An ETA is linked to your passport. It Provides entry or transit clearance to the UK & Ireland and is required for all other travellers who do not hold a traditional visa. Kinda like the US Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) – the UK ETA enables authorities to pre-screen visitors for improved national security and smoother travel experiences. 

ETAs must be made IN ADVANCE of travel. Applications open on November 27, 2024, and you’ll be available to apply for yours at the UK Government website. An ETA is linked to your passport. This means Contiki or your Travel Agent can’t apply for it on your behalf (sorry).

Does your tour travel to or through the UK (Great Britain and Northern Ireland)? Do your travel plans involve flights to or through the UK, travelling on or after 8 January 2025? You may need to apply. For more information and eligibility, please check the UK Government website.

• November 27, 2024: ETA applications open. 

• January 8, 2025: All travellers without a traditional Visa must have a valid ETA to enter or transit through the UK. 

• April 2, 2025: All visa-exempt visitors will need an ETA to enter the UK 

For more information and eligibility, check out the UK Government website.

1. Purpose: An ETA is generally for short-term stays, like a lil’ trip or transit through the country. It allows visa-exempt nationals to enjoy a country without needing a full visa. A visa can cover a wide range of purposes, including long-term stays, work, or study. This usually requires a more detailed application process.
2. Application Process: Good news: the ETA application process is typically quicker and smoother than that of a visa. ETAs are applied for online, require less documentation, and are often processed in a matter of days. Visa applications, however, may require an in-person interview, more extensive documentation, and can take weeks or months to process.
3. Duration of Stay: An ETA usually grants permission for short visits, typically for 90 days or less, while a visa can allow for longer stays depending on the type (e.g., work, study, or residency visas).
4. Eligibility: ETAs are available to citizens of countries that are typically visa-exempt, allowing them to travel without obtaining a full visa. A visa is required for citizens of countries that do not qualify for visa exemptions or for individuals wishing to stay for longer or different purposes, such as work or study.

Basically, an ETA is a quicker, more streamlined travel authorisation meant for short-term visits. A visa is more comprehensive (and may be required for longer stays or specific activities such as employment or study).

The ETA system is part of the UK’s broader post-Brexit immigration reforms. The goal is to better manage who enters the country, streamline border crossings, and improve security by collecting key information about travellers before they arrive. This pre-screening process ensures that both travellers and the UK government can avoid unnecessary complications or delays during entry or transit.

The UK Government has not officially announced the exact fee for the UK ETA yet. It’ll be confirmed closer to the application start date (November 27, 2024). When available, all information will be available on the UK Government website.

Yes! It’s expected that you’ll be able to renew online, much like the initial application process. But specific details about renewal procedures haven’t yet been fully disclosed by the UK government. Systems like the ETA are valid for a set period (e.g., 1-2 years), and renewal would involve submitting a new application and paying the applicable fee once the existing authorisation expires.

The ETA lasts for 2 years and allows multiple entries/exits within that time, but if you replace your passport in that time you will need to also apply for a new ETA