United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA): Ultimate guide (2024)

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The United Kingdom will require an electronic visa for all travelers starting in early January (as will the European Union later in that same year). The application process is now open since November 27, so here’s everything you need to know about the United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA).

Yes, they don’t call it an electronic visa (eVisa), but an electronic travel authorisation is the same thing: you need to apply for permission to enter before you check in for your flight. 

(The EU calls it that, too. Theirs is not yet open for applications and doesn’t even have an official start date, so you can relax for now. We’ll let you know as soon as something is announced; sign up for our free newsletter to never miss an important travel update!)

Here are the details of the United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorisation.

Contents hide
Overview of the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA)
When does the UK ETA requirement start?
Do I need to apply for the UK ETA?
Where do I apply for the UK ETA?
How do I apply for the UK ETA?
How long does it take to get the UK ETA?
How long is the UK ETA valid for?
What is the cost of the UK ETA?
What is the best credit card to use to pay for the UK ETA?
Do I need to print out the UK ETA?
What does the UK ETA allow me to do?
Learning how to travel for less
Summary

 

Overview of the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA)

It sucks when countries add obstacles to travel… but at least the upside is that maybe, finally, all travelers will understand that checking a country’s entry requirements is literally the only mandatory step to be able to travel. 

Important! Please read our guide to travel rules and requirements if you didn't know that. It's the most basic part of any trip: always check every country's requirements every time (they can change, as you can see with the UK and the EU). It's not rocket science; if you know how to read, you're good. You just have to take the time.

Again, it’s literally the only thing you can’t skip, or you’ll be denied boarding! Yes, even for transits!

Here are the basics of the UK ETA:

  • Required from January 8, 2025
    • Applications are now open
  • For foreigners entering the United Kingdom
    • Including all transits
  • For all citizens of visa-exempt countries
    • Canadians, Americans, and many others
    • EU citizens (from April 2025)
  • Must be obtained before checking in for your flight
    • As with all visas and electronic visas
  • Application can take around 3 days to process
    • But should be faster (and could be slower)
  • Valid for 2 years (if your passport remains valid)
    • For multiple trips (unlimited quantity)
  • Allows you to spend 6 months in the country
    • No rule changes for longer stays or non-tourism trips
  • Costs £10
    • That’s $13 
  • Can be obtained on the official app or website 
    • Beware of the common visa facilitation scams

And just to be clear, the United Kingdom has 4 constituent “countries”: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. They share the same entry requirements, so the UK ETA applies to all 4!

Constituent countries of the UK (image credit: Google Maps)

 

It’s worth noting that Canada and the U.S. also require electronic travel authorisation for British citizens. So this new requirement does make sense, even though reciprocity rules don’t always make sense (because the reality is that, whether we like it or not, different citizenships aren’t all worth the same migration-wise; the facts don’t care about your feelings). 

It’s not like they will change their mind now, anyway. So get onboard if you want to go to the UK (or the EU soon), as you don’t have much of a choice!

Let’s take a look at the most important aspects of the UK ETA.

UK ETA details hide
When does the UK ETA requirement start?
Do I need to apply for the UK ETA?
Where do I apply for the UK ETA?
How do I apply for the UK ETA?
How long does it take to get the UK ETA?
How long is the UK ETA valid for?
What is the cost of the UK ETA?
What is the best credit card to use to pay for the UK ETA?
Do I need to print out the UK ETA?
What does the UK ETA allow me to do?

 

When does the UK ETA requirement start?

The application form is now available, but you do not need the UK ETA yet.

The entry requirement applies to all those entering the country from January 8, 2025. 

(Beware if your transatlantic flight is overnight, as they almost all are: if you depart on the 7th, you will enter the UK on the 8th, so you will need to comply. Like all rules, it’s an entry rule. It’s when you enter that counts!)

The UK ETA was already required for citizens of certain Middle Eastern countries but not for Canadians or Americans. For EU citizens, the requirement only applies from April 2025.

 

Do I need to apply for the UK ETA?

You’ll need the UK ETA if you are traveling to the United Kingdom — even if you’re in transit on a same ticket and even if it doesn’t require you to go through customs. It’s quite simple.

You’re only exempt if:

  • You are British or Irish (including British Overseas Territories citizens)
  • You are living in Ireland (and traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man)
  • You have a UK visa (or a separate permission to stay, work or study)

There are no exceptions for children or babies. Every traveler needs a UK ETA.

 

Where do I apply for the UK ETA?

You can now apply on the official UK ETA app or website. 

So many people overpay by using the infamous “fake” visa websites. Those services charge you extra to complete the visa application for you. They make inexperienced travelers think they’re on the official visa application website; that’s surprisingly easy to do with people who don’t know that the first results in Google are paid placements. 

It’s a scam: you don’t need help. You’d simply be filling out a form on their website instead of filling it out on the right website. If you’re able to read this post today, you’re able to fill out the very basic form required for almost any visa in the world. 

You just need to fill out the form on the official government website. Read the form and enter the required information. It’s usually not that hard to check if a website is the official government website… you just need to take the time to check. 

Visa help! If you do want help to fill out a visa application (not for the UK, hopefully, because it’s really a very basic form that a 10-year-old could fill out), Flytrippers recommends using iVisa, as it’s the most trustworthy and experienced visa website.

You can’t get a UK ETA for multiple travelers on the same form; a separate application must be filled out for each traveler. You can fill it out for someone else, it’s just that it has to be on a separate application.

 

How do I apply for the UK ETA?

As mentioned, it’s very simple: just fill out the form.

Photos of your face and passport are required, so it’s easier to apply on the app. 

You also need to have an email address, but I genuinely don’t think someone can survive in 2024 without one. If you’ve managed to do so, ask a loved one for their email address (and congrats, seriously, that’s impressive).

 

How long does it take to get the UK ETA?

They say the approval will be within 3 working days. 

In practice, for Canadian citizens with a “normal” profile, it will likely be much faster than that, maybe even instantaneous. We’ll see.

As always, though, they reserve the right to take longer. Of course. It’s their country; they’re never obliged to let anyone in. They say it can “occasionally” take more than 3 days. The odds are that it won’t take longer for 99% of travelers, more specifically, all travelers with nothing special in their profile.

 

How long is the UK ETA valid for?

You can use the UK ETA for a period of 2 years, or until you change your passport if that happens before 2 years.

You can use it for multiple trips; you do not need to get a new UK ETA for each trip.

Once your UK ETA has expired, you can simply get a new one, assuming this requirement still exists at that time.

 

What is the cost of the UK ETA?

The UK ETA costs $13 (£10). It sucks to have to pay for the privilege of spending your hard-earned money and points in a country, but it’s a pretty insignificant amount, at least.

Well, it’s a third of the cost of a full day of travel expenses in affordable countries… but the UK isn’t one of them, obviously. So, if you’re going to the UK, it’s a drop in the bucket compared to what your trip will cost you, innit? Same if you’re connecting there to any other Western/Northern/Southern European country.

As with pretty much all visa fees, it’s not refundable (not even if you were to be denied).

 

What is the best credit card to use to pay for the UK ETA?

The best card to use to pay for any expense is always a card on which you are unlocking a huge welcome bonus. ALWAYS!!! So simple.

That way you’ll earn 10%+ back instead of the pathetically terrible 1%-2% most people sadly earn on their purchases.  

Most important tip to travel for less! If you don't know that earning huge welcome bonuses is the key to saving money on your trips, please get started now with one of the amazing offers available, giving you $825 free for any trip or $1025 free for almost any trip!

Here are the effective return rates on your purchases with the current best offers.

Best credit card offers
(November 2024)
NEW
 TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card
TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $5k in 6 months
WELCOME BONUS
(Flytrippers VALUATION)
ends January 6th
Rewards: $1025
Annual fee: $0 $139
Effective return rate: 20.5% back
on $5,000
& simple points
EXTENDED
 Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $7.5k in 12 mos. (or $1k for lower bonus)
WELCOME BONUS
(Flytrippers VALUATION)
ends December 31st
Rewards: $825
Card fee: $0 $120
Effective return rate: ≈ 11.0% back
on $7,500
& simple points
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): no min. spend
WELCOME BONUS
(Flytrippers VALUATION)
 apply now
Rewards: ≈ $525
Card fee: $120
Effective return rate: ≈ 40500% back
on $1 (*$0)
& lucrative pts
NEW
 Platinum Card® from American Express
Platinum Card from American Express
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $10k in 3 mos.
WELCOME BONUS
(Flytrippers VALUATION)
ends January 28th
Rewards: ≈ $2051
Card fee: $799
Effective return rate: ≈ 12.5% back
on $10,000
& unlimited lounges
American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card
American Express Business Gold Rewards Card
Card: no business required
Min. spend (bonus): $7.5k in 3 mos.
WELCOME BONUS
(Flytrippers VALUATION)
Rewards: ≈ $713
Card fee: $199
Effective return rate: ≈ 6.9% back
on $7,500
& lucrative pts
NEW
 TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $12k in 12 mos. (incl. $7.5k in 180 days)†
WELCOME BONUS
(Flytrippers VALUATION)
ends January 6th
Rewards: ≈ $791
Annual fee: $0 $139
Effective return rate: ≈ 6.6% back
on $12,000
& lucrative pts
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card
American Express Aeroplan Card
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $3k in 3 mos. + $1k
WELCOME BONUS
(Flytrippers VALUATION)
Rewards: ≈ $540
Card fee: $120
Effective return rate: ≈ 10.5% back
on $4,000
& lucrative pts
American Express Cobalt® Card
American Express Cobalt Card
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $750/mo for 12 mos.
WELCOME BONUS
(Flytrippers VALUATION)
Rewards: ≈ $900
Card fee: $156
Effective return rate: ≈ 8.3% back
on $9,000
& best overall card
American Express® Gold Rewards Card
American Express Gold Rewards Card
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $1k/mo for 12 mos.
WELCOME BONUS
(Flytrippers VALUATION)
Rewards: ≈ $1180
Card fee: $250
Effective return rate: ≈ 7.8% back
on $12,000
& 8 lounge passes
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.
Best credit card offers
(November 2024)		 WELCOME BONUS
(Flytrippers VALUATION)		 Effective
return rate
NEW
 TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card
TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $5k in 6 months
Rewards: $1025
Annual fee: $0 $139
20.5% back
on $5,000
& simple points
ends January 6th
EXTENDED
 Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $7.5k in 12 mos. (or $1k for lower bonus)
Rewards: $825
Card fee: $0 $120
≈ 11.0% back
on $7,500
& simple points
ends December 31st
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): no min. spend
Rewards: ≈ $525
Card fee: $120
≈ 40500% back
on $1 (*$0)
& lucrative pts

 apply now
NEW
 Platinum Card from American Express
Platinum Card® from American Express
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $10k in 3 mos.
Rewards: ≈ $2051
Card fee: $799
≈ 12.5% back
on $10,000
& unlimited lounges
ends January 28th
American Express Business Gold Rewards Card
American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card
Card: no business required
Min. spend (bonus): $7.5k in 3 mos.
Rewards: ≈ $713
Card fee: $199
≈ 6.9% back
on $7,500
& lucrative pts
NEW
 TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $12k in 12 mos. (incl. $7.5k in 180 days)†
Rewards: ≈ $791
Annual fee: $0 $139
≈ 6.6% back
on $12,000
& lucrative pts
ends January 6th
American Express Aeroplan Card
American Express® Aeroplan®* Card
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $3k in 3 mos. + $1k
Rewards: ≈ $540
Card fee: $120
≈ 10.5% back
on $4,000
& lucrative pts
American Express Cobalt Card
American Express Cobalt® Card
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $750/mo for 12 mos.
Rewards: ≈ $900
Card fee: $156
≈ 8.3% back
on $9,000
& best overall card
American Express Gold Rewards Card
American Express® Gold Rewards Card
Min. income (card):
Min. spend (bonus): $1k/mo for 12 mos.
Rewards: ≈ $1180
Card fee: $250
≈ 7.8% back
on $12,000
& 8 lounge passes
Terms and conditions apply. Flytrippers editorial opinion only. Financial institutions are not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click "See More" to see most up-to-date information.

(The rate varies a bit depending on the merchant category code for each specific purchase, but it’s just to show you the overall return rate at our Flytrippers Valuation — and how it’s not even in the same universe as what you are probably earning!)

And if you’re paying the UK ETA fee with almost any card in Canada, you’re not even earning 1%-2%!

Because you’re paying a 2.5% foreign transaction fee as the UK ETA is obviously billed in GBP!!!

Ouch! What a terrible thing; the whole premise of travel rewards and credit cards is to maximize the rewards you earn on your spending, and so many people actually PAY to use their cards when purchasing in foreign currencies. Avoid that, now that you know!

That’s why you should always use your spending to unlock huge welcome bonuses — with the TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card, you’re earning 20.5%, so that’s still an amazing 18% net earn rate even if you were to pay 2.5% in foreign transaction fees on 100% of the $5,000 minimum spending requirement (highly unlikely). 

If you are not currently unlocking a huge welcome bonus, that’s a very bad idea, and you should really get started to earn free travel so much faster! But at the very least, get a free card with no foreign transaction fee — the EQ Bank Card (Prepaid Mastercard) is completely free and isn’t even a credit card (so no credit check), so every single Canadian traveler should have it with absolutely zero exceptions.

 

Do I need to print out the UK ETA?

It’s 2024, so no. You don’t even need to have it on your phone; it’s linked to your passport.

Well, it’s true; some rare countries do require documents to be printed out, but not the UK (or almost all developed countries or most developing countries).

I know that many travelers still print out their flight confirmations; maybe they simply don’t know it’s not required. You really don’t need to print that ever. Just with your passport, they’ll find you. You can relax. 

It’s normal not to know if no one ever tells you, so I want to share travel basics like that so you can stop printing things needlessly. I can guarantee that if you have a valid confirmed plane ticket, you absolutely never need to print anything out for that. Ever. There’s no chance you’ll ever need it. Zero.

It’s really not necessary to print out most other documents, either. Assuming you have the 6 only travel items that are truly essential (specifically the portable charger to make sure you always have access to your phone).

For example, I have 2 testimonials from my current round-the-world trip to get 1 million points. 

I entered Vietnam, and they’re certainly not a very tech-savvy country: it’s a socialist republic that requires an electronic visa that takes 5 full days to process and has a pretty old-school form with a lot of info to provide, like my religion (sic). I didn’t print out the electronic visa, and it was fine.

I also used China’s 144-hour transit without visa program for the first time. I thought about printing out the rules (for the airline staff) and my proof of onward travel (for the airline staff and immigration officer), but my laziness got the best of me. It was fine; the airline knew the rules (genuinely surprising!), and the immigration officer simply looked at my flight confirmation on my phone.

 

What does the UK ETA allow me to do?

There are absolutely no changes to other rules. 

You are currently allowed to enter the United Kingdom for 6 months for these purposes:

  • Transit
  • Tourism
  • Visiting friends/family 
  • Business
  • Short-term study
  • Creative Worker visa concession (3 months)
  • Permitted paid engagement event

The only difference is that you will need the UK ETA to do that, whereas now you don’t need anything.

If you want to enter for any other purpose or any longer length of time not currently allowed with the visa-free regime, you still won’t be allowed to do that with the UK ETA.

 

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Summary

As of January 8, 2025, the UK will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation for all travelers from Canada and the U.S., even if you are only in transit. At the cost of 10 GBP, this electronic visa will be valid for 2 years, and you can easily obtain it through their website or app. You need to do it before your flight check-in and don’t forget that the process can take up to 3 days, so don’t wait until the last minute to apply for it!

 

What would you like to know about the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (UK ETA)? Tell us in the comments below.

 

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Featured image: London, UK (photo credit: Rahul Chakraborty)

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Andrew D'Amours

Andrew is the co-founder of Flytrippers. He is passionate about traveling the world but also, as a former management consultant, about the travel industry itself. He shares his experiences to help you save money on travel. As a very cost-conscious traveler, he loves finding deals and getting free travel thanks to travel rewards points... to help him visit every country in the world (current count: 71/193 Countries, 47/50 US States & 9/10 Canadian Provinces).

This Post Has 2 Comments

  1. Denise November 30, 2024 Reply

    should I apply for the eta even if I’m not booked to go to the uk yet? I may have to go suddenly due to ailing relative…

    1. Andrew D'Amours December 1, 2024 Reply

      If you want to be sure, the only way is to do it in advance yes, in case it really does take 3 days when you need it. The only downside is it will expire earlier, but that’s not the end of the world.

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