The UK government has announced that, from April 2025, all visitors who do not require a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. This marks a significant step in the government’s initiative to digitise the UK border and immigration system, ensuring robust security and streamlined travel procedures for millions of visitors.

From 27 November 2024, non-European visitors eligible for an ETA can begin applying, with ETAs becoming mandatory for travel from 8 January 2025. European visitors will need to apply from 5 March 2025, and ETAs will be required for travel from 2 April 2025. These ETAs will be digitally linked to the traveller’s passport, enabling thorough security checks before travel and helping prevent potential abuse of the UK’s immigration system.

The introduction of the ETA system aligns the UK with countries like the US and Australia, which have already implemented similar systems to bolster border security. An ETA will cost £10 and will allow multiple entries into the UK for up to six months at a time over a two-year period, or until the traveller’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

Seema Malhotra, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, stated:

Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over £32 billion to our tourism economy this year.

The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system.

The ETA system is part of a broader movement towards digital documentation in the UK, including the replacement of physical immigration documents with eVisas.

The government has urged those currently holding biometric residence permits (BRPs) or other physical immigration documents to create an online account and transition to an eVisa before their BRPs expire at the end of December 2024. This move will provide people with digital proof of their immigration status, reducing risks associated with lost or stolen documents and simplifying the process of proving immigration status.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented:

This new ETA system will be a significant benefit to UK-based business travellers, ensuring smoother, more secure travel procedures when welcoming international colleagues and partners to the UK. By digitising the border process, the UK is enhancing security while maintaining ease of access for business travellers.

The UK government is working closely with airlines, maritime, and rail carriers to ensure the smooth implementation of this digital system.

For further information on how the ETA will impact your business travel plans, contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.

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