ETA: Electronic entry authorization for travel to the UK
Later this year Great Britain will replace the existing Visa Waiver System with the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Third-country nationals will need an ETA permit to enter the country from November 2023. The requirement is expected to apply to EU nationals from the end of 2024.
ETA allows entry into Great Britain for people who are allowed to enter the UK without a visa due to their nationality and is valid for the purposes of tourist and business travel. Eligible countries include, for example, people from the following nations: Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Japan, USA, Singapore and Mexico.
For all other purposes, a prior application and issuance of a visa is required. The same applies to people with a nationality that does not entitle them to enter the UK on the basis of ETA alone.
ETA is similar to the US ESTA system. ETA also requires prior online entry of personal data and information about the planned trip to Great Britain. The processing fee is expected to be £10 and the processing time is approximately 72 hours. The ETA will be valid for two years and allows multiple entries into England, Scotland and Wales.
In the future, companies will therefore have to take into account that their employees who are posted to Great Britain obtain ETA approval in advance. If you employ and post people from third countries, this will apply from November this year.
If you would like to know whether your employees need an ETA approval or a visa to travel to Great Britain, we will be happy to advise you and support you in the process. Please contact our visa department here.
