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Important New UK Entry Requirement

Please be aware that there is a new requirement to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in order to pass through UK border control upon arrival.

It is HIGHLY recommended to do this through one of the UK ETA apps: links below:

Apple App Store (requires an iPhone 7 or higher, running iOS 15 or later; requires 179 MB of storage and internet connection): https://apps.apple.com/us/app/uk-eta/id6444912481
Google Play Store (requires Android 8.0 or above, device must have 165 MB of storage space and internet connection, Near-Field Communication for scanning your passport): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.gov.HomeOffice.ho3
Whichever phone you use, the app will need access to the device’s camera.
 This app is only available in English.

Before you apply for an ETA using the ‘UK ETA’ app, you need:

  • the passport you will travel with – not a photocopy or digital passport
  • an email address
  • a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay

For directions on using the UK ETA app, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/using-the-uk-eta-app

If you cannot use the app, you can apply online at https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/apply/electronic-travel-authorisation. Note that this will delay your application.

It costs £10 to apply (note that there is a proposal to raise this to £16.) Everyone traveling needs to get an ETA, including babies and children. You cannot get a refund after you apply. Your ETA lasts for 2 years, and you can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time. However, if you get a new passport, you will need to get a new ETA.

What you can do with an ETA:

  • come to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study
  • come to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
  • come to the UK for a permitted paid engagement
  • transit through the UK if you will pass through UK border control (‘landside’ transit)
    You do not need an ETA to transit through the UK if you will not pass through border control (‘airside’ transit).

You do NOT need an ETA if any of these apply to you:

  • you have a visa
  • you have permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)
  • you are a British or Irish citizen
  • you are traveling with a British overseas territories citizen passport
  • you live in Ireland and you are traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man
  • Your are a dual citizen with British or Irish citizenship- in this case you can prove your permission to enter with:
    • valid British passport
    • valid Irish passport
    • other valid passport containing a certificate of 
entitlement

For more information on how to check if you need an ETA, visit: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa