The introduction of the UK ETA is a significant change for many travellers who previously did not need to interact with the Home Office prior to travelling.
- All eligible non-European national visitors can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) and will need one to travel to or transit through the UK from 8 January 2025 https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta.
- ETA will open ETA to eligible Europeans, who will be able to apply from 5 March 2025 and will need an ETA to travel to or transit through the UK from 2 April 2025.
- From April 2025, all travellers to the UK, except British and Irish citizens, will need permission to travel in advance through either ETA or an eVisa.
Eligible visitors should apply for their ETA through the UK ETA app, which is quick and simple to use and enables most applicants to receive a decision within hours.
People who require a visa to visit the UK will continue to do so and should not obtain an ETA.
Those who are exempt from immigration control will not require an ETA.
For information see UK Government website or University of Nottingham visa website.