What Is the UK ETA Scheme? 

Visitors and travellers transiting through the UK who currently do not need a visa will need to obtain an ETA before their journey. With one, you can travel to the UK but not work or live there. (Permitted activities are covered later in this article.) 

ETAs cost only £10 to apply. They digitally link to a traveller’s passport and ensure security checks are carried out before arriving in the UK. 

When Does the ETA Application Process Open? 

In late 2023, the government officially opened the ETA scheme for Qatari nationals, covering six countries. 

From 27 November 2024, eligible non-Europeans can apply for an ETA, which, if successful, will allow them to travel to the UK from 8 January 2025. These nationalities include Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico and Singapore.

Applications will then be extended to eligible Europeans from 5 March 2025, who will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025. Locations include Austria, France, Germany, Italy and so on.

Please refer to the government website for the complete list. 

Do Visa Nationals Need a UK ETA or Visitor Visa?

If you are on the visa national list, you will only require a standard visitor visa, not an ETA. This scheme is only eligible for non-visa nationals, so if you plan to travel to the UK for tourism or business soon, refer to our visitor visa guide instead. 

Differences Between Visitor Visas & ETAs 

1. Permitted Activities

Like a visitor visa, non-visa nationals can get an ETA to visit the UK for up to six months. You can sightsee, visit family and friends, conduct business or complete short-term study. An ETA is also eligible for those coming for a permitted paid engagement or transiting through the UK.

For visa nationals, you will need the UK in transit visa to pass through the UK or a standard visitor visa if you stay longer than 48 hours. 

1. Eligibility Requirements

While ETAs and visitor visas permit similar activities, visas come with more eligibility requirements. The basic rules remain the same: You cannot stay in the UK for longer than six months, claim public funds or do paid or unpaid work. 

You must meet extra eligibility requirements for visitor visas depending on your permitted activity. Our visitor visa page covers what this may include in more detail. 

1. Application Time 

An ETA application can take up to three working days to process, while a visitor visa could take three weeks. For ETA applicants, the process is much simpler. You only need to answer a series of suitability questions and provide biographic and biometric data. 

A visitor visa requires more documentation to prove your eligibility, and without the right information, you could face rejection. Start planning for your trip three months before so you have time to gather the relevant travel documents. 

Travelling to the UK? Holmes & Partners Can Help. 

Holmes & Partners is an expert immigration consultancy that takes the stress out of UK visitor visa applications. If the UK is your next travel destination, contact our experienced consultants, and we will be in touch.