UK Entry Update: Understanding the ETA Requirement
- Amerigo Travel
- Dec 26, 2025
- 2 min read
If you’re planning travel to the United Kingdom, there’s an important entry update you should be aware of. The UK has introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for many travelers who previously entered without any formal pre-approval.
This post is intended to serve as a clear, reliable reference point. If you still have questions after reading, that’s exactly where I come in.
What Is the UK ETA?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission to travel, introduced to improve border security and streamline entry for visitors who do not require a traditional visa.
An ETA is not a visa. It is an advance authorization to travel to the UK, similar in concept to systems used by other countries.
Once approved, the ETA is electronically linked to your passport.
Why the UK Introduced the ETA
The stated purpose of the ETA is to:
Strengthen border security through advance screening
Modernize the UK’s entry process
Better manage short-term visitor arrivals
From a traveler’s perspective, it simply means one more step to complete before departure—but it must be done correctly.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
You will generally need a UK ETA if:
You are a citizen of a country that does not require a visa for short stays in the UK
You are traveling for:
Tourism
Short business visits
Visiting friends or family
Short-term study
Transit (in some cases)
You do not need an ETA if you:
Hold a UK visa
Have permission to live, work, or study in the UK
Are a British or Irish citizen
Because eligibility depends on nationality and passport type, this is one of the most common areas of confusion. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to confirm before booking flights.
How Much Does the ETA Cost?
£16 per person
Paid during the application process
Non-refundable
The ETA is valid for multiple trips over a set period (as long as your passport remains valid), but requirements can change—another reason I encourage travelers to check early.
How Long Does It Take?
Most applications are decided quickly, often within a few days, but:
Processing times are not guaranteed
You should apply well in advance of travel
Last-minute applications create unnecessary risk
I strongly recommend treating the ETA like a passport check—something you do as soon as travel planning begins.
Applying for the UK ETA
Applications are submitted online directly through the UK government.
👉 Official application site:https://www.gov.uk/eta
This is the only site you should use. Third-party sites often charge unnecessary fees and provide no additional benefit.
A Final Word from Me
Entry requirements are becoming more dynamic worldwide, and the UK ETA is part of a broader global trend. What matters most is not being caught off guard.
When you book travel through Amerigo Travel, entry requirements are always part of the conversation—not an afterthought. My role is to make sure the logistics support the experience, not disrupt it.
If you have questions about how the UK ETA applies to your trip, I’m happy to walk you through it.
Safe travels,
Randall
Amerigo Travel LLC
