uk travel form

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• Entering and staying in the UK
• Border control

Passenger locator form: How to guide

Information to help people entering the UK fill in their passenger locator form.

Travelling to the United Kingdom – Passenger Locator Form

You must complete an online Passenger Locator Form before you arrive in the UK, whether you are staying here, or only transiting through the UK . There is no cost to submit the form.

A person who is under 18 years of age (Scotland: under 16 years) can be included on an accompanying adult’s PLF.

The UK consists of 4 nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. There may be different border health rules depending on whether you are travelling to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland and it is essential you check the rules for the specific country you are travelling to.

There are links to the requirements for each nation on the ‘Fill in your Passenger Locator Form’ page: Fill in your Passenger Locator Form .

The rules you must follow also depend on the country/countries you will have been in during the 10 days before your arrival in the UK. To see the rules that will apply to you, please see this page: Red, amber and green list rules for entering England .

It could be a criminal offence to provide false details in the form and you may be prosecuted.

What is the Passenger Locator Form?

The Passenger Locator Form is used to collect your personal and travel information and will be used to contact you in the event you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). It is also used to check your compliance with the UK’s health measures.

When to complete this form

This form should be completed no more than 48 hours before your arrival time in the UK. Please consider the time zone difference when planning to complete the form.

Should your travel plans change, resulting in a new journey or delay of more than 24 hours, you must submit a new Passenger Locator Form. If you do not do this, you are likely to be delayed at the border on arrival in the UK.

Can I complete a paper version of this form?

No, the Passenger Locator Form is online only, to ensure sufficient data collection and contact tracing. You should make every effort to complete your PLF digitally.

Before you travel to the UK – What you need to do

• Take a pre-departure COVID-19 test within 3 days of departure to the UK. Test results MUST be in English, French or Spanish.
• Obtain proof of your vaccination status (if applicable).
• Confirm the testing and quarantine requirements for your arrival into the UK and pre-book your testing or hotel quarantine package according to your Green, Amber or Red arrival status.
• Complete a Passenger Locator Form within 48 hours of arrival in the UK.

Note: Steps 1, 2 (if appropriate) and 3 are required in order to complete the Passenger Locator Form unless you are travelling on an approved exemption.

Passenger Locator Form: step by step guide to questions

This section provides an overview of the questions and the information you will be asked for when completing the Passenger Locator Form. Please note that this guidance does not cover every input of the form, as the form is subject to continual change.

After you complete the form you will receive a confirmation QR code via email. You can print this out or keep on your phone, as you’ll need to show proof of completion when you check in to board your plane, train, or ferry to the UK. You may also need to present proof of your negative test to a Border Force Officer on arrival in the UK.

If your vaccination QR code scan failed, or your image document with the valid QR code did not upload, to the Passenger Locator Form, you should have self-certified your full vaccination status, so please ensure you bring proof of your vaccination status, to show your airline, boat or rail operator.

1. Do you have a Passenger Locator Form account?

Before completing the form, you will be asked whether you already have a Passenger Locator Form account.

A Passenger Locator Form account may be useful if you plan to make multiple trips to the UK within a given month. An account will store your personal details (name, contact details, passport details, home address) for up to 6 months so that when you complete the form again, these fields are pre-populated with your information.

An account is not mandatory, and the form can be completed without one.

2. Register an email

You will be asked to provide an email address to link to your passenger locator form. You will also be asked to provide a password so you can save your Passenger Locator Form details as you may need to access them later.

3. Your telephone number(s)

You will be asked to provide a mobile telephone number for your stay in the UK. This number will be used to notify you if a passenger on your flight or vessel has tested positive for COVID-19. You are asked to enter the mobile telephone number twice to ensure it is input correctly.

You will also be asked for a secondary phone number if available.

4. Contacting you by telephone

This question asks if there are any accessibility reasons that could prevent you from being contacted via telephone (e.g. hearing impairment) or SMS (e.g. sight impairment). If there are no audio or visual reasons which prevent you from being contacted by telephone or SMS, please select that you can be contacted in both ways.

5. Your name

Please provide your name as it is shown in your passport or travel document. It is important that the name matches the passport or travel document you will use for your travel to the UK or you may be delayed at the border.

6. Your dates of travel

You will be asked for the date in which you will arrive in the UK, followed by your expected time of arrival in the UK. The date and time of your expected arrival cannot be any more than 48 hours after you submit this form.

In this form dates are input in the format: DD MM YYYY

And times are input in the format: HH MM. Please use the 24-hour clock for times.

A further optional question asks for the date that you will leave the UK. This question may not be appropriate if you reside in the UK or will remain in the UK for a long time, and don’t have a planned departure date.

The Passenger Locator Form then asks for your sex and your date of birth which should be provided as they are shown in the passport or travel document. If they do not match, you may be delayed at the border.

7. Your home address

This question asks if your home address is in the UK. If you select ‘yes’, a postcode lookup is available to enter the UK address.

If you select ‘no’, you will be asked to enter your address in full, line by line.

8. Your passport or travel document

This section asks you to:

• enter your passport number or travel document reference number
• repeat your passport number or travel document reference number
• enter the ‘country of issue’ for your passport or travel document. This could also be referred to as the ‘issuing authority’ or ‘place of issue’
• enter the expiry date for your passport or travel document

It is important that the passport or travel document details provided are for the same passport or travel document that you will use to enter the UK. For example, if you have dual nationality, you must the same travel document provided on your passenger locator form as the travel document used for travel.

The reference number must be entered in exactly the same format as it shown on your travel document.

For example:

• 123-456-789 - should be entered including hyphens
• 123456 789 - include the space if there is one
• 123456<789 - include any non-alphanumeric characters

If not, you may be delayed at the border.

9. Confirmation of your COVID-19 vaccination status.

Please check whether you meet the vaccine eligibility criteria and the latest information on the current position, as this may be subject to change.

If you have been fully vaccinated under the UK vaccination programme and have a vaccination QR code, your vaccination status can be verified in the Passenger Locator Form. You can do this either by:

• scanning your valid QR code, in your app, or you can upload an image/screenshot of your vaccination QR code
• if applicable, the Passenger Locator Form will automatically verify your vaccination status
• if your QR code scan fails, you will be able to self-certify your full vaccination status
• if applicable, the Passenger Locator Form will automatically verify your vaccination status. However, if your QR code scan failed or your image document with the valid QR code did not upload you should have self-certified your full vaccination status, so please ensure you bring proof of your vaccination status, to show your airline, ferry or rail operator.

10. Your travel plans

This section asks about your travel plans, with 3 options provided:

• Stay in or visit the UK.
• Travel to the UK more than once within 48 hours, for example as a haulier or crew member.
• Change flights in the UK within 48 hours, without going through UK border control, also known as transiting.

If you will continue your journey to a foreign destination from the same port in the UK, you will likely transit without going through border control. If you will continue your journey from a different airport or port, you must go through border control. If you are still uncertain about your transit, please consult your travel company.

If you will have to go through border control to transit to a foreign destination, then please select the “Stay in or visit the UK” option.

If you select options 2 or 3, you will not be asked about the countries you have visited.

11. Details of your arrival in the UK

This section will ask:

• Where will you arrive in the UK?

This refers to the port of arrival (name of airport, seaport, or railway station). As you type, options will appear for you to select.

• What country are you traveling from?

This refers to the question - where did your plane/ship/train leave from, immediately before arriving in the UK? As you type, options will appear for you to select.

• What company are you travelling with?

This is the name of the airline/shipping company/rail company (note that this is not your tour operator or travel agent). As you type, options will appear for you to select. If your travel company is not listed, click on “The company I am travelling with is not listed” and enter the company name in the text box that appears.

• What is the flight number, train number or ship name that you will arrive on?
• What is your seat number? (If known). If you are arriving by sea, you do not need to provide a seat number.

Include coach number if travelling by train, for example Coach 5 Seat 2. If you are travelling to the UK via more than one flight (i.e. transit), you must provide the flight details you that arrive into the UK with, not those from your country of departure.

12. People you are travelling with (travel with under 18s)

This section asks if there is anyone under the age of 18 (under the age of 16 if you are travelling to Scotland) that you are including on the form. Anyone over the age of 18 (or 16 in Scotland) must complete their own Passenger Locator Form.

If you select ‘yes’, you will be asked to provide the details of the passenger under the age of 18 (or 16 for Scotland) who is travelling with you:

• given name(s)
• family name
• relationship to you
• date of birth (DD MM YYYY)

A further question will also ask if this individual is aged 12 or over. If you select yes, you will be asked for extra details to enable this passenger to enter the UK via eGates at the border:

• passport number or travel document reference number
• repeat passport number or travel document reference number
• country of issue. This could also be referred to as ‘issuing authority’ or ‘place of issue’
• passport or travel document reference number expiry date (DD MM YYYY)

Note: children under 12 years of age cannot use the eGates at the border.

13. People you are travelling with (2)

If you are travelling with any more passengers under the age of 18 (16 for Scotland) which you are including on the form, this section provides an opportunity to add extra passengers. You will be asked again until you have added all passengers under the age of 18 (16 for Scotland) that will be travelling with you.

14. Countries you have visited (travel history)

This section asks you to provide a list of the countries and/or islands you will have visited in the 10 days prior to your arrival in the UK. You must provide a full list of every country and/or island visited.

The first time this question appears, it will show the country you are travelling from (that you provided earlier). It will ask for your arrival date into the country, and your departure date from there. If you will have only been in the country for the 10 days before your arrival in the UK, you do not need to provide an arrival date.

Important: please note that failure to provide information could be a criminal offence and you may be prosecuted.

15. Any other countries or islands

This allows you to continue listing countries and/or islands until you have entered your full travel history for the 10 days before your arrival in the UK.

The next sections of the passenger locator form are tailored to you depending on whether you are a red, amber or green passenger.

How do i know whether i am a red, amber or green passenger.

Your red, amber or green status depends on your travel history in the 10 days before your arrival into the UK and your vaccination status.

Each country and island are categorised as red, amber or green depending on their COVID-19 conditions. Your status depends on the country with the highest ‘status’ that you have been to before your arrival.

Note: Your red, amber, green status is based on what status the countries or islands will be for the date you arrive into the UK, not the date you complete the PLF.

For the current red, amber and green lists, see: Red, amber and green list rules for entering England .

RED passenger: Please refer to SECTION A .

AMBER passenger: Please refer to SECTION B .

GREEN passenger: Please refer to SECTION C .

SECTION A: RED LIST PASSENGERS

‘Your hotel quarantine details’

You will be asked:

Are you travelling for a reason that means you do not need to quarantine?

If you select No:

You must provide the invoice number for your quarantine package. Important: you may not be permitted to travel if the invoice number is not provided.

You must provide the hotel address where you will stay for the first 10 days in the UK.

If you select Yes, please see ‘Government Exemptions’ section below.

(End of input of information – please now see ‘ Declaration ’ section below)

SECTION B: AMBER LIST PASSENGERS

As an Amber list arrival, you will need to self-isolate in the UK for 10 days, unless you meet the vaccine eligibility criteria.

There is the possibility to end self-isolation early (after five days) if you opt into Test to Release (TTR) Coronavirus (COVID-19): Test to Release for international travel .

In exceptional circumstances, some passengers may have a government-approved exemption from self-isolation due to their work or other circumstances.

Amber list arrivals are also required to book Day 2 and 8 tests, unless exempt. You should book your Day 2 and 8 tests: Find a coronavirus (COVID-19) travel test provider if you’re arriving in England .

‘Self-isolation in the UK’

As an Amber list arrival, you will first be asked whether you are required to self-isolate or if you meet the vaccine eligibility criteria or if you have a government-approved exemption from self-isolation. Three options will appear:

• I need to self-isolate when I arrive in the UK
• I meet the vaccine eligibility criteria
• I will be travelling for an exempt reason

If you select “I need to self-isolate when I arrive in the UK……”, the next screen is:

‘Where you will stay in the UK’

You will be asked if you know where you will self-isolate when you arrive in the UK. If you select Yes, the next screen is:

‘Accommodation in the UK’ where you will be asked who you will you stay with in the UK.

If you gave a UK address earlier, the form would show this address and ask whether you would like to select this as your self-isolation address.

It will then ask for your arrival and departure dates from your self-isolation address (in format DD MM YYYY).

You will have the opportunity on the next screen to input other addresses for the first 10 days of your stay, on the page titled ‘Other accommodation in the UK’.

If you select No, you do not know where you will self-isolate, it will ask you who are you planning to stay with in the UK and wider details of your stay. Enter the name of the person or organisation whose property you will be staying in. You have up to 500 characters available for use, please provide as much detail as possible.

If you select that you are exempt from self-isolation, the next screen is:

‘Your reason for exemption from self-isolation’

Please see “Exemptions” section below for guidance on this. You must have a government approved reason for exemption and provide proof of your exemption during travel. A list of acceptable proof for each exemption is available .

Once you have input your self-isolation details, you will be taken to the next screen, which asks for your post-arrival testing details. Book your post-arrival testing (Day 2 and 8 tests) .

Testing after you arrive in the UK

Here, you will be asked whether you are required to book COVID-19 test packages for your stay in the UK.

If you have only been in green list countries, you must book a Day 2 test.

• If you have been or travelled through an amber list country or island you must book tests for Day 2 and Day 8, unless you have been fully vaccinated in the UK or under a vaccination programme approved by the UK. Then you must book a day 2 test.

You must check the border health rules for the specific country you are travelling to.

If your employer is booking your COVID-19 tests for you, you can select ‘No, I am exempt’ as you are not required to book your tests independently.

If you select Yes (I am required to take tests), you must provide the test booking reference number for your tests.

The form will also ask you underneath whether you have opted into government’s Test to Release (TTR) scheme. Test to Release is applicable for Amber arrivals self-isolating in England (not UK wide). It allows you to book tests on Day 5 of your stay in England, and if you test negative for COVID-19, you can end self-isolation early. Test to Release is optional.

If you have opted into Test to Release, you should enter your Test to Release booking reference number underneath. If you have not booked Test to Release, you must type ‘n/a’ (not applicable).

If you select ‘No, I am exempt’, you will be asked the ‘Reason for your exemption from tests’. A drop-down list of government-approved exemptions is provided and will appear as you type. Please select from this list.

SECTION C: GREEN LIST PASSENGERS

1. Where you will stay in the UK

As a green list passenger, you are not required to self-isolate in the UK. However, the form will ask whether you have an address for where you will stay for your first 10 days in the UK, should it be required for contact tracing purposes. If you know where you will stay when entering the UK, please select yes.

After selecting Yes, the next screen is Accommodation in the UK.

• If you gave a UK address earlier, the form would show this address and ask “You provided the following address as your residential address. Do you plan on staying at this address?”
• If you select Yes, it will then ask for your arrival and departure dates for that address (both DD MM YYYY).

If you select No, it will ask you “Who are you planning to stay with in the UK?”. Please provide the name of the person whose property you will be staying in, the address you will stay at for your first 10 days in the UK (a postcode lookup is available for this question) and the dates you will arrive at and depart from this address (DD MM YYYY).

2. Other accommodation in the UK

This asks if there are any other addresses you will stay at in your first 10 days in the UK. You will be prompted with the same follow-up questions as above.

3. Testing after you arrive in the UK

Green list passengers are required to take a COVID-19 test on or before day 2 of their arrival, this must be booked in advance. The test must be taken with a UK government approved testing provider , unless you have a government-approved reason which exempts you from post-arrival testing.

If you have been in or travelled through an amber list country or island you must book for Day 2 and Day 8, unless you have been fully vaccinated in the UK or under a vaccination programme approved by the UK.

You will first be asked whether you have been required to book COVID-19 tests after arrival in the UK. If you are exempt, please select ‘No’. Otherwise, select ‘Yes’.

Passengers who select No will be asked to list their exemption from a government approved list of options.

Passengers who select Yes will be asked to provide a test booking reference number.

Government exceptions

There are specific limited government exemptions that apply to: hotel quarantine, self-isolation, and/or testing. The form will ask you if you have a reason for exemption and provides a link to the gov.uk web page showing valid reasons for exemption. Select the one that applies to you and enter it into the text box. As you type, options will appear, select the correct one.

Important: if you select one of these options in the form note that you may be subject to further checks by a Border Force Officer, so you must have with you evidence to support your declared exemption. The type of evidence you should provide can be found (in English) on Coronavirus (COVID-19): jobs that qualify for travel exemptions .

Declaration

At the end of the form, you have the option to receive by email the details you submitted, sent as a PDF file to the email address you provided. You then complete a declaration that:

You will arrive in the UK within 48 hours.

The information you have given is correct.

And that you understand you could be prosecuted if you provide false details.

You then confirm that you must have proof of a negative COVID-19 test when you arrive in the UK (unless you are exempt).

If any of the details you have submitted change before you travel to the UK, you must submit a new Passenger Locator Form.

The Passenger Locator Form is subject to change. The guidance must be read in conjunction with current border health rules for the country you are travelling to.

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UK travel: How to fill in a passenger locator form - what you need

Everyone returning to the UK must complete a passenger locator form

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If you're planning on travelling abroad, you need to make sure you're fully prepped for your trip.

This includes making sure you have all the details needed to fill in a passenger locator form.

You must usually complete a passenger locator form online before you arrive in the UK.

READ MORE: Every new travel rule for UK holidaymakers: Pre-departure tests, red list and proof of vaccine

You can submit the form any time in the 48 hours before you arrive in the UK. It’s free to submit the form.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info

You’ll need to show your form when you check in to travel or board your plane, train or ferry to the UK.

You can also use the passenger locator form service to:

• set up an account to save your details if you travel frequently
• sign in to your account to edit and submit an unfinished form
• prove your vaccination status, if you’ve been fully vaccinated in the UK

Each adult must complete their own form.

You can include someone under 18 years old who is travelling with you on your form, if you are staying together at the same UK address.

What you’ll need to complete your form

To complete the form you’ll need:

• your email – you’ll need it to be able to log back into your form and to receive your QR code
• your phone number – we should be able to contact you on this number in the UK
• your passport details or the travel document you’ll use when you arrive at the UK border – you must use the same travel document for both arrival and departure
• your travel details, including times and dates
• the address where you will stay in the UK (if applicable)
• booking reference numbers for any COVID-19 tests you must take after arriving in the UK
• the invoice number for your quarantine hotel booking if you need one

On your passenger locator form, you will be asked whether you meet the vaccine eligibility criteria.

To be eligible, you must be fully vaccinated. This means that you have had a complete course of an approved vaccine at least 14 days before you arrive in the UK. The day you had your final dose does not count as one of the 14 days.

If you meet the criteria, you must bring proof of your eligibility with you during travel.

If you don’t meet the criteria, or select not to say, you will be required to self-isolate for 10 days and to purchase a Day 2 and 8 test.

After you complete the form

Download the form or select to receive it by email as a PDF. The form will include a QR code.

You can print this out or keep it on your phone.

You will be asked to show your QR code to your airline, ferry/cruise or rail operator before you board. You may also be asked to show it when you arrive in the UK.

Trouble completing the passenger locator form? Here are the contact details you need

You can call the passenger locator form helpline.

Calling from the UK

• Passenger locator form helpline
• Telephone: 0800 678 1767
• Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, GMT
• Calls are free of charge

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UK entry requirements: How to travel to UK from green, amber and red list countries – Covid rules explained

You must have proof of a negative covid-19 test to travel to england from abroad, and complete a passenger locator form before you travel.

The summer holiday season is in full swing, and if you’re travelling to England, what you need to do depends on where you have been in the 10 days before you arrive.

You must have proof of a negative Covid-19 test to travel to England from abroad, and complete a passenger locator form before you travel.

Here’s what you need to know about the UK entry requirements for travel.

What are the UK entry requirements for travel?

You must have proof of a negative coronavirus test to travel to England.

You must take a test even if you’ve been vaccinated, you’re travelling from a country or territory on the green list, or you’re a UK citizen.

You must take the test in the 3 days before the service on which you will arrive in England departs.

For example, if you travel directly to England on Friday, you can take the test on or after Tuesday and will need to have the negative result available before boarding on Friday.

Your test result can be provided as a printed document, an email or a text message on your phone.

If you do not present proof you tested negative, you may not be able to board your transport to England.

If you arrive in England without proof you tested negative, you could be fined £500.

Additionally, you must complete a  passenger locator form  before you travel to England.

It’s free to submit the form, and you can submit the form any time in the 48 hours before you arrive in the UK.

You’ll need to show your form when you check in to travel or board your plane, train or ferry to the UK.

The specific entry requirements for red, amber and green list countries are as follows:

From a green list country

You must take a coronavirus test on or before day 2.

From an amber list country

You must quarantine in the place you’re staying and take 2 Covid-19 tests.

If you’re arriving from an amber list country or territory, you may be able to end quarantine early if you arrange and pay for a private Covid-19 test as part of the test to release scheme.

From a red list country

You cannot currently enter the UK if you’ve been in or through a country on the red list unless you’re British, Irish or you have the right to live in the UK.

If you have come directly from a red list country, or from a red list country via a green or amber list country, you must quarantine in a hotel and take 2 Covid-19 tests.

Everyone who arrives into England and has been in a red list country must quarantine in a managed quarantine hotel for 10 full days from the point of their arrival.

The day of arrival in England will be treated as day 0.

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Anyone hoping to travel abroad from England now requires what amounts to an exit permit . Outbound passengers must complete a “Declaration to Travel” and have it ready at the airport, ferry port or international rail station.

These are the essential answers.

What has happened?

At present all holidays – at home or overseas – are illegal under the “stay-at-home” rule that applies for all residents of the UK.

International travel is allowed only for a limited number of exemptions, including work, urgent family matters and medical treatment.

From England, anyone who enters “a port of departure to travel internationally” without a completed form is committing a criminal offence – even if they are legally entitled to travel – and faces a fixed penalty of £200.

The new law says : “A person who is present at an embarkation point for the purpose of travelling from there directly or indirectly to a destination outside the United Kingdom must have with them a completed travel declaration form.”

Read more: Declaration to Travel - government reveals new ‘exit permit’ required to leave England

Airlines, train operators and ferry companies will be required to check that passengers have a valid reason to travel abroad.

The new document is the latest piece of red tape in the most draconian restrictions on travel ever known in peacetime.

Why has it happened?

In January, the home secretary warned: “There are still too many people coming in and out of our country each day.”

Priti Patel told Parliament that the Declaration to Travel would be “a necessary step to protect the public and our world-class vaccination programme”. The particular fear is new “variants of concern” being introduced from abroad.

So Ms Patel introduced another requirement on the basis that prospective travellers would think more carefully about whether their journey is permitted.

What information is required?

Travellers must provide their personal details including their address, passport number and destination. They must then tick a box to indicate their claimed reason to travel: work, education, volunteering, essential family reasons or “activities related to buying, selling, letting or renting a residential property”.

Oddly, considering many of the people leaving England are foreign residents returning home, there is no box to tick for, “I live abroad and am returning to my permanent residence”.

Where can I download one?

The form can be downloaded from gov.uk here . Travellers either need to bring a completed, physical copy or save it to a mobile phone or other device when they depart.

What sort of proof is needed?

The government says: “You may carry evidence to support your reason to travel.” Examples include a letter from your employer, university or a property company.

The family category is possibly trickier to provide evidence for: “wedding of a family member, to attend a funeral or event related to death, to visit a burial ground or remembrance”.

There is also confusion over the “property” category, with some people claiming it is lawful to say: “I am carrying out an activity related to renting a residential property – I am going to stay in an Airbnb.” This is clearly in breach of the intention of the new rules.

Anyone returning to their home abroad can simply show some evidence of their residential address.

How long will the new rules last?

The form is headed “declaration form for international travel from England during stay at home restrictions”. Those restrictions end on 29 March. So on the face of it, this new law/red tape will be in force for exactly three weeks.

The government has promised to reveal more details about a possible restart of international travel on 12 April, ahead of opening up journeys by 17 May. For this to happen, many obstacles to overseas holidays will need to be dismantled between now and then if leisure travel is to begin again at scale.

Why does the new law only apply to England?

As foreign holidays are plainly illegal under existing stay-at-home rules, the governments of Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have not regarded it as important to add additional coronavirus restrictions.

But both the Scottish government and the Labour Party have enthusiastically welcomed increased travel restrictions and are calling for tougher measures still.

What is the travel industry saying?

In public travel firms are simply complying with the new rules and warning passengers that the Declaration to Travel is needed.

But privately there is wide unhappiness at yet more red tape for travellers – and a further disincentive to booking summer holidays.

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Visiting the UK Will Soon Require an Online Application With a Fee — What to Know

The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation will be fully rolled out by the end of 2023.

Travelers to the United Kingdom will soon have to apply in advance and pay to enter the country when the Electronic Travel Authorisation visa waiver goes into effect later this year.

The UK’s ETA system, which will be fully rolled out by the end of 2023, will require all non-visa foreign visitors (including those from the United States) to apply online in advance of coming, according to the government’s ETA website . 

The rollout of the ETA is part of the UK’s effort to fully digitize its borders by 2025.

“Our number one priority is the security of the UK border and by launching ETAs we can ensure that everyone wishing to travel to the UK has permission to do so in advance of travel and refuse those who pose a threat,” the UK’s Home Secretary Priti Patel said in a statement .

To apply, travelers will need to provide personal details, passport information, and security information. Applications will then be processed automatically and travelers should expect a response typically within 48 to 72 hours.

Alexander Spatari/Getty Images

The cost for the application was not immediately clear and was expected to be announced at a later date.

The ETA will first be rolled out to several Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates , Qatar , Bahrain, and more.

The rollout of the ETA comes as Europe plans to implement its new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (or ETIAS) in November. That authorization will include a €7 fee and apply to foreign visitors 18 to 70 years old.

In the U.S., visitors must also apply for a similar authorization before coming: the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (or ESTA), which is available to travelers from countries granted a Visa Waiver Program. Last year, the fee for ESTA increased from $14 to $21, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection .

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

UK tourist visa: Requirements and application procedure

Updated: September 9, 2023

The UK tourist visa requirements are clear and easy to understand. UK tourist visa application is online but the rest of the process requires an in-person appointment for biometrics.

The UK or the United Kingdom is comprised of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. To visit any of these four countries, you would need a UK tourist visa. UK tourist visas are valid for 6 months and you can stay up to 180 days in the UK.

The UK tourist visa application process is long and there is no status tracking. Make sure to start your UK visa process at least two months from your intended date of travel to the UK.

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UK TOURIST VISA REQUIREMENTS BY NATIONALITY

Minimum passport validity required to enter the UK

• Passport must be valid for the entire stay in the UK

Visa EXEMPT nationalities

Unlimited entry.

• This requirement will change from 01 Jan 2021 when UK will no longer be part of the EU
• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland

6-month entry

• You must carry all documents needed for a visitor visa to show at the port of entry if asked
• Visa is REQUIRED if you have a criminal record or refused entry into the UK before
• Anguilla (British territory)
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bermuda (British territory)
• Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba (Dutch territory)
• British Virgin Islands (British territory)
• Cayman Islands (British territory)
• Costa Rica
• El Salvador
• Falkland Islands (British territory)
• Hong Kong
• Marshall Islands
• Montserrat (British territory)
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Pitcairn Island (British territory)
• San Marino
• Solomon Islands
• South Korea
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Maarten
• St Vincent and The Grenadines
• Timor Leste
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos Islands (British territory)
• United States of America
• Vatican City

Visa REQUIRED nationalities

• Afghanistan
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Burkina Faso
• Cape Verde
• Central African Republic
• Congo, Dem. Rep. of
• Congo, Rep. of
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Dominican Republic
• Equatorial Guinea
• Guinea-Bissau
• North Korea
• North Macedonia
• Palestinian Territories
• Philippines
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Sri Lanka
• São Tomé and Principe
• Turkmenistan

Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) required nationalities

• United Arab Emirates

24-hour VISA-FREE entry at Heathrow airport

• Eligible to request a 24-hour VISA-FREE entry at London’s Heathrow airport if holding a valid visa from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or any EU/Schengen country
• Must be in transit to/from the country of visa (Ex: if holding a Canada visa, you must be in transit to/from Canada only)
• Onward flight must be within 24 hours (on the same day or next day before midnight)
• Granting the 24-hour entry is at the sole discretion of the immigration officer
• Applies to all nationalities

BONUS (FREE eBook Download): Travel 56 countries VISA-FREE with a visa from the US, Canada, Schengen, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan or Singapore

UK TOURIST VISA APPLICATION PROCESS

First, check if you need a visitor visa to travel to the UK in the “UK tourist visa requirements by nationality” section above.

Alternatively, you can check your eligibility and requirements on the UK gov website .

Validity of UK tourist visa

UK tourist visas are valid for 6 months from the date of visa issue.

Example: If your UK visa was issued on January 15, the visa will be valid until July 15. 

NOTE There have been instances where visas were issued with validity starting from the date of travel mentioned in the visa application. 

When to apply for UK visa

You can apply for a UK visa up to 3 months in advance.

Example: If you plan to visit the UK on April 15, you can apply for your UK visa on or after January 16.

Also, keep in mind that you must apply for your UK visa at least 3 weeks prior to your travel, otherwise, you may not receive your visa on time. There are no refunds if you receive your visa after your travel date. 

IMPORTANT The UK visa process can take up to 3 weeks and even longer in some cases. I strongly recommend applying for your UK visa at least 2 months in advance.

How long can you stay in the UK?

The UK tourist visa allows you to stay up to 180 days in the UK. But if you stay that long continuously in the UK on a tourist visa, you will have serious trouble getting another UK visa in the future or entering the UK next time.

Here is my advice. Stick to the days you have mentioned in your UK visa application. A few days more or less is fine. But staying months on your UK tourist visa will pretty much look like you “live in the UK” rather than “vacation/holiday”. 

Application procedure

The UK visa application is online. You must apply for the visa online at the UK Visas and Immigration website

Below are the steps you will go through for your UK tourist visa application

• Go to the UK Visas and Immigration website
• Select your preferred language, type of visa, your country, nearest visa application center, etc
• Create a login using email and password
• Complete in the application form
• Sign the declaration
• Pay visa fee
• Submit the application
• Download and print the submitted visa application form
• Make an appointment at your nearest UK visa application center
• Attend the appointment at your nearest UK visa application center
• Submit your passport, visa application and supporting documents at the visa application center
• If applying from the US, Australia or New Zealand, mail your passport, visa application and biometrics receipt to your nearest visa application center
• Pickup/receive the passport when the visa decision is made

Below are some of the information you will provide in the application form

• Your travel dates to the UK
• Your hotel address and telephone number in the UK
• Your total estimated cost for the trip
• Your present home address and how many years you’ve lived there
• Your parents’ names and their dates of birth
• Your annual income
• Your travel history for the past 10 years
• Your employer details including the address and telephone number

Documents required

The following are the documents required for UK visitor visa application 

• Completed online visa application form with GWF number
• A passport-size photo (optional)
• If employed – an employment letter on company letterhead indicating your length of employment, salary, role, etc.
• If self-employed – a business registration document indicating your business name, date of business, etc.
• If student – a letter from the school/university on the letterhead indicating your enrollment, leave of absence, etc.
• Proof of funds ( bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months)
• Proof of legal residence (if applying from a 3rd country. you must submit a copy of your visa or residence permit of that country)

Do you need flight tickets and hotel bookings for the UK visa application?

UKVI has stopped asking for flight tickets and hotel bookings for UK visa applications. But some nationalities are still being asked to submit flight tickets and hotel bookings.

When you complete your online UK visa application, you will see a checklist of documents to be uploaded. Check if you are asked to submit flight tickets and hotel bookings.

Even if you are asked to submit your flight tickets and hotel bookings, you should not book any flights/hotel until your UK visa is approved.

For flights, get a price quote from British Airways which can be used as a flight itinerary for your UK visa application. Visa ticket booking agencies such as DummyTicket offer flight itineraries for the UK visa for $19, valid for 2-3 weeks.

For hotel, book a refundable or pay at check-in hotel on booking.com or Expedia . Cancel the booking after your visa is approved.

For more options, check out my detailed flight itinerary and hotel reservation articles.

Photo requirements

A passport-size photo is only required if are exempt from biometrics. All tourist visa applicants MUST give their biometrics. Your fingerprints and digital photos are taken during your biometrics appointment.

Since all tourist visa applicants MUST give their biometrics, a passport-size photo is not required. But, I suggest bringing one with you on the day of your biometrics appointment just in case.

Visa application fee

The UK tourist visa application fee is £95 GBP. You will pay this fee in your local currency. Due to exchange rates, you may end up paying about £2 – £5 GBP more.

You can use the UK home office visa fee wizard to find out the exact visa fee that you would need to pay in your local currency. 

If you are applying for a long-term UK tourist visa, below is the visa fee for 2, 5 and 10-year tourist visas. 

• 2 years: £361 GBP
• 5 years: £655 GBP
• 10 years: £822 GBP

Visa appointment

As part of the online application process, you will be prompted to make a visa appointment at your nearest UK Visa Application Center . Visa Application Centers are run by either VFSGlobal or TLSContact in conjunction with UK Visas and Immigration.

On the day of the appointment, you will give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and submit your original documents. You must bring all your original documents along with one photocopy of each including your passport.

Applicants from the USA, Australia (Adelaide and Hobart only) and New Zealand

You must give your biometrics at your nearest Biometric Enrollment Center and later send/post your documents to the nearest UK Visa Application Center.

During your online UK visa application, you will be prompted to make a biometrics appointment at your nearest Biometric enrollment center.

• Biometric enrollment centers in the USA are run by the US Homeland Security.
• Biometric enrollment centers in Australia are run by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
• Biometric enrollment centers in New Zealand are run by Immigration New Zealand.

The biometrics appointment takes about 10-15 minutes. You will give your fingerprints and photo. You will receive an acknowledgment stamp on the biometric appointment confirmation.

You must then mail your original passport, visa application, biometric confirmation with the stamp, supporting documents and return postage to the UK Visa Application Center you have selected during your online visa application.

You will be notified via email when the UK Visa Application Center receives your documents.

Visa processing time

The UK tourist visa processing takes up to 3 weeks. There have been incidents where UKVI has taken over 2 months to process, especially when the visa applications are “not straightforward”.

UKVI considers a visa application “not straightforward” if additional information is required to process the visa. Additional information can be, verifying information, background check or requesting additional documents. UKVI usually notifies you in such cases and requests any additional documentation necessary.

Keeping such incidents in mind, ALWAYS apply for your UK visa at least 2 months prior to your travel.

If you have to travel sooner, you should purchase the “Priority Visa Service” while applying online. Or at least before you mail/submit your documents. This way your visa application will be processed within 5 working days.

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE When I applied for my UK visa, the visa processing time was about 2 weeks. I had a planned trip to Canada before my trip to the UK. My trip to Canada was in 4 weeks, so I thought I had enough time to apply for my UK visa. However after I submitted my passport, the email confirmation said the visa process would take up to 4 weeks. I panicked. I went ahead and paid for the priority visa service. I panicked again. Then I emailed a formal visa withdrawal request, so I could at least get my passport back and make my trip to Canada. However, my visa was processed within 2 days of paying the priority visa service fee. Please do not make the same mistake as I did. Apply for your UK visa at least 2 months prior to your travel.

Visa application status tracking

Online visa application tracking is NOT AVAILABLE on the UK Visas and Immigration website. To track your UK visa application status, you must use UK Visas and Immigration’s email or phone option, which unfortunately is NOT FREE.

UKVI charges for all phone and email inquiries. 

Below are UK Visa and Immigration phone, email details and charges.

PHONE Telephone: +44 2034811736 Available 24 hours from Monday to Friday Calls cost £1.37 per minute plus any international call charges

EMAIL Email communication must be initiated via Email UK Visas and Immigration Email inquiries cost £5.48. Follow-up emails after that are not charged. You will receive a response to your email within 2 working days.

You must give out your credit card information for billing when you start the phone inquiry. For email, you must fill out the payment form and then you can submit your email inquiry.

PERSONAL OPINION Email inquiries generally receive a standard response saying that your application is “in process”. Phone inquiries are slightly better and cheaper.

Priority visa service

If you would need to travel to the UK urgently, you can opt for the “Priority Visa Service”.  This service is expensive and may not be available in all countries. If available, you will see the option in your online UK visa application. 

• Priority visa service fee: £220 GBP
• Visa processing time: Guaranteed in 5 working days

Priority visa service must be purchased during your online visa application. This will ensure your visa is processed within 5 days.

Purchasing this service after you have submitted/mailed your documents will take much longer than 5 working days. You must first pay the fee on the Visa Application Center (VAC) website and then email the receipt to the Visa Application Center where you have submitted/sent your documents. It can take more than a day for the VAC staff to locate your packet and push it into the priority queue

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I purchased my priority service after I had mailed my documents. My visa application was approved within two days of buying the priority visa service.

Super priority visa service

If you would need to travel to the UK immediately, you can opt for “Super Priority Visa Service”. This service comes with a hefty price tag, so purchase this service only in super urgent, emergency cases. 

• Super priority visa service fee: £956 GBP
• Visa processing time: Guaranteed in 24 hours

Cancel your UK visa application

If you haven’t given your biometrics at the visa application center yet, you can cancel your UK visa application and get a full refund of your visa fee. The procedure to cancel your UK visa application depends on at what stage your application is in.

Application not submitted and fee not paid : If you haven’t paid your fee and haven’t submitted your application, there is a “Delete Application” option that will delete your current visa application.

Application not submitted but fee already paid : If you have already paid your fee and have not yet submitted your application, you can still delete your application but you may have to send a formal refund request in writing to the visa application center.

Application submitted, fee paid but haven’t given your biometrics : If you haven’t given your biometrics at VFS/BLS, you can cancel your application and request for a refund. The refunds take 4 weeks. 

Application submitted, fee paid, biometric given , and documents/passport already submitted: If you have already given your biometrics and submitted your documents/passport, you CANNOT cancel your visa application anymore. You can only WITHDRAW your visa application. You must email the visa application center a formal withdrawal request. Upon receipt of the withdrawal request, the visa application center will return/mail your passport back. Any visa fee and priority service fee paid are not refundable. 

IMPORTANT Even though UKVI says the refunds are processed in 4 weeks, it usually takes 8 weeks or even longer. There have been instances where applicants waited several weeks and some even gave up on their refunds. However, I have seen applicants having success in getting their refunds by reminding UKVI with phone calls or emails. It costs about $5 USD to email them, but it helps in getting your refund eventually. 

Withdraw your UK visa application

The UK visa application center keeps the passport for the entirety of the visa process, which could be 3 weeks or more. There may be emergencies where you need to have your passport with you. The only way to request your passport back is by formally withdrawing your visa application. 

If you withdraw your application, the visa fee and any priority service fee you have paid are NOT refundable.

To withdraw a visa application, you must submit a withdrawal request along with the reason for the withdrawal to the visa application center via email. It might take up to 72 hours for the consulate to locate your packet and send it back to you.

You must first call/email the UK Visas and Immigration mentioning your intention to withdraw your application. They will guide you through the process of withdrawing your application. Usually, the UK visa application withdrawal request should be a signed document with personal information including the GWF number. This document must be printed and signed. It must be scanned and emailed to the visa application center. Below is a sample withdrawal request letter.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hereby request to withdraw my UK visa application. I understand that the visa fee is non-refundable. I also understand that my package may not be shipped for up to 72 hours.

Full Name of the Applicant: <name> GWF Number: <GWF number> Date of Birth: <date of birth> Nationality: <Nationality> Country of Residence: <Country of residence> Passport number: <Passport number> Type of Visa Applied: General Visit (up to 6 months) Biometric taken date:  <biometric date> Visa application centre’s address:  <address of the visa application center where you have submitted your documents> Contact number of the applicant: <Your phone number>

Priority Service Paid: <YES/NO> Priority Service Paid On: <Priority service purchased date>

Reason for Withdrawal: Emergency international travel has been scheduled. I need to have my passport in order to travel. Please return my passport as soon as possible. Thank you!

<Your signature here> Signed: <Your full name> Date: <date>

IMPORTANT Cancellation or withdrawal is NOT a refusal. It WILL NOT affect your future UK visa applications. You don’t need to mention it in your future UK visa applications either.

ENTERING AND LEAVING THE UK

Entering the UK by air

At the immigration, the officers may ask you questions about your trip, how long you plan to stay, your next destination, etc. You may be asked to show your return/onward ticket and your hotel booking. If you are traveling on a one-way ticket, you can use OnwardTicket to get proof of your onward ticket. 

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: The immigration officer at Heathrow Airport asked me to show my return/onward ticket. I had a print of my onward ticket, so quickly took it out and gave it to the immigration officer.

Leaving the UK by air

If you are flying out of Heathrow Airport, make sure to arrive early. The airport is huge and you may have to take a bus from the gate to the flight.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is GWF number in UK visa application ?

GWF reference number is the unique visa application number that was provided to you on your visa application submission. You must provide your GWF number when calling or emailing UK Visas and Immigration. Without the GWF number, UK Visas and Immigration will not be able to provide you with a status update on your visa application.

What to do if my UK visa application is refused?

If your UK visa application is refused, the first thing is to understand the  reasons for your UK visa refusal . If the reason is due to missing information, proof of funds or documentation, make sure to fix these the next time you apply for your UK visa.

Write a detailed cover letter explaining the reasons for your previous visa refusal, missing information/documentation and any additional information/documentation that you have provided in the new application. This will help the ECOs cut to the chase and focus on the new information/documentation.

There is no “appeal” for UK visa. So, re-apply for your UK visa by making sure you have the new information, proofs and documents that were lacking previously. You must pay the visa fee again as the fee paid for your previous application was non-refundable.

If you do not know the reason for your visa refusal/denial, give at least 6 months before you apply for the visa again. 

Can I get my UK visa application fee refund if denied?

No. The visa fee and any priority service fee paid are non-refundable if your visa application is denied. The visa fee is also non-refundable in incidents where the visa is approved for less number of days than requested.

I’m planning to visit the UK and Schengen countries on a single trip. Should I apply for my UK visa first or Schengen visa first?

If you plan to visit the UK and Schengen countries on a single trip, ALWAYS apply for your UK visa first. 

UKVI keeps the passport for the entirety of the visa process and there is no visa status tracking. Calls and emails to customer service are charged. Even if you pay and contact, you will usually get a canned response. If your UK visa is refused, there is no “appeal”. You can only re-apply, which means you have to repeat the entire process again.

On the other hand, the Schengen visa application process is much streamlined. There is application tracking, customer service and appeal. 

I highly recommend applying for your UK visa first and get done with it. After that, apply for your Schengen visa. 

When applying for your UK visa, show a “UK-only” itinerary for your UK visa. This eliminates the need for submitting your Schengen visa, flights in/out of the Schengen region, etc. 

The UK tourist visa requirements are clear and easy to understand. But, the visa application process is long and expensive. Apply at least 2 months in advance, and follow all the proper steps and documentation. Tourist visas are usually multiple-entry with 6 months validity.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

PLAN YOUR TRAVEL WITH VISA TRAVELER

I highly recommend using these websites to plan your trip. I use these websites myself to apply for my visas, book my flights and hotels and purchase my travel insurance.

01. Apply for your visa

Get a verifiable flight itinerary for your visa application from DummyTicket247 . DummyTicket247 is a flight search engine to search and book flight itineraries for visas instantly. These flight itineraries are guaranteed to be valid for 2 weeks and work for all visa applications.

02. Book your fight

Find the cheapest flight tickets using Skyscanner . Skyscanner includes all budget airlines and you are guaranteed to find the cheapest flight to your destination.

03. Book your hotel

Book your hotel from Booking.com . Booking.com has pretty much every hotel, hostel and guesthouse from every destination.

04. Get your onward ticket

If traveling on a one-way ticket, use BestOnwardTicket to get proof of onward ticket for just $12, valid for 48 hours.

05. Purchase your insurance

Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from HeyMondo . HeyMondo offers a 5% discount to Visa Traveler readers (use the link above), and covers all medical and travel emergencies during your trip.

Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please refer to our full disclosure for further information.

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https://www.barrons.com/news/uk-to-change-travel-entry-requirements-what-to-know-20eb541b

• FROM AFP NEWS

UK To Change Travel Entry Requirements: What To Know

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The UK government this week announced an overhaul in non-visa entry requirements for visitors from next year.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is similar to the ESTA system in the United States.

The interior ministry announced that all visitors who do not require a visa to travel to Britain will need an ETA from April 2, 2025.

"Everyone wishing to travel to the UK –- except British and Irish citizens -– will need permission to travel in advance of coming here.

"This can be either through an ETA or an eVisa," the Home Office said in a statement.

It is a travel permit digitally linked to the traveller's passport and is for people entering or transiting the UK without a visa or legal residence rights.

It costs £10 (12 euros, 13 dollars) and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder's passport expires -– whichever is sooner.

Eligibility is based on nationality and suitable travellers can apply using the UK ETA app.

Previously, most visitors could arrive at a British airport with their passport and enter the country without a visa.

But that began to change in November last year when the then Conservative government introduced the ETA, starting with Qatari nationals.

The scheme was extended earlier this year and currently includes citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Children and babies from these countries need an ETA too.

Interior minister Yvette Cooper announced on Tuesday that all nationalities except Europeans can apply for an ETA from November 27. They will need one travel to Britain from January 8 next year.

The scheme will then extend to eligible Europeans, who will require an ETA from April 2, 2025. They will be able to apply from March 5.

Eligible travellers will need one even if they are just using the UK to connect to an onward flight abroad.

British and Irish passport holders and those with passports for a British overseas territory do not need an ETA.

Travellers with a visa also do not require one, nor do people with permission to live, work or study in the UK, including people settled under the EU Settlement Scheme agreed as part of Britain's exit from the European Union in January 2020.

Travellers can get an ETA if they are coming to the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study.

They cannot get married, claim benefits, live in the country through frequent visits, or take up work as a self-employed person.

The Home Office says ETAs are "in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia".

It also mirrors the ETIAS scheme for visa-exempt nationals travelling to 30 European countries, including France and Germany, that the European Commission expects to be operational early next year.

It is part of the government's drive to digitise its border and immigration system.

The Home Office says it will ensure "more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK", which helps prevent "abuse of our immigration system".

It is partly a consequence of Brexit, which ended freedom of movement to Britain for European nationals.

Heathrow Airport has blamed the ETA scheme for a 90,000 drop in transfer passenger numbers on routes included in the programme since it was launched.

It has described the system as "devastating for our hub competitiveness" and wants the government to "review" the inclusion of air transit passengers.

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UK to require £10 travel permits for EU and US citizens

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UK to expand digital travel to more visitors

By April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK.

The government is taking major steps towards delivering its ambitious aim to digitise the UK border and immigration system and has today set out new implementation dates for the electronic travel authorisation (ETA) scheme.

Everyone wishing to travel to the UK – except British and Irish citizens – will need permission to travel in advance of coming here. This can be either through an ETA or an eVisa.

Today we are confirming that from 27 November 2024, eligible non-Europeans can apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025. ETAs will then extend to eligible Europeans from 5 March 2025, who will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.

ETAs are digitally linked to a traveller’s passport and ensure more robust security checks are carried out before people begin their journey to the UK, helping to prevent abuse of our immigration system. An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time over 2 years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.  

From today, information about ETA eligibility is available on GOV.UK . Anyone needing to apply for an ETA will be able to do so through a quick and simple process using the UK ETA app.

Gulf Cooperation Council visitors already need an ETA to travel to the UK.

The introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia.

Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, said:

Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year, including the visitors we warmly welcome to the UK who are predicted to contribute over £32 billion to our tourism economy this year. The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system.

People who need a UK visa to live, work or study in the UK are now issued with an eVisa, providing digital proof of immigration status, instead of physical immigration documents which can be lost, stolen, or tampered with. eVisas mean people no longer have to wait for or travel to collect a physical document, streamlining their experience.

The government is asking migrants in the UK who currently use a physical immigration document, including a biometric residence permit (BRP), or a passport containing ink stamps or visa vignette stickers, to take action now and create an online account to access their eVisa .

Most BRPs are due to expire on 31 December 2024, and BRP holders are urged to take action before their BRP expires.

Creating the account enables people to use online services to prove their rights and manage their data, such as their personal details and passport information, and won’t impact their underlying immigration status. Through government funding, extra support is being provided for vulnerable people who need to take action to move from physical documents to an eVisa.

The government continues to work closely with global airline, maritime and rail carriers, who are crucial to ensuring smooth implementation of our digitisation programme.

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