Starting from 2025, the United Kingdom is introducing the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. Now, travelers need to obtain an electronic entry permit to visit the UK. This applies not only to citizens of third countries but also to EU nationals.

The permit itself is straightforward to obtain, typically taking a couple of days to process. It grants entry into the UK for any short-term visits, including tourism, transit, or business meetings. The system is similar to the American ESTA and the European ETIAS, with the primary goal of conducting preliminary checks and tracking arrivals from visa-exempt countries. The ETA is linked to the applicant’s passport and allows multiple entries during its validity period.

The ETA system serves several functions:

  • Automatic data verification. The applicant’s data is checked for compliance with immigration requirements.
  • Filtering and tracking. Travelers with a questionable history, such as expunged convictions or criminal charges in other countries, are flagged. Those deemed unreliable by the UK system will be denied entry authorization.
  • Multiple entries. The authorization allows for an unlimited number of trips within two years without the need for additional checks.

Contents:

  1. Why did the UK Introduce the ETA?
  2. Countries Whose Citizens Need an ETA to Come to the UK
  3. Which Countries are Still Free of This System?
  4. Benefits for Travelers

Why did the UK Introduce the ETA?

After the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union (Brexit), it lost access to the EU’s single system of free movement, which had granted EU citizens significant privileges when entering the UK. This simplified entry process for EU nationals created an imbalance in security and control, as the requirements for EU citizens were much more lenient compared to those for citizens of other visa-exempt countries, such as the USA or Canada.

Other reasons:

  • Strengthening migration control. Migration remains a key political issue in the UK. In recent years, the country has faced increasing criticism for the rise in illegal immigration, particularly through the English Channel. In 2022 alone, over 45,000 illegal migrants from the EU attempted to cross the Channel in small boats, which led to public criticism of the ruling party and active debates in Parliament.
  • Global security threats. In recent decades, the UK has repeatedly been targeted by terrorist attacks, including incidents in London (2005, 2017) and Manchester (2017). While the ETA system is not directly aimed at combating terrorism, it addresses a gap in security. Before its introduction, information on citizens of the EU or other visa-exempt countries was only available to British authorities upon the arrival of potentially dangerous individuals in the country.
  • International experience. The introduction of the ETA system is also driven by the need to align with international standards in migration control. The UK is looking to similar systems in other countries, such as:
    • ESTA (USA). Introduced after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to enhance security. It applies to citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program and requires an electronic application. The authorization also grants the right to multiple entries into the United States.
    • ETIAS (EU). A system similar to the UK’s ETA. It was developed by the European Union and was originally planned to launch by the end of 2024. However, the launch has been postponed to the first half of 2025, and the exact date is still uncertain.
    • eTA (Canada). The Electronic Travel Authorization is required for citizens of visa-exempt countries arriving in Canada by air.
    • ETA (Australia). Australia was one of the first to implement the Electronic Travel Authority system, demonstrating its stability and effectiveness.

Countries Whose Citizens Need an ETA to Come to the UK

Let’s list countries whose citizens are required to obtain ETA when entering the United Kingdom:

Region

Countries

European Union

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Denmark, Spain, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, France, Croatia, Czech Republic, Sweden, Estonia.

North America

USA, Canada.

Asia

Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei.

Oceania

Australia, New Zealand.

Middle East

UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman.

Other Countries

Israel, Andorra, San Marino, Monaco.

Which Countries are Still Free of This System?

Irish citizens are exempt from the ETA requirement due to the free movement agreement with the UK. The authorization is also not required for:

  • Individuals holding a valid UK visa.
  • Holders of residence, work, or study permits in the UK.
  • Citizens of British overseas territories (Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, and others).
  • Individuals with dual citizenship, including British or Irish, provided they use the appropriate passport for entry.

Benefits for Travelers

Although obtaining a separate authorization may seem burdensome, there are certainly advantages. The ETA application process is conducted online, meaning there is no need to visit a visa center in person. The cost is only £10 ($12), which is cheaper than short-term visas for citizens of third countries.

Additionally, thanks to the automatic checks, travelers spend less time on entry procedures, and with repeat visits, they can largely bypass these checks.