By April 2025, travelers wishing to visit or transit through the United Kingdom will need prior authorization. This requirement can be fulfilled through an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) or a Visa. The new rule excludes British citizens, including British Overseas Territories citizens, and Irish citizens.
The UK Government has announced the implementation dates for the ETA scheme. Non-European travelers can begin applying for entry via ETA starting November 27, 2024, and may start traveling with an ETA from January 8, 2025. European travelers can apply from March 5, 2025, and travel with an ETA from April 2, 2025.
Over the next six months, ETAs will be extended to include an additional 83 non-visa nationalities.
