UK Joins US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, India, Sri Lanka, and Russia in Requiring Electronic Travel Authorization for Visa Free Countries: What You Need to Know - Travel And Tour World (2025)

Monday, March 31, 2025

UK has joined countries like the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, India, Sri Lanka, and Russia in requiring an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visa-free countries, marking a significant shift in how international travelers access the UK. Effective April 2, 2025, nationals from visa-exempt countries—including most European nations except Ireland—must apply for digital pre-approval before arriving for tourism, business, study, or transit. The UK ETA is valid for two years, permits multiple entries, and mirrors global systems like the US ESTA or Canada’s eTA. With this change, the UK aligns with a growing global trend of tightening border controls and digitizing immigration processes, making pre-travel authorization the new standard for visa-exempt international visitors. This guide breaks down everything travelers need to know—from who’s affected and how to apply, to how the UK system compares with those of other nations.

The United Kingdom has officially implemented a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, joining a growing list of countries that now require pre-travel clearance for visa-exempt visitors. With this new requirement, the UK aligns itself with the global policy trend established by countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, India, Sri Lanka, and Russia.

From April 2, 2025, most European nationals—excluding citizens of Ireland—will need to obtain an ETA before entering the UK. This policy follows a phased rollout that began in 2023 and expands the requirement to include visitors from over 30 countries. The ETA system is designed for short-term visits of up to six months, covering tourism, business, transit, and short study purposes.

What the UK ETA Involves

The UK ETA is a digital entry requirement for travelers from visa-exempt nations. It functions similarly to systems already in place in other major economies. Once issued, the ETA is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport and remains valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. During its validity, holders can make multiple entries into the UK.

Applicants are required to complete a digital form either via the official government website or mobile app. The process includes uploading a passport image and a facial photograph, with most applications processed in minutes, though travelers are advised to apply at least three working days in advance.

The ETA currently costs £10, but this fee will increase to £16 from April 9, 2025. The permit is required for all travelers, including minors and infants, regardless of the length of stay, as long as it does not exceed six months.

How the UK Compares to Other Countries with Electronic Travel Authorization Systems

With the launch of its ETA, the UK becomes part of a growing group of nations that have introduced digital entry systems for visa-exempt travelers. These systems serve the dual purpose of enhancing national security and simplifying immigration procedures. Here’s a detailed look at how the UK’s system aligns with other countries that require electronic travel authorization:

United States: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is required for nationals of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program. It permits visits of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit. The ESTA is valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
Cost: $21
Processing Time: Usually within minutes, though travelers are advised to apply at least 72 hours before departure.

Canada: Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is mandatory for travelers from visa-exempt countries arriving by air. The eTA is valid for five years or until the passport expires and allows multiple short stays, generally up to six months per visit.
Cost: CAN$7
Processing Time: Usually within minutes.

Australia: Australia offers the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for select nationalities, permitting visits of up to three months at a time. The ETA is valid for 12 months and allows multiple entries. It is processed through a mobile app and includes a service charge.
Cost: AU$20 service fee
Processing Time: Usually instant or within 24 hours.

New Zealand: The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is required for visitors from visa-waiver countries and cruise passengers. It allows multiple visits over a two-year period, with stays of up to three months per visit.
Cost: NZ$9 (mobile app) or NZ$12 (online) + NZ$35 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL)
Processing Time: Up to 72 hours.

South Korea: The Korea Electronic Travel Authorization (K-ETA) is required for travelers from visa-free countries entering South Korea. It is valid for two years and allows multiple short-term visits for tourism, business, or family visits.
Cost: ₩10,000 (approx. US$9)
Processing Time: Within 24 to 72 hours.

India: India offers an e-Visa system for visitors from over 150 countries. The e-Visa covers categories such as tourism, business, medical, and conference travel. Validity varies based on type: from 30 days (double entry) to 1 year or 5 years (multiple entry).
Cost: Ranges from US$10 to US$80 depending on nationality and visa type
Processing Time: Typically within 72 hours.

Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is mandatory for travelers from most countries. It permits 30-day stays for tourism or business, with the possibility of extension.
Cost: US$35 for most travelers; US$20 for SAARC country nationals
Processing Time: Typically within 24–72 hours.

Russia: Russia’s e-Visa applies to nationals of eligible countries visiting for tourism, business, or humanitarian reasons. It permits a single entry, valid for 60 days from the date of issue, allowing a stay of up to 16 days.
Cost: US$40
Processing Time: Up to 4 days.

Scope of the UK ETA Rollout

The UK ETA rollout began in 2023, initially applying only to Qatari nationals. It later expanded to include five additional Gulf Cooperation Council countries, followed by broader adoption in early 2024 for travelers from over 50 countries and territories, including the United States, Canada, South Korea, Japan, and Argentina.

By April 2, 2025, the ETA becomes mandatory for all European visitors from visa-exempt countries, covering more than 30 nations across the continent. The only exception is Ireland, due to the Common Travel Area agreement.

The UK government aims to complete the global rollout of the ETA system by the end of 2025, eventually making it a requirement for all visa-exempt nationals worldwide.

Transit Exceptions and Airport Policy

Travelers who are transiting airside through the UK without crossing the border are exempt from the ETA requirement, but this exception currently applies only at Heathrow and Manchester airports. These are the only UK airports equipped with airside transit infrastructure. Travelers connecting through other UK airports must apply for an ETA, even if they do not plan to exit the terminal.

In 2024, Heathrow Airport recorded nearly 84 million passengers, with approximately one-third arriving from EU countries. As a result, the ETA requirement is expected to have a significant impact on passenger flow and travel behavior, especially for European tourists and short-term visitors.

The UK now requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visa-free visitors, joining countries like the US, Canada, Australia, and others in adopting pre-travel digital entry systems. From April 2, 2025, most visa-exempt travelers must apply online before entering the UK.

What Travelers Need to Know

• The ETA is mandatory for all visa-exempt travelers visiting the UK for tourism, business, or transit.
• Applications must be submitted online or via mobile app and include personal biometric data.
• The current fee of £10 increases to £16 on April 9, 2025.
• Processing is typically quick, but applying at least three days in advance is strongly advised.
• Minors and infants must also have individual ETAs.
• Only UK residents, Irish citizens, and individuals with an existing UK visa or immigration status are exempt.

The UK has now fully joined a global cohort of countries enforcing electronic pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt countries. With the inclusion of countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, India, Sri Lanka, and Russia, this international trend marks a new standard in global travel. The UK’s adoption of the ETA system reflects a broader move toward tighter border security, greater administrative efficiency, and a digital-first approach to immigration control.

Travelers planning to visit the UK must now incorporate ETA applications into their pre-departure routines, ensuring compliance to avoid being denied boarding or entry. As international mobility evolves, digital authorisation is no longer optional—it’s the new global normal.