A recent strategy document published by the UK Home Office sets out its plan to implement a visa waiver scheme (ETA) for people who do not need a visa to enter the UK, i.e. non-visa nationals.

The scheme is currently being phased in; some nationals can apply now, while others can apply from 27 November 2024 or 25 March 2025. The scheme is expected to be fully implemented by April 2025.  To check when you can apply please visit GOV.UK –  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-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 (check here to see if you need a visa)
• legal residence in Ireland, and do not need a UK visa (see below).

Cross-border journeys

While Irish and British citizens are exempt, their family members, colleagues and friends from other places may need to check their status before crossing the border into Northern Ireland.

Please note that IF you do not need a visa to visit the UK, AND you are legally resident in Ireland* you will not need an ETA if you’re entering the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. Source: Gov.UK / ETA, 9/3/23

Application process

An application will cost £10 and can be made online or via the UK ETA app.

Duration

The ETA will be valid for two years, with no limit on the number of trips that can be taken in that time, however you cannot stay in the UK for longer than 6 months.

If you get a new passport with the two year period a new ETA will be required.

Further information

• Home Office guidance – Information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK, updated 10th September 2024
• ETA Briefing – Committee on the Administration of Justice, September 2023
• Home Office guidance – ETA: Irish resident exemption, updated 25 July 2023
• ETA update and FAQ – Committee on the Administration of Justice, April 2023
• BBC News NI – Irish border: Changes made to travel authorisation scheme, 10 March 2023
• UK Government Factsheet, 9 March 2023
• Home Office Guidance, 9th March 2023
• Home Office letter to NI Affairs Committee, Feb 2023
• Home Office Strategy document, 20 July 2022
• Border People Briefing – Free Movement on the island of Ireland, May 2022

* ETA 1.3. An applicant who is lawfully resident in Ireland and is travelling to the UK
from elsewhere in the Common Travel Area does not need to obtain an ETA.

ETA 1.4. For the purposes of ETA 1.3, a person is lawfully resident in Ireland if they
are resident in, and entitled to reside in, Ireland under any relevant legislation or rules
which apply in Ireland at the time of the ETA application, but a person is not lawfully
resident if they may not leave or attempt to leave Ireland without the consent of an
Irish Minister.

Source:  HC 1160 – Statement of Changes in Immigration Rules, 9 March 2023

Page last checked:11 September 2024

This webpage is for general information purposes only and while we endeavour to keep it up-to-date, errors may occur. It is very important that you check with the relevant body to ensure the information is current and is applicable to your situation.

If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.