injury. All three were taken to hospital, with the man held under arrest, but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
“Two weapons have been recovered from the scene, which were a crossbow and a firearm,” Counter Terrorism Policing North East said in a statement.
The incident happened on the ‘Otley Run’ pub crawl, with one venue saying it was closed for the evening due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
Officers guard one of the crime scenes
Officers inside the cordon in Leeds
Counter Terrorism Policing’s statement added: “Due to the circumstances surrounding the incident, Counter Terrorism Policing North East have taken responsibility for leading the investigation with the support of West Yorkshire Police.
“Extensive enquiries continue to establish the full circumstances and explore any potential motivation.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described it as a “serious violent incident” and said she was being kept updated by police.
“Thank you to the police and emergency services for their swift response,” she said. “My thoughts are with the victims and all those affected by this attack.”
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Wrexham AFC have been promoted for the third season in a row.
The North Wales-based side has gone from the National League to the Championship in just three seasons, under its Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Wrexham were second in the table and had a run of eight games unbeaten ahead of their match against Charlton Athletic on Saturday, which they won 3-0.
Wrexham’s James McClean lifts the League One trophy. Pic: PA
Wrexham’s Dan Scarr celebrates with the fans on the pitch after Wrexham won promotion to the Championship. Pic: PA
It is the first time any club has been promoted for three consecutive seasons within the top five tiers of English football.
The third oldest association football club in the world, Wrexham AFC was bought by Reynolds and McElhenney in 2020, and has since been the subject of a Disney+ documentary, Welcome To Wrexham.
Reynolds, wearing a Wrexham sweatshirt, and McElhenney were pictured celebrating each goal, and after the game, as the fans came onto the pitch at the SToK Cae Ras (Racecourse Ground) to celebrate the victory with the players.
Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney (L) and Ryan Reynolds and Ryan’s wife Blake Lively, before the match. Pic: PA
Both stars came onto the pitch after the supporters returned to the stands.
Speaking to Sky Sports, McElhenney praised those behind the scenes, referring to “so many that don’t get the credit they deserve, people who aren’t talked about”.
Reynolds said bringing success back to the club “seemed like an impossible dream” when they arrived in North Wales in 2020.
Wrexham’s Sam Smith celebrates in front of the fans after Wrexham won promotion to the Championship. Pic: PA
He put the three promotions down to “the coaching staff, the greatest dressing room” and an “all for one, one for all” attitude throughout the club, adding he was “speechless with their commitment and their emotion”.
As for the mouth-watering prospect of another promotion to the promised land of the Premier League, the pair agreed it was “for tomorrow”, before ending the interview with a joint mic-drop.
Veteran striker Steven Fletcher said, “as soon as I came to this club, I knew it was something special. We want to go again. We’ll reset in the summer, take a break and go again”.
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