1. Executive Summary & Worldwide Rollout
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel required for specified non-visa nationals travelling to the UK. Whether a traveller needs an ETA depends on nationality, purpose of travel and existing UK immigration permission. There are important exemptions, including British and Irish citizens, people with permission to live, work or study in the UK, and certain airside transit passengers.
2. ETA Rollout & Eligibility Schedule Matrix
The table below outlines ETA enforcement dates across international passport regions:
| Passport Region / Countries | Enforcement Date | ETA Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Qatar | Travel from 15 November 2023 | ETA required for travel where the nationality is subject to the current ETA rules |
| Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia | Travel from 22 February 2024 | ETA required for eligible travel |
| Specified non-European nationalities including USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan | Travel from 8 January 2025 | ETA required for eligible travel |
| Specified European nationalities | ETA applications opened 5 March 2025; requirement for travel from 2 April 2025 | ETA required for eligible travel |
| Jordan | Not an ETA nationality | Jordan became a visa-national country in September 2024 and was removed from the ETA list |
| British and Irish citizens | Exempt | No ETA required |
3. Permitted Activities on a UK ETA
An ETA can be used for permitted visits of up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, qualifying business visits and short-term study. It can also cover the specific Creative Worker visa concession for up to 3 months and permitted paid engagements where the applicable requirements are met.
4. Prohibited Activities on an ETA
An ETA does not permit ordinary paid or unpaid work for a UK company or self-employment, except for permitted paid engagements and the specific Creative Worker visa concession. ETA holders also cannot claim public funds or live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.
Essential Summary & 2026 Checklist
- ETA is required for specified non-visa nationalities, subject to the current exemptions; transit passengers need an ETA only where they pass through UK border control.
- Costs £20 and is generally valid for 2 years or until the linked passport expires, whichever is sooner, with multiple journeys permitted subject to the immigration rules.
- Valid for stays up to 6 months per visit for tourism, business meetings, or study.
- British and Irish passport holders and UK visa/ILR holders do not need an ETA.
- Required for landside transit through UK border control; airside transit without passing through UK border control is exempt.
Frequently Asked Questions (6)
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