Official announcements from the UK government or major news outlets

UK Implements £10 Electronic Travel Authorisation for Visitors from 48 Countries Starting January 8, Valid for 2 Years

Jan 8, 2025, 02:28 AM

Starting January 8, 2025, the United Kingdom has implemented a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for visitors from 48 countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and 11 Latin American nations such as Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. The ETA, which costs £10 and is valid for two years, must be obtained online prior to travel, with processing typically taking up to three days. It allows multiple entries and stays of up to six months for purposes like tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study. The requirement also applies to children and transit passengers, even if they do not plan to pass through UK border control. The UK government aims to enhance border security with this new system, which follows similar models in the United States and Australia. The ETA will extend to European citizens, except those from Ireland, starting April 2, 2025, and can be applied for via the UK ETA app.