If you are a non-visa national, you might not have thought of getting permission to enter the UK in advance when entering as a visitor. This will change soon.
The UK government will soon start to introduce an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for non-visa nationals coming to the UK. It is electronically linked to your passport and gives permission to do the followings:
- come to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study
- come to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
- transit through the UK – including if you’re not going through UK border control
From 15 November 2023, a national of Qatar will need to apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK.
From 22 February 2024, the following nationals will be added to this scheme:
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
Other nationalities will be added at a later date.
An ETA will cost £10 per applicant.
If your ETA application is successful, you will get an email confirmation. Your ETA will be linked to your passport and valid for two years unless your passport expires earlier.
If your ETA application is refused, you will need to apply for a suitable visa depending on the purpose of your trip.
Please contact our friendly team if you require any advice on this development.