“ETA” refers to an Electronic Travel Authorisation, as outlined in section 11C(1) of the Immigration Act 1971. An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a newly introduced requirement for individuals who do not need a visa to enter the UK. This digital authorization grants permission to travel to the UK and is electronically linked to your passport. Any person intending to enter the UK as a Visitor, who falls under the stipulations of Appendix Electronic Travel Authorisation, must secure an ETA before commencing their journey to the UK.

Aden & Co Solicitors can provide expert guidance and assistance on obtaining your ETA, ensuring that your application meets all the necessary legal requirements for smooth entry into the UK.

“Aden & Co Solicitors are leading experts in UK immigration law, renowned for delivering exceptional visa and immigration legal services. The superior quality of our services is reflected in our team of fully qualified and highly experienced immigration solicitors, as demonstrated by the 5-star Google Reviews rating from 99% of our satisfied clients.“

An application for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) must be submitted in accordance with the requirements outlined in Appendix Electronic Travel Authorisation of the UK Immigration Rules.

The ETA application process will officially commence on 25 October 2023, exclusively for Qatari nationals planning to travel to the UK on or after 15 November 2023. For nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, the application process will open on 1 February 2024, for those intending to travel to the UK on or after 22 February 2024.

You can apply for an ETA via the UK ETA app or online through GOV.UK. Typically, a decision is rendered within 3 working days, though it may be expedited. In some cases, it might take longer if additional checks are required.

With an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), you will be permitted to:

• Visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or study.
• Stay in the UK for up to 3 months under the Creative Worker visa concession.
• Transit through the UK.

Who Can Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is designed for third-country nationals visiting or transiting through the UK who currently do not require a visa for short stays. It also applies to individuals using the Creative Worker route for brief visits.

• From 15 November 2023, nationals of Qatar traveling to the UK will need an ETA.
• From 22 February 2024, nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will require an ETA to enter the UK.

Additional countries will be included in the ETA scheme at a later stage.

Requirements for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) UK

To successfully apply for an ETA, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Application Process: The ETA must be applied for through the official UK ETA mobile app or via the online form available on the GOV.UK website.
2. Contact Information: Applicants must provide a valid email address for communication with the Home Office.
3. Application Fee: The required fee must be paid at the time of application.
4. Identity Verification: A valid passport that confirms the applicant’s identity and nationality must be submitted.
5. Facial Image: The applicant must submit a facial image that adheres to the specific requirements outlined in the application process and conforms to the digital photo standards detailed on GOV.UK’s passport photo guidelines.
6. Purpose of Visit: The applicant must be seeking entry to the UK as either:
   • A Visitor (excluding Marriage/Civil Partnership Visitors) staying for up to 6 months.
   • A Creative Worker under Appendix Temporary Work – Creative Worker at CRV 3.2.
7. Eligible Nationals:
   • Nationals of Qatar planning to travel on or after 15 November 2023.
   • Nationals of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates, or Saudi Arabia traveling on or after 22 February 2024.
8. Exemptions: An individual who is lawfully resident in Ireland and is traveling to the UK from within the Common Travel Area does not need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). According to ETA regulations, a person is considered lawfully resident in Ireland if they are residing in Ireland and are legally entitled to do so under applicable Irish legislation or rules at the time of their ETA application. However, if an individual is restricted from leaving or attempting to leave Ireland without the consent of an Irish Minister, they are not considered lawfully resident for the purposes of ETA requirements.

Suitability Requirements for an ETA

• Applicants must satisfy the following conditions to be granted an ETA:
• Exclusion or Deportation: ETA applications will be refused if the applicant is subject to an exclusion order, deportation order, or a directive from the Secretary of State to be excluded from the UK.
• Criminal History: An ETA will be denied if the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offense resulting in a custodial sentence of 12 months or more, or if the conviction is less than 12 months old.
• Non-Conducive Grounds: If the applicant’s presence in the UK is deemed non-conducive to the public good due to conduct, character, associations, or other factors, their ETA will be refused.
• Immigration Law Violations: An application for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) must be denied if the applicant, when aged 18 or older, has:

• Overstayed their permitted stay in the UK;
• Breached a condition attached to their previous permission, unless they subsequently received entry clearance or further permission with full knowledge of the breach;Been, or currently is, an illegal entrant to the UK;
• Used deception in connection with any immigration application, regardless of the outcome.
• False Information: An application for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) must be refused if:

• False representations, documents, or information were provided in the current or a previous ETA application, regardless of relevance or the applicant’s awareness;
• Relevant facts were not disclosed in the application.
• NHS Debt: An application for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) must be refused if a relevant NHS authority informs the Secretary of State that the applicant has unpaid charges under NHS regulations for overseas visitors, with the outstanding amount totaling at least £500.
•  Unpaid Litigation Costs: Failure to pay litigation costs awarded to the Home Office will also result in refusal.

Duration of an ETA

An ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of issuance or until the passport used in the application expires, whichever comes first. With a valid ETA, individuals can make multiple trips to the UK, each time seeking permission to enter as either:

• A Visitor, for up to 6 months per visit.
• A Creative Worker under Appendix Temporary Work – Creative Worker at CRV 3.2.

Cancellation of an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) issued by the Home Office UKVI can be revoked under specific circumstances. Here’s an overview of the grounds for ETA cancellation:

Cancellation on Exclusion or Deportation Grounds

An ETA will be cancelled if:

• The Secretary of State has issued a directive for the applicant’s exclusion from the UK.
• The applicant is subject to an exclusion order.
• The applicant is under a deportation order or a decision to impose one.

Cancellation on Criminality Grounds

An ETA must be revoked if:

• The holder has been convicted of a criminal offense in the UK or abroad, resulting in a custodial sentence of 12 months or more.
• The holder has a criminal conviction from the UK or elsewhere, provided less than 12 months have elapsed since the conviction.

Cancellation on Non-Conducive Grounds

An ETA will be cancelled if:

• The holder’s presence in the UK is deemed detrimental to public good due to their conduct, character, associations, or other factors, including convictions not covered under criminality grounds.

Cancellation on Breach of Immigration Laws

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) must be cancelled if the holder, when aged 18 or over:

• Overstayed their permitted stay;
• Violated a condition of their permission, and did not receive subsequent entry clearance or further permission with acknowledgment of the breach;
• Was or remains an illegal entrant;
• Engaged in deception regarding an immigration application, regardless of whether the deception was successful.

 Cancellation on False Representations Grounds

An ETA will be cancelled if:

• False representations, documents, or information were provided in the ETA application (regardless of relevance or the holder’s knowledge).
• Relevant facts were not disclosed.

Cancellation Due to NHS Debt

An ETA must be cancelled if:

• A relevant NHS body informs the Secretary of State that the holder has unpaid charges under NHS regulations for overseas visitors, with a total debt of at least £500.

Cancellation Due to Unpaid Litigation Costs

An ETA will be cancelled if:

• The holder has failed to settle litigation costs awarded to the Home Office.

How Aden & Co Solicitors Can Assist

Our expert team at Aden & Co Solicitors provides comprehensive immigration advice and legal representation for your Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) application. Our fixed fee service for ETA applications includes:

• Requirements Guidance: We will advise you on the specific requirements needed to ensure a successful ETA application.
• Document Preparation: We will compile and send you a detailed list of the necessary documents for your ETA application.
• Document Assessment: Our solicitors will review your documents to ensure compliance with Immigration Rules.
• Application Form Completion: We will complete and submit your ETA application form online, adhering to Home Office UKVI requirements.
• Follow-Up Work: We will handle all follow-up tasks until a decision is made by the Home Office UKVI on your ETA application.

Our Fixed Fees for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) UK

Aden & Co Solicitors offers a fixed fee for ETA applications ranging from £400 to £800 (excluding VAT). The exact fee will be determined based on the complexity of your application and the extent of work required. Obtain a fixed fee quote online for your ETA application today.

Related Pages

FAQs – Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) UK