The UK has announced that individuals who do not require a visa to enter the country will be charged an entry fee. According to the latest updates from the UK Government's Visa and Immigration Department, a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme will be implemented, costing £10 (RM57 or SGD18). The ETA is a new requirement that grants permission to travellers visiting the UK and is electronically linked to the traveller's passport.
Who will need an ETA
You'll need an ETA if you:
- come to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study
- come to the UK for up to 3 months on the Creative Worker visa concession
- transit through the UK – including if you’re not going through UK border control
You can check if you need a visa.
From 15 November 2023, you’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK and you’re a national of Qatar. You’ll be able to apply from 25 October.
From 22 February 2024, you’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK and you’re a national of:
- Bahrain
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
More nationalities will be added to the scheme later.
Who will not need an ETA
You will not need an ETA if you have either:
- a British or Irish passport
- permission to live, work or study in the UK
- a visa to enter the UK
If you’re legally resident in Ireland, and you do not need a visa to visit the UK, you will not need an ETA if you’re entering the UK from either:
- Ireland
- Guernsey
- Jersey
- Isle of Man
Reports suggest that more countries and territories are expected to be included in the ETA requirement in the future.
How to apply
- You’ll need to apply on the UK ETA app, or online on GOV.UK. You can apply on behalf of others.
- Each traveller must get their own ETA, including children and babies.
- You’ll usually get a decision within 3 working days, but you may get a quicker decision.
- It may take longer than 3 working days if we need to make further checks.
How much it costs
An ETA will cost £10 (RM57 or SGD18) per applicant.
How you’ll get your ETA
- You’ll get an email confirmation if your application is approved.
- We’ll link your ETA electronically to the passport you applied with. You must use the same passport to travel.
After you get your ETA
- Your ETA will last for 2 years. If your passport expires in less than 2 years, you’ll need to get a new ETA.
- You can use it to make multiple visits to the UK. You still need to either use an ePassport gate if you’re eligible or see a Border Force officer to enter the UK.
- An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK.
If you’re refused an ETA
You need to apply for either a:
- Standard Visitor visa to visit the UK
- Temporary Work - Creative Worker visa to come to the UK as a creative worker
- transit visa to transit through the UK
This page will be updated with more details.