The UK Government have introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Scheme for travellers coming to the UK who have not applied for a visa in advance.  The ETA gives travellers permission to travel to the UK.

Currently the scheme is in place for nationals of Qatar and from 22 February 2024 nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will require an ETA to travel to the UK.  Applications for nationals of these countries will open on 1 February 2024.

Currently, nationals of other countries are not required to apply for ETA but the UK Government will add further countries to the scheme in the future.

Applicants can apply for ETA using the UK ETA app, applications cost £10 and it can take up to 3 working days to receive a decision on your application.

If you have applied for a visa in advance of travelling to the UK, you do not need to apply for ETA.

For further information about the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme please visit the UKVI website.