Search
Contact
Login
Share this article
Eligible European nationals will be able to apply for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) beginning March 5 and will require an ETA prior to travel to the U.K. beginning April 2.
Key Points:
Latest Information: BAL reported the recent Home Office announcement of a temporary exemption from obtaining an ETA for certain passengers transiting airside who do not pass through U.K. border control. The exemption is still being kept under review.
Effective Feb. 26, the government added the following points to the ETA site, including outlining that certain individuals exempt from immigration control do not need an ETA, updating the acceptable payment methods and stating that other third-party websites may charge more for an ETA but cannot provide a faster decision.
More information on who does not need an ETA can be found here. Some countries, notably China and India, are not eligible for an ETA and will continue to require a visa. An exception exists for legal residents of Ireland traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. Also, European nationals who have permission to live, work or study, including settled or pre-settled status — European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS), are not required to obtain an ETA. The Home Office is currently automatically converting eligible pre-settled status holders to settled status without the need for them to make a further EUSS application.
Finally, an ETA does not guarantee entry to the U.K. and all visitors must still meet the suitability requirements for entry under visitor rules. Employees and employers should be aware of the upcoming changes and prepare now for travel or transit through the United Kingdom. BAL will continue to monitor developments and will provide more information as it becomes available.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.
Copyright © 2025 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a temporary suspension of H-2A…
The State Department updated global visa wait times on July 29, 2025. The average wait times reported do not guarantee…
The Department of Home Affairs announced that the 2025-26 Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) ballots are open for Pacific Island and…
The European Commission confirmed that the Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin operations on Oct. 12, 2025. Key Points: Starting Oct.…