UK ETA countries: Who needs UK ETA?

Starting on 8 January 2025, the UK is introducing a new requirement for travelers from countries that don’t need a visa for short visits (less than six months). This new rule means visitors from countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before they travel.

An ETA is a simple online travel authorization that allows travelers to visit the UK for up to six months. This could be for tourism, business, or even just to pass through the UK on your way to somewhere else.

Who needs UK ETA and when?

• From 8 January 2025: Travelers from countries like Australia, Canada, United States, and others will need an ETA for the UK. This applies to short visits (under six months) and includes citizens from countries in regions like the Caribbean, South America, and the Pacific. Before traveling, people from these countries must apply online for their ETA.

• From 5 March 2025: Starting from 5 March 2025, European Union (EU) citizens will also need to apply for an ETA. This is a big change, as EU citizens have previously been able to visit the UK without needing an ETA or visa for short trips. The official requirement for EU citizens to have an ETA will start on 2 April 2025.

• From 2 April 2025: From this date onwards, travelers from the EU and other countries that need an ETA must have one approved before they enter the UK. This includes travelers coming for tourism, business, or even transit.

Do I need ETA for UK? Check with our tool & apply for your UK ETA with us today! For more information on UK ETA 2025 deadlines, check out our related visa guide.

All UK ETA countries

A total of 54 countries are currently eligible for the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation, with 34 additional countries to be added after 5 March 2025.

Eligible UK ETA countries now:

1. Antigua and Barbuda

2. Argentina

3. Australia

4. The Bahamas

5. Bahrain

6. Barbados

7. Belize

8. Botswana

9. Brazil

10. Brunei

11. Canada

12. Chile

13. Costa Rica

14. Grenada

15. Guatemala

16. Guyana

17. Israel

18. Japan

19. Kiribati

20. Kuwait

21. Macao Special Administrative Region

22. Malaysia

23. Maldives

24. Marshall Islands

25. Mauritius

26. Mexico

27. Federated States of Micronesia

28. Nauru

29. New Zealand

30. Nicaragua

31. Oman

32. Palau

33. Panama

34. Papua New Guinea

35. Paraguay

36. Peru

37. Qatar

38. Samoa

39. Saudi Arabia

40. Seychelles

41. Singapore

42. Solomon Islands

43. South Korea

44. St Kitts and Nevis

45. St Lucia

46. St Vincent and the Grenadines

47. Taiwan (if the passport includes the identification card number)

48. Tonga

49. Tuvalu

50. United Arab Emirates

51. United States

52. Uruguay

Eligible UK ETA countries from 5 March 2025:

1. Andorra

2. Austria

3. Belgium

4. Bulgaria

5. Croatia

6. Cyprus

7. Czechia

8. Denmark

9. Estonia

10. Finland

11. France

12. Germany

13. Greece

14. Hungary

15. Iceland

16. Italy

17. Latvia

18. Liechtenstein

19. Lithuania

20. Luxembourg

21. Malta

22. Monaco

23. Netherlands

24. Norway

25. Poland

26. Portugal

27. Romania

28. San Marino

29. Slovakia

30. Slovenia

31. Spain

32. Sweden

33. Switzerland

34. Vatican City

Why is this change happening?

The UK is introducing the ETA to help improve border security and better manage who enters the country. By requiring travelers to apply for an ETA, the UK can keep track of visitors and make sure they are eligible for short stays. For travelers, this change is much easier than applying for a visa, like switching from BRP to eVisa.

How to apply for UK ETA

To apply for your UK Electronic Travel Authorisation, you can either contact us or complete the online form with your personal and passport details. You'll also need to upload a photo of your passport and a selfie, then pay the UK visa fee. After submitting your application, simply wait for approval. Once approved, your ETA will be linked to your passport for your trip to the UK.

Check out the UK ETA questions & requirements for details.