UK to expand ETA scheme to all visitors

In a significant step towards digitising the UK’s border and immigration system, the UK government has announced changes to the existing electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme that currently applies to travellers from Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

By April 2025, all visitors to the UK (except British and Irish citizens) who do not require a visa will need to obtain an ETA prior to their arrival.

To avoid business travel disruptions, it’s vital that all travellers to the UK are aware of the change. Here’s a quick rundown of all the key points you and your travelling workforce need to know.

About the ETA scheme

First introduced by the UK governement in November 2023 for Qatari travellers, an ETA is digital permission to travel to and enter the UK. ETAs are digitally linked to the traveller’s passport, allowing for stronger security checks to be carried out before people travel to the UK.

The scheme’s extension is part of the UK government’s ongoing plans to transform and digitise their border, while delivering a more efficient customer experience to travellers.

Applying for an ETA costs £10 (around $19.50 AUD / around $21 NZD), and it is valid for multiple trips of up to six months at a time over a period of two years or until the expiration of the holder’s passport – whichever date arrives soonest.

When can you apply for an ETA?

Eligible Australian and New Zealand travellers can apply for an ETA from 27 November 2024, which will be mandatory for entry to the UK from 8 January 2025.

Find a full list of nationalities and when they can apply for an ETA here.

Are there any exemptions?

You do not need to apply for an ETA if you have:

• A UK visa
• Permission to live, work or study in the UK
• A British or Irish passport
• A British overseas territories citizen passport

How should Business Travellers prepare for the ETA scheme expansion?

You can ensure compliance and avoid encountering any issues on planned trips to the UK by updating your travel policy to include the ETA scheme, giving your business travellers advanced notice of the changes, and implementing pre-travel checks to ensure they have all that’s required before their journey begins.

This material is accurate as of October 2024 and is general in nature. It is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all developments in the law and in practice, does not constitute legal advice. While CTM use reasonable skill and care in the preparation of this material, we accept no liability for use of and reliance upon it by any person.