Starting today, Australian travellers heading to the United Kingdom must obtain prior digital permission to enter, marking a significant change in border entry requirements.
This development is part of the UK government’s efforts to digitise its border security system through the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
What Is the ETA?
The ETA system, akin to the United States ESTA, requires individuals from visa-free countries who are not UK or Irish nationals to apply for pre-clearance before travel. Australians visiting the UK for short stays—such as tourism, business, or permitted short-term engagements—will need to secure an ETA starting January 8, 2025.
Australians can apply for an ETA via the UK ETA app, available on both the App Store and Google Play, or through an official online portal. Applicants must provide a valid biometric passport, an email address, and a recent photograph.
The application fee is £10 (approximately $20 AUD), and the ETA allows for multiple visits of up to six months within its two-year validity period. However, if a passport expires during this timeframe, a new ETA will be required.
A decision is usually made within three days, though delays may occur. Travellers are advised to use official channels to avoid extra fees or potential data security risks posed by third-party websites.
The ETA is not a visa but a visa waiver, streamlining entry for short-term visits. Travellers transiting through the UK will also need an ETA, even if they are not staying in the country. Families travelling together must ensure that all members, including children and infants, have individual ETAs, although applications can be made on their behalf.
Notably, EU citizens will only be required to apply for an ETA from April 2025. Meanwhile, residents of the UK holding citizenship from applicable countries are exempt from the requirement.
The UK’s ETA program was initially launched in 2024 for Gulf Cooperation Council nationals and is now expanding globally. By April 2025, all non-visa European visitors will also need to comply with the scheme.
The UK government has positioned the ETA as part of its commitment to enhancing security and modernising immigration processes. Seema Malhotra, the UK’s Minister for Migration and Citizenship, emphasised that digitisation will improve border experiences while bolstering national security.
As the January deadline approaches, Australians planning trips to the UK should prioritise applying for their ETA to ensure a seamless travel experience. For those planning European visits, a similar travel waiver, the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), is expected to launch later in 2025.
These changes signify a new era in global travel, underscoring the importance of digital authorisation systems for international entry.
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