An ETA is a pre-entry requirement for nationals of countries who do not require a visa before coming to the UK to visit, transit or to work in the UK for up to three months under the Creative Worker visa concession.

Headline points:

  • An ETA must be applied for online or via the Government’s ‘UK ETA app’
  • ETA applications made from 9 April 2025 cost £16 (up from £10)
  • An ETA is required for landside transit, but not for airside transit at Heathrow or Manchester airports
  • There are some exceptions to the requirement, which should be checked
  • A separate ETA is required for each traveller, including babies and children 
  • The processing time is normally three working days, but can be shorter or longer than this 
  • During an initial implementation period, travel to the UK is allowed with an ETA application pending 
  • Once issued, an ETA is valid for multiple visits over two years (or for the validity of the holder’s passport if the passport is due to expire in less than two years)

To increase awareness about the expansion of the ETA requirement to European nationals (excluding Irish nationals) from 2 April 2025 (with applications opening from 5 March 2025),  please feel free to share our short awareness video above. You can also read our article about the implications of scheme for businesses and travellers here.

If you have any questions about the ETA scheme, please get in touch with a member of our immigration team.

 

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