GAME, SET, ETA: Navigating the UK’s New Entry Requirement for Wimbledon 2025

Considered the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament, Wimbledon attracts thousands of spectators, players, coaches, celebrities and royalty from across the globe. With its iconic all-white dress code and the 11 p.m. curfew, this Grand Slam is steeped in tradition. However, the new immigration requirements can significantly impact the travel plans of those heading to the UK for the 2025 event.

The UK government has introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, which primarily impacts visa-exempt travellers. Whether you are a fan attending the Championships, a coach supporting a player, or a competitor stepping onto Centre Court, understanding the UK’s latest entry rules is essential.

What is the UK ETA?

The ETA is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals who do not need a visa to enter the UK. Passport holders of eligible countries who were once able to travel without prior authorization will now need to apply for an ETA before arrival. By contrast, the nationalities included on the UK government’s ‘visa national’ list, will continue to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa depending on their role in the tournament.

Key Details About the ETA:

• • • It is a pre-travel electronic authorization required for short visits such as tourism, business, and transit. It must be obtained prior to travelling and is linked electronically to the passport.
    • It provides permission to travel to the UK but does not confer a right of entry, as the traveller must still comply with the relevant immigration entry requirements.
    • Whilst many applications are approved the same day, the approval process can take up to 72 hours, so early application is advisable.
    • Once approved, an ETA is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
    • ETA requirements do not apply to Irish nationals or non-Irish nationals lawfully residing in Ireland who are traveling to the UK from elsewhere in the Common Travel Area. Foreign nationals who have a valid UK visa are also not subject to ETA requirements.

This new requirement was partially rolled out for certain nationalities in late 2024 and was completely implemented for eligible nationalities on 5 March 2025.

Spectators: Do you need a visa or an ETA?

Wimbledon spectators from visa-exempt countries will require an ETA to enter the UK. However, passport holders of visa-required countries will still need to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.

• • • Visa-Exempt Nationalities require an ETA
    • Visa-Required Nationalities require a Standard Visitor Visa.

For individuals requiring a visa, the Standard Visitor Visa allows entry for tourism. Applications can be made for a validity of six months, two years, five years, or 10 years, with each visit to the UK during the validity not exceeding a period of six months. Applicants should apply well in advance, as processing times can vary.

Players and coaches: Visa and entry options

While visa-exempt spectators may only need an ETA, professional tennis players, their coaches, and supporting staff may require different visa options based on their roles and nationalities.

• • • Visa-Exempt Nationalities require an ETA
    • Visa-Required Nationalities require a Sports Visit Visa. It is a special sub-category of the standard visitor visa, which provides tennis players and other professional and amateur sportspersons, their personal or technical staff and sports officials with permission to visit the UK and to undertake permitted sporting activities for a stay of up to six months.

Details of the sports visit visa are covered in Fragomen’s previous Wimbledon blog.

Tournament preparations

Wimbledon visitors must plan their UK entry in advance considering the introduction of the ETA requirement. Spectators from visa-exempt countries should apply for an ETA, while those from visa-required nations require a Standard Visitor Visa. Players and coaches must consider the appropriate visa routes, whether it is for short-term engagements or long-term stays.

Through advance planning, you can ensure a smooth entry into the UK and focus on enjoying Wimbledon—where tradition, tennis, and history come together on the world’s most famous grass courts.

Need to know more?

Fragomen in the UK is experienced in assisting sportspersons, their entourages and sports officials to secure appropriate visa authorisation to visit and relocate to the country. To learn more about ETA, visit our immigration insights page. For questions or assistance on sporting visa options, please contact Partner Natasha Catterson at [email protected], Manager Alexander Hood at [email protected] or IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman at [email protected].

This blog was published on 14 April 2025, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.