Travel Alert for 2025: New UK ETA Requirement for U.S. Citizens and Visa-Exempt Travelers

 

Are you planning to travel to the United Kingdom in 2025? U.S. citizens and other visa-exempt travelers will soon need to take an extra step in their pre-travel preparations. Starting January 8, 2025, the UK will expand its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program to include inbound travelers from the U.S., Europe, and other countries.

 

What is the UK Electronic Travel Authorization?

 

The UK ETA is a digital travel authorisation required for most foreign visitors entering the United Kingdom.  Similar to the U.S. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), the ETA aims to bolster border security while streamlining the travel experience for international visitors.

 

Important note: The ETA is not a visa and does not replace the visa requirement for those who need one. Instead, it is an additional step for travelers who do not require a visa for short-term stays, such as tourists, business travelers, or those transiting through the UK.

 

Who Will Be Affected by the UK Electronic Travel Authorization?

 

The UK is gradually implementing its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) program in stages. Initially launched in 2023 for travelers from certain Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Jordan, the program will expand significantly starting in 2025.

• January 8, 2025: Travelers from non-European countries, including the U.S., Canada, and Australia, will be required to obtain an ETA prior to traveling to the UK. The application process will open on November 27, 2024.
• April 2, 2025: European citizens will also need an ETA, making this a global requirement for all visa-exempt travelers. The application process will begin on March 5, 2025.

This means that if you’re a U.S. citizen planning to visit the UK for business or leisure after 2025, you’ll need to apply for the ETA before your trip.

 

How to Apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

 

Starting November 27, 2024, non-European travelers, including U.S. citizens planning to visit the UK on or after January 8, 2025, can begin applying for the UK ETA. The application can be completed through the UK government’s official website or the ETA app.

Applicants must submit their ETA online before traveling. The process involves providing personal details such as contact information and passport numbers, answering a few questions, and uploading a recent passport-style photo. Processing may take up to three business days, so it’s important to apply well in advance of your trip.

 

A UK ETA costs £10 and is valid for multiple entries for six months over a two-year period.

 

Muldoon Britton Immigration provides services to businesses and individuals globally looking to enter and remain in the UK. The firm has a particular focus on the American market and has handled hundreds of UK immigration matters via its office in New York.

 

Contact

 

Michael Muldoon                                                          Jack Blackall

Muldoon Britton Immigration, Manchester                 Muldoon Britton Immigration, New York

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