The Home Office have introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for visitors travelling to the UK who do not need to apply for a visa in advance.  

Visitors will need to apply for ETA before travelling to the UK.  

Currently, visitors from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates require an ETA to travel to the UK.

From 8 January 2025, visitors travelling from all other non-EU/non-EEA/Swiss countries, who do not need to apply for a Visitor visa in advance of travelling to the UK, will require an ETA to travel to the UK.  This can be applied for now. 

From 2 April 2025, visitors travelling from EU/EEA/Swiss countries will require an ETA to travel to the UK.  This can be applied for from 5 March 2025. 

For more information on the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme including how to apply, please visit our dedicated ETA webpage.