New Travel Requirement: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for Entry to the UK
The United Kingdom will implement a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for most travelers from visa-free countries, including Polish citizens. The system, which costs £10, aims to enhance security and enable better control over incoming visitors.
What is ETA and Who Needs It?
The ETA is a digital authorization required for entry into the UK for travelers from visa-exempt countries. Introduced in stages starting last year, it currently applies to citizens from six Gulf Cooperation Council countries. From November 27, selected non-European citizens will be able to apply for ETA, with the requirement becoming mandatory for them on January 8, 2025. Starting March 5, 2025, citizens of Poland and other European countries will be able to apply, with the ETA requirement taking effect on April 2, 2025.
Conditions and Purpose of Travel
An ETA permits short-term stays (up to six months) for tourism, family visits, business, or short-term studies. It also allows a three-month stay under the creative worker visa concession. Additionally, ETA permits transit through the UK, which may be beneficial for travelers heading to other destinations.
However, ETA does not grant the right to longer stays or employment in the UK, whether as an employee or self-employed individual. It also restricts access to UK social benefits and prevents settling in the UK through repeated or consecutive visits.
Who Is Exempt from ETA?
ETA will not be required for British, Irish, or British Overseas Territory passport holders. Exceptions also apply to those who have the right to live, work, or study in the UK, such as EU nationals with settled status. Residents of Ireland who hold citizenship of a visa-free country and travel directly from Ireland, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands are also exempt.
How to Apply for ETA
The ETA application process will be fully digital, with the authorization linked directly to the applicant’s passport. Travelers can apply via the "UK ETA App" or the official government website. UK authorities estimate that processing time for ETA will generally be within three business days. Detailed guidance and application instructions can be found on the UK government website: Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
eVisa as a New Immigration Status Document
Alongside the ETA rollout, the UK Home Office has announced that individuals needing a visa to work, study, or live in the UK will now receive an eVisa. This digital document replaces traditional paper forms and serves as proof of immigration status, streamlining verification and expediting formalities.
Summary
The UK's ETA system is a step towards digitizing border control and enhancing security. This new document is designed to simplify the entry process and strengthen traveler oversight, potentially reducing the risk of immigration abuse. For Polish citizens planning to visit the UK from April 2025, ETA will be a new requirement to consider when planning their trip.