WHAT IS THE ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION (ETA)?
It is a permit to travel to the United Kingdom that the British Government requires of all travellers who do not need a visa and are travelling for short stays (less than six months). It is not a visa, but rather a prior (electronic) authorisation to travel. It must be obtained before departure for the United Kingdom. It is recommended to do so at least three days in advance and before buying tickets. Obtaining an ETA does not guarantee definitive entry into the UK and the traveller will still have to go through border control on arrival.
WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR IT?
All Spaniards and other EU citizens not resident in the UK, including babies and children, who wish to visit the UK for short stays (tourism, business, family visits, among others) and do not need a visa.
An ETA is also required by those who are transiting through the UK and have to re-check their luggage and/or pass through border control (landside transit). An ETA is NOT required for transits that do not involve passing through border control (airside transit), which only happens at Heathrow (T4) and Manchester airports. Check with your airline if you are unsure.
It costs £10 to apply using the UK ETA app or online through GOV.UK. Other websites may charge more. Everyone travelling needs to get an ETA, including babies and children. You can apply for other people. You cannot get a refund after you apply. If the system does not find adverse information about the applicant, the travel authorisation is granted automatically, otherwise the application is forwarded to an officer to decide whether to grant the authorisation.
The system is expected to provide a response within three working days. A UK ETA is valid for multiple entries for two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. It may be used for temporary stays for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, study, certain types of work, or transit. Having an ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK.
Applications can be submitted via the UK ETA app or online. Most decisions are made within three working days, though faster responses are possible. Travelers are encouraged to apply well in advance to ensure timely approval. Group applications must be made individually, and approval times may vary for members of the same group.
Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years and linked to the passport used for the application. Travelers can enter the UK multiple times during this period. However, a new ETA is required if the applicant obtains a new passport.
It’s important to note that an ETA does not guarantee entry into the UK. Travelers must still clear UK border controls, either by speaking with a Border Force officer or using an ePassport gate if eligible. The UK’s introduction of the ETA aims to streamline travel for nationals of participating countries while maintaining border security.
Eligible countries include Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Vatican City, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, and Slovenia (including associated territories).
4 comments
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This rag howls whenever the subject of the EU’s own visa waiver is mentioned.
tranq tranquerNo April Fool. From tomorrow I would need an ETA should I wish to travel to the UK. I don’t (wish to).
You correctly state in the article that “it is not a visa” so why does the title refer to an “entry visa”?!!
Great April Fool well done