The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is reshaping how travelers from around the world enter the UK. Introduced as part of the UK government’s digital border transformation, this system simplifies travel for millions while strengthening national security. But not everyone can apply for an ETA—only certain nationalities are eligible.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly who can apply for the UK ETA, how eligibility is expanding, and what travelers from different regions need to know before planning a trip to the UK.

What Is the UK ETA?

The UK ETA is a digital travel authorization for visitors from visa-exempt countries—those who previously did not require a visa to enter the UK for short stays. It’s not a visa but a pre-approval that allows travelers to board flights, ferries, or trains to the UK.

Once approved, the ETA is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport and valid for up to two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. During that time, travelers can make multiple short visits to the UK for tourism, business, study, or family purposes.

Why the UK Introduced the ETA

The ETA program aims to modernize border management and ensure greater security. By requiring travelers to register online before they travel, UK authorities can screen applicants in advance and identify potential security or immigration risks.

At the same time, it simplifies entry for legitimate travelers by eliminating the need for lengthy visa applications for short visits. This approach mirrors similar programs such as the U.S. ESTA, Canada’s eTA, and the EU’s upcoming ETIAS.

Who Needs a UK ETA

The ETA is designed specifically for travelers from non-visa nationals—citizens of countries who do not currently need a visa to visit the UK for up to six months. These travelers previously only needed their passports to enter, but now they must obtain an ETA before boarding any transport to the UK.

The UK government is gradually introducing the ETA system, rolling it out to specific countries in stages to ensure smooth implementation.

Countries Currently Eligible for the UK ETA

As of the latest update, the following countries are eligible or required to apply for a UK ETA:

1. Qatar

Qatari citizens were the first group required to obtain a UK ETA starting from November 2023. This marked the beginning of the UK’s phased rollout of the program.

2. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries

Following Qatar’s inclusion, citizens of the remaining GCC countries became eligible in early 2024. These include:

BahrainKuwaitOmanSaudi ArabiaUnited Arab Emirates (UAE)

For these nationalities, the ETA replaces the old Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) system, offering a more flexible and cost-effective solution. Unlike the EVW, which requires a separate application for every trip, the ETA is valid for multiple visits over two years.

Upcoming Eligible Countries

The UK government plans to expand the ETA program to more countries throughout 2025, covering all visa-exempt nations. This will include travelers from:

The United StatesCanadaAustraliaNew ZealandAll European Union and Schengen Area countriesJapan, South Korea, and Singapore

Once the rollout is complete, nearly 30 million travelers per year will be required to obtain a UK ETA before visiting.

Travelers Who Do Not Need a UK ETA

Certain groups are exempt from the ETA requirement:

British citizens – including those from the Crown Dependencies (Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey).Irish citizens – under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement, Irish nationals can continue to enter the UK freely without an ETA or visa.Visa holders – anyone who already holds a valid UK visa does not need an ETA.Permanent residents – individuals with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settled status are also exempt.

Purpose of Travel for ETA Holders

Travelers eligible for a UK ETA can use it for short visits, including:

Tourism – exploring the UK’s cultural landmarks and attractions.Business – attending meetings, conferences, or short-term work engagements.Study – enrolling in short educational courses lasting up to six months.Transit – passing through a UK airport en route to another destination.

However, the ETA does not permit employment or long-term stays. Travelers who plan to work or stay longer than six months must apply for an appropriate visa.

How Eligibility Will Expand

The UK Home Office has stated its intention to include all non-visa nationals in the ETA program by the end of 2026. This expansion will align the UK’s border system with other major economies, creating a unified and secure pre-screening process for all short-term visitors.

As new countries become eligible, travelers should regularly check the official UK government website for updates to avoid travel disruptions.

Impact on Travelers

For most travelers, the ETA adds a small step to the pre-travel process but greatly improves overall border efficiency. Once approved, it allows for multiple entries into the UK, eliminating the need to apply for new authorizations each time.

This makes it particularly beneficial for frequent visitors, such as business travelers or tourists who visit family members regularly.

The ETA also replaces the previous single-entry Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) used by some Middle Eastern countries—offering better value, longer validity, and less hassle.

Conclusion

The UK ETA is a vital step toward creating a modern, secure, and digital entry system for the United Kingdom. While currently available to a limited number of countries, the program is rapidly expanding to include most visa-exempt nations across Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania.

If you are from one of the eligible countries, applying for an ETA before traveling to the UK is essential to ensure smooth entry. As more countries join the program, millions of travelers will enjoy faster, safer, and more convenient journeys to Britain—marking a new era in international travel.