New entry regulation you should be aware of before travelling to Britain

Many international travelers will need to register for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK in the new year, even if they do not require a visa. This new requirement, starting January 8, 2025, applies even to those travelers that are merely transiting through the UK. 

While the new regulation will first only apply to non-EU travellers that do not require visa for entering, including those from the United States of America, Canada and Australia, the BBC reports that EU nationals will also be required to present an ETA beginning from April. Travelers visiting the UK that hold Azerbaijani citizenship do not require an ETA registration, however a valid UK visa is still mandatory.

In order to obtain an ETA, travelers must complete an online application form and pay a £10 fee (approx. $12.75). Most applicants will receive approval within hours, although in some cases, processing could take up to three business days. Once approved, the ETA is valid for multiple entries into the UK for stays of up to six months. It remains valid for two years or until the traveler’s passport expires, whichever comes first.

The UK Home Office is implementing this system to streamline the entry process and improve border security. By confirming eligibility before travelers depart for the UK, the ETA system aims to reduce delays and confusion at border crossings. Airline gate agents will check a traveler’s ETA status electronically, linked to their passport, before boarding. In addition to efficiency, the information collected during the application process—such as biographic, biometric, and contact details—will enhance security by enabling better tracking of traveler movements.

Seema Malhotra, UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship, stated that the ETA system represents a significant modernization of the UK’s border controls. She emphasized that the system offers "light-touch screening" before travelers arrive, ensuring a safer and smoother experience for visitors.

This expansion builds on the existing ETA program, which initially applied only to travelers from seven Middle Eastern nations. The broader adoption aims to prepare the UK’s border processes for the digital age while addressing security concerns.

By Nazrin Sadigova