Travel to and from the United Kingdom
Electronic Travel Authorisation instead of visa
The United Kingdom is introducing an Electronic Travel Authorisation programme as part of the transformation and digitisation of their border by 2025. An ETA is a digital permission to travel. The countries mentioned below are the first to become part of this programme. Nationals of these countries must apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK. It’s allowed to travel to the United Kingdom while waiting for a decision regarding your ETA application. Usually, it takes up to 3 working days to receive a decision on the ETA application.
Qatar
As of 15 November 2023, nationals from Qatar must apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK.
Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
From 22 February 2024, nationals from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates must apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK.
Other countries
We’ll update this page as soon as the UK announces that other countries will become part of their ETA programme.
Apply for an ETA
You can apply for an ETA using the UK ETA app. Applying for someone else? Please apply via the website.
Are you experiencing problems with the app? Or do you need help?
Apply via the website
You can also apply via the official website of the United Kingdom’s government.