If you are planning a short-term trip to the U.K. (less than 6 months) and you are from a visa-exempt country, you may need a U.K. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The ETA is being implemented in an effort to streamline border checks and enhance security. Without a valid ETA, you can be denied entry at border control, even if you’re only catching a connecting flight. Therefore, if you are flying from New York to Basel via London, you may need to apply for an ETA!

The U.K. ETA is already required for nationals from over 50 countries, such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman; for a complete list, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta.

Starting on April 2, 2025, travelers from EU/EEA member states—including Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, and 30 other countries—will also need to secure an ETA before traveling to the U.K. for vacations or other reasons. Travelers can start applying for their ETA from March 5, 2025; however, the ETA will only become required on April 2. Until then, normal border control rules apply.

Your ETA will be valid for 2 years from the date of approval or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During its validity, you can enter the U.K. as many times as you like, but each stay can only last up to 6 months.

Who Will Need a U.K. ETA?

• Visitors to the U.K. staying for less than 6 months for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes (including babies and children)
• Visitors to the U.K. staying for less than 3 months on a creative worker visa
• Visitors to the U.K. on a paid assignment, such as a guest speaker at a conference
• Travelers transiting through the U.K. on their way to another country—for example, when getting on a connecting flight (only if your airline requires you to pass through border control; check your airline if unsure)

Who Does Not Need a U.K. ETA?

• British or Irish Citizens (travelling with a valid passport)
• Travelers with a valid British Overseas Territories citizen passport
• Travelers with permission to live, work, or study in the U.K. (including residents with pre-settled/settled status)
• Holders of a U.K. visa. Note that an ETA does NOT replace a visa. If you already need a visa for your trip to the U.K., you will still need to go through the regular visa application process.

How Do You Apply for the U.K. ETA?

Applying for an ETA takes around 20 minutes and can be done either online or using the U.K. ETA app, by following these simple steps:

1. Download the official ETA app from your device’s app store.
2. Take a clear photo of your passport to upload.
3. Provide a recent photo of yourself to verify your identity.
4. Fill in basic personal details, including your home address, job information, and a reason for your travel.
5. Pay the application fee of £10 (about CHF 11.50).
6. Submit your application for review.

Once you’ve applied, you should receive a decision within3 working days. Each person in a family or group must apply separately. You may get decisions at different times, even if you apply at the same time as others.

While getting an ETA is easy, it’s always best to apply ahead of travelling to the U.K. to avoid any last-minute issues or delays.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

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