Online Permit and Fee Soon Required for U.K. Travel

Starting next year, travelers to the United Kingdom will need to plan ahead. A new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system will require visitors, even from visa-exempt countries like the U.S., to secure permission before arriving.

“We are implementing a universal ‘permission to travel’ rule, meaning everyone, except British and Irish citizens, will need to get pre-approval before entering the U.K.,” the British government explained in a fact sheet on the new ETA system.

Much like the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), set to begin for the Schengen Zone in November 2023, the U.K.'s ETA will be active by late 2024, part of a plan to fully digitize borders by 2025.

Travelers will need to submit personal information, passport details, travel plans, a valid email, and security information via the online ETA form. A fee will be charged, though the exact amount hasn’t been revealed yet. A credit or debit card will be required to complete the payment.

To clarify, the ETA is not a visa but rather a digital authorization to enter the United Kingdom.

“This system will give the U.K. greater control over its borders, enabling us to prevent potential threats from entering while providing travelers and carriers with earlier confirmation of their ability to visit,” the government explained.

The ETA will be necessary for anyone visiting the U.K. for tourism, business, short-term study, or medical reasons. Those planning to work or live in Britain long-term will still need to secure the appropriate visa, according to ETA UK, the future online hub for ETA applications.

ETA UK expects most applications to be processed within 48 to 72 hours, and visitors will typically be allowed to stay up to 180 days (6 months) and explore any part of the U.K. once their ETA is approved.