Walkers Britain | What You Need to Know About the UK ETA

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If you’re visiting Britain for a walking or cycling holiday, make sure you’re prepared for the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system. It has taken effect from 8 January 2025. Here’s a quick guide to help you sort it out.

What Is the UK ETA?

The ETA is a digital travel permit for visitors to the UK from visa-exempt countries like the US, Canada, Australia and EU countries. It’s linked to your passport and lets you visit for up to 6 months for tourism, business, or family visits. The authorisation is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.

The fully online application links the ETA to the applicant’s passport, enabling seamless entry by presenting the passport at UK border points.

Do You Need an ETA to Enter the UK?

Most travellers from visa-free countries will need an ETA, including holidaymakers. However, Irish citizens and UK residents don’t need one.

The ETA is being introduced in phases, starting in November 2023 with Qatar, followed by several Gulf countries in February 2024. On 27 November 2024, the programme expanded to 49 additional non-European countries, with applications open for travel starting January 8, 2025 - this included Australia and the United States. The next phase begins on 2 April 2025, requiring nationals from 34 European countries to have an ETA, with applications opening on 5 March 2025.

How Do You Apply?

It’s simple:

Apply online or via the UK ETA app.
Have your passport, email address, and payment method ready.
Pay the £10 fee per person.

Approval usually takes minutes, but the UK government states it takes 3 days. It’s wise to apply at least a week before your trip in case of delays. Once approved, your ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires.

Top Tips for a Smooth Trip in the UK

Check your passport is valid for the entire stay.
Save a copy of your ETA confirmation, either printed or on your phone, for travel.
Apply as soon as your plans are firm to avoid last-minute stress.

The UK ETA is designed to make entering Britain quicker and easier for eligible travellers. For full details or to apply, visit the official UK government website.

Taking a walking trip on the Channel Islands or Isle of Man?

Visitors do not need a UK ETA to travel to the Isle of Man, Jersey, or Guernsey (the Channel Islands), provided they are travelling directly to these locations from outside the UK. These areas have their own immigration rules and are not part of the UK ETA scheme.

However, if you're travelling to these islands via the UK, then UK immigration requirements, including the ETA, apply for the UK portion of your journey. For example:

If you're flying to London and then taking a connecting flight or ferry to Jersey, you'll need an ETA to enter the UK.
If you're travelling directly to Jersey from outside the UK (e.g., from France), you won’t need a UK ETA.

Always check the specific entry requirements for the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands before travelling. They are self-governing territories and may have their own travel rules.

Ready to visit the UK? Take a look at our range of walking holidays in the United Kingdom - and don't forget to apply for your ETA before you arrive.