New UK Travel Requirements for 48 Countries

Starting January 8, 2024, travelers from 48 countries will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) visa before entering the UK. This new requirement applies to individuals who previously did not need a visa for short visits to the UK for tourism, business, study, or permitted paid engagements.

The ETA costs £10 and can be applied for through the official app or online. Processing time is approximately 10 minutes for the app and longer for online applications. EU citizens will also need an ETA from April 2, 2025.

Individuals with permission to live, work, or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)

British or Irish citizens

Individuals traveling with a British overseas territories citizen passport

Residents of Ireland traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man

Approval for an ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK. Visitors must still go through passport control and can be denied entry by Border Force. Applicants must upload a photo of their passport and themselves and answer questions about their reasons for traveling to the UK. The application process takes around 20 minutes and must be completed in one go. Decisions are usually made within three days but can take longer. Applicants are allowed to travel to the UK while the decision is pending.