The United Kingdom Government announced that it is developing an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme similar in scope to the United States Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) program.

The UK ETA will be rolled out in phases, with the first phase starting in 2023 for select countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states in the Middle East. On Sept. 10, 2024, Phases 2 and 3 were announced, including that the United States is included in Phase 2.

Here’s everything business aviation operators need to know: 

About the UK ETA

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement for people who do not need a visa to come to the UK. It gives them permission to travel to the UK and is electronically linked to their passport.

The scheme was created to strengthen security at the border and improve travel for visitors to the UK.

With a UK ETA, visitors are allowed to:

• Come to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or study
• Come to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
• Transit through the UK

You can check if you need a UK visa here.

Who needs an ETA?

According to the image, the following groups need an ETA:

• Non-visa nationals*
• Tourists, those visiting family and friends
• Infants and children
• Those transiting through the UK
• T5 Creatives
• EEA and Swiss nationals who do not have status under EUSS

*Non-Visa National: a nationality that does not currently need a visa for short stays and does not have a valid UK Immigration status prior to travelling

Who doesn’t need an ETA?

• Visa national visitors – they require a visa
• Those with permission to live, work or study in the UK – they require a visa
• British and Irish Passport Holders – no change
• Legal residents of Ireland who do not require a visa for visits to the UK – an exception
• Those exempt from immigration control
• Aircrew, pilots, and cabin crew as they qualify for the immigration crew concession program if traveling in and out on a company aircraft and staying in the UK for seven days or less.  Flight mechanics, load masters etc do not qualify and will require an ETA.

ETA Rollout Phases

Phase 1:

• Use from Nov 23* (2023)
• Use from Feb 24 (2024) Countries: Qatar*, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, UAE

Phase 2:

• Apply from 27 November 2024
• Use from 8 January 2025 Countries: Asia: Brunei, Israel, Macao (SAR), Malaysia, Maldives, Taiwan Oceania: Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu Americas: Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines, The Bahamas, Trinidad & Tobago, Uruguay Africa: Botswana, Mauritius, Seychelles B5JSSK: Australia, Canada, Hong Kong (SAR), Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, USA

Phase 3:

• Apply from 5th March 2025
• Use from 2nd April 2025 Countries: European: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City

ETA Application Process

The UK has pledged that the application process will be quick, light touch, and entirely digital with most visitors applying via a mobile app and receiving a swift decision on their application.

Visitors can apply on the UK ETA app, or online at GOV.UK.

You’ll usually get a decision within three working days, but you may get a quicker decision. It may take longer than three working days if further checks are required.

ETA Fees

£10.00 per application.