As previously reported in the December issue of Cruising, the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation system (ETA) is now in force for visitors to the UK. This applies to visitors from countries outside Europe (including Australia, New Zealand and the United States) who do not have a visa or other permission to stay in the UK. The ETA costs £10, lasts for two years or until your passport expires if that's earlier.
You can apply online or via an app. It can take up to three days to come through and can be used as many times as you wish. Initially someone without an ETA will not be refused access to the UK. The enforcement date has yet been announced.
From 5th March 2025, nationals of countries within Europe will also be able to apply for an ETA and can travel to the UK with an ETA from 2nd April 2025.
Find out more at on the GOV.UK ETA Guidance page. This gives full details of people who do not need an ETA and includes a link to the app.
This government page gives a full list of nationalities who can apply for the ETA and when.
14 January 2025