New UK Entry Regulations: What Businesses Need to Know
The UK government is introducing a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This applies to all travelers from visa-free countries, including EU and EFTA states, the USA, Canada, and Australia. Companies that send employees on business trips to the UK or have employees taking a workation there should familiarize themselves with the new regulations in advance.
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What is the UK-ETA?
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a mandatory travel permit for travelers who previously did not require a visa. It aims to enhance the UK's border security and streamline the entry process.
The ETA is linked to the traveler's passport and serves as a preliminary travel approval for the UK. However, it is important to note that the ETA does not guarantee automatic entry – border checks will still be conducted.
What Can You Do with an ETA?
With an ETA, company employees traveling to the UK can stay in the country for up to six months for business trips or workations. During this time, they can engage in business activities such as meetings, conferences, or short-term projects. The ETA also allows entry for training purposes and can be used for workations, tourism, or family visits.
However, the ETA does not permit long-term employment or work in the UK. If an employee plans to take on a long-term role, they must apply for the appropriate visa.
The ETA costs £10 per person and is valid for two years from the date of issuance. Multiple stays of up to six months are possible within this period, provided the passport remains valid.
How to Apply for an ETA?
The application is completed online and processed within three days. Required information includes:
A valid passport
Personal details
Travel information
Answers to security questions
Who Needs an ETA?
Visa-free third-country nationals
Starting November 2024, travelers from the following 49 countries can apply for an ETA:
Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United States, Uruguay.
From January 2025, travelers from these countries can enter the UK using an ETA.
Visa-free EU and EFTA citizens
From March 2025, EU citizens and travelers from Norway, Switzerland, and other countries can apply for an ETA. From April 2025, the ETA will become mandatory for all visa-free travelers.
This includes travelers from: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Vatican City.
Note: Travelers from non-visa-free countries will still need a visa to enter the UK.
Who Is Not Eligible to Apply for an ETA?
Not everyone can apply for an ETA. Nationals from countries that are not visa-exempt must instead apply for a regular visa to enter the UK. The ETA system is not available to these travelers.
Citizens of the following countries require a visa and cannot apply for an ETA: Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Burundi, China, Dominican Republic, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Jamaica, Yemen, Jordan, Cambodia, Cameroon, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Congo, North Korea, Kosovo, Cuba, Kuwait, Laos, Lesotho, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mali, Morocco, Mauritania, North Macedonia, Mongolia, Montenegro, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Rwanda, Russia, Zambia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, South Africa, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Chad, Turkey, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, Central African Republic, Northern Cyprus, Belarus.
Additionally, an ETA is not required for individuals who:
Hold a British or Irish passport
Have permission to live, work, or study in the UK
Already hold a UK visa
Are non-Irish citizens living in Ireland and do not require a visa to enter the UK
Support from Vamoz
To ensure a smooth transition, companies should take action now. Vamoz can support you by recommending the following steps:
Inform all travelers in advance about when and how to apply for an ETA. Vamoz provides assistance with communication to ensure employees receive all necessary information on time.
Apply for ETAs early due to processing times. Vamoz helps submit applications on time and reminds employees to start the process well in advance.
Decide on cost coverage – should the company cover ETA fees, or will employees pay for them? Vamoz supports businesses in finding a suitable cost solution and streamlining the reimbursement process.
The introduction of the UK-ETA is a significant change for visa-free travelers and requires early planning. Companies sending employees to the UK should ensure that all affected individuals are informed about the new regulations in good time.
With Vamoz, travel processes can be optimized so employees submit their ETA applications on time, receive reminders, and businesses receive support with cost coverage. With structured planning and early action, business trips and workations to the UK can continue smoothly in the future.