TRAVELLING TO, AND THROUGH, THE UK (GREAT BRITAIN & NORTHERN IRELAND)?

If you’re entering or transiting through the United Kingdom (Great Britain and Northern Ireland) and pass through border control (ie. go ‘landside’) you’ll need to apply for an ETA before you travel.

• Airside: You stay within the secure airport area and do not go through border control. This means you don’t officially “enter” the UK.
• Landside: You go through border control and enter the country, even if just to switch terminals or briefly leave the airport.

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. 

Apply online in advance via the official UK Government website. It’s linked to your passport, so you must apply personally - Contiki or your Travel Agent can’t do it for you (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.

Try and apply at least a month in advance of your travel date. Applications are open as of November 15th, 2024, for non-European travellers, and from March 5th, 2025, for European travellers.

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 ETA currently costs £10 British Pounds, but make sure you check the official UK Government Site in your region for updates or conversions in your currency.

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

Once approved, your ETA lasts for multiple trips over a set period. Keep an eye on official channels for any further changes!