Your guide to understanding the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

As businesses continue to grow and expand across borders, corporate travel remains a key part of operations. If your company has employees who regularly travel to the United Kingdom, it’s essential to understand the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. Ensuring compliance with this requirement will help avoid disruptions and ensure seamless business travel.

What is an ETA? 

The UK has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system to streamline entry requirements for certain travellers. The ETA is a digital travel permission that allows eligible travellers to visit the UK for short stays of up to six months.

Who needs an ETA? 

• Non-European nationals from eligible countries already require an ETA to travel to the UK.
• European nationals will be required to apply from 5th March 2025 and will need an ETA to enter the UK from 2nd April 2025.
• Irish citizens are exempt due to the Common Travel Area agreement between Ireland and the UK (which includes the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man). However, non-Irish European employees will need to apply for an ETA.

Eligible Europeans can apply from 5th March 2025 and will need an ETA to travel from 2nd April 2025. 

• 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
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Vatican City 

If you are a non-Irish citizen living in Ireland and traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, you are exempt if you provide proof of residency in Ireland (e.g., Driving Licence, Medical Card, or Irish Residency Permit)

Why has the ETA been introduced? 

The ETA system is part of a wider effort by the UK government to modernise immigration processes and enforce border security. It aligns with similar systems already in place in countries like the US and Australia. The goal is to improve efficiency while preventing individuals who present a security threat from travelling to the UK. 

How much does an ETA cost? 

An ETA costs £10, and people can apply using the UK ETA app. Approval can take up to 3 days.  A UK ETA is valid for 2 years, allowing multiple entries to the UK during this period

Taking care of every detail 

Did you know, when you work with Travel Counsellors for Business, we’ll go the extra mile to ensure all travellers have the necessary documents that they need to travel – giving you one less thing to worry about. Get in touch to find out how we can put care and the personal touch at the heart of your business travel programme.