The UK government has announced that border ports will be fully digitalized by 2025.

In accordance with this decision, the (ETA) system has been launched which allowing travelers to the United Kingdom to submit an online application for entry without a visa. The Former British Home Secretary Priti Patel confirmed that the changes are coming to the UK visa policy, and the new (ETA) system provides the government with more accurate information about immigration.

When the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system will be launched?

Implementing the (ETA) system will be enforced in several stages for travelers of different nationalities. The first key dates are outlined below:

• October 25, 2023 – Allowing the application for ETA for the United Kingdom Qatari citizens.
• November 15, 2023 – Mandatory ETA for the United Kingdom for Qatari citizens.
• February 2024 – Allowing the application for ETA for the United Kingdom for citizens of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The UK’s plan represents in making the ETA system a requirement for entry of all other citizens who not holding a visa including Europeans.

It is expected that the citizens of the following countries will be eligible to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in the future:

European Union Countries

Other European Countries

Other Visa-exempt Countries:

If you are not from any of these countries, you will not need to apply for the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). However, the UK government plans to add more nationalities to the ETA program in the future.

What is the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system?

The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system works by screening visitors before their arrival to the United Kingdom, whereas; travelers provide basic personal details, passport information, and some security-related information through an online ETA application form.

Applications will be processed automatically along with taking the complex decisions made only by ETA officials.

Most individuals receiving the ETA approved in UK quickly, and visitors can apply from home without the need to visit the UK embassy.

What is the validity period of the UK Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)?

The specifications and validity of the ETA are as follows:

• Valid for two years.
• Allows multiple trips to the United Kingdom.
• Permits travel to England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

You can use the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to stay for the following durations, depending on the purpose of your trip:

• Up to 6 months for holidays, visiting friends and family, business trips, or study.
• Up to 3 months with a creative worker visa privilege.
• You are required to obtain an )ETA( for transiting through UK airports to another destination.

Who does not need the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for the United Kingdom?

You do not need to obtain the (ETA) for the United Kingdom if you fall under one of the following categories:

• Holder of a British passport.
• Holder of an Irish passport.
• You have permission to live, work, or study in the United Kingdom.
• Irish resident with a UK visa exemption, entering from Ireland.
• Holder of a UK visa.

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