Whether you need a Visitor visa or an ETA depends on your nationality.  Find out if you need to apply for the Standard Visitor visa (gov.uk)

If you do not need a Visitor visa, you must apply for an ETA. Read about the ETA scheme (gov.uk)

What is an ETA?

An ETA is a form of permission required before travelling to the UK. It is a new UK Government requirement. 

Visitors who don’t need a Visitor visa for short stays in Scotland will need to apply for one. Visiting for short stays typically means up to six months. 

Once the ETA scheme is in place for your country, you’ll need to apply for it online before your trip. The process is simple, and most people will be able to apply using a mobile app. The application costs £10 per person and you’ll usually get a decision within three working days.

The ETA is being introduced in phases. 

Who will need an ETA?

From 8 January 2025, travellers from the US, Canada, and Australia must obtain an ETA before visiting the UK. 

From 2 April 2025, travellers from the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA), as well as nationals of Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Switzerland, and Vatican City, will need an ETA before visiting the UK.

The process opened for Qatari nationals on 15 November 2023, and for nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates on 22 February 2024. 

Once your country becomes subject to the ETA requirement, you will always need an ETA, unless you already have a visa, for travel to the UK, whether it is to undertake activities that are related to your work or even for a short holiday. 

If you are an Irish national or you already have a UK visa or other immigration permission such as pre-settled status or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you don’t need to apply for an ETA. 

How to apply for an ETA

The application process for an ETA is simple. You will need to:

  • Give details of a valid biometric passport
  • Give details of your travel (e.g. dates of travel, flight information)
  • Pay a £10 fee

Most applications are accepted within three working days, but we suggest making the application well in advance of your trip. 

You must not begin your journey to the UK until your ETA has been approved.

What if my ETA is refused?

Most people will get their ETA with no issue. 

There are some suitability criteria that must be met. For example, individuals with serious criminal convictions, past immigration violations, or other events deemed “non-conducive to the public good” may be refused an ETA.

If your application for an ETA is refused, you may still be able to visit Scotland. Instead, you’ll need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa for business activities. This application has a more detailed and extensive process. This process will include reviewing any issues that may have triggered the refusal of your ETA.

What if I travel to the UK without an ETA? 

If you need an ETA and try to travel without one, you could be denied boarding by your airline, and you might not be allowed into the UK at the border. 

Why is the UK introducing the ETA?

The ETA scheme is part of a UK Government plan to make the border control digital and make entering the UK smoother for travellers. By approving visitors before they arrive, the UK hopes to reduce delays at airports and improve security. It hopes to make the process faster for those who are allowed to travel to the UK.