UK ETA countries: Which countries need ETA to visit the United Kingdom?

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.

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:

Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Australia
The Bahamas
Bahrain
Barbados
Belize
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei
Canada
Chile
Costa Rica
Grenada
Guatemala
Guyana
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (including British national overseas)
Israel
Japan
Kiribati
Kuwait
Macao Special Administrative Region
Malaysia
Maldives
Marshall Islands
Mauritius
Mexico
Federated States of Micronesia
Nauru
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Oman
Palau
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Qatar
Samoa
Saudi Arabia
Seychelles
Singapore
Solomon Islands
South Korea
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Taiwan (if the passport includes the identification card number)
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
United Arab Emirates
United States
Uruguay

Eligible UK ETA countries from 5 March 2025:

Andorra
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Italy
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Netherlands
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
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.

Table of Contents