Important Updates
Important Updates
October 2, 2025Somalia: Electronic Travel Authorization Launched
October 2, 2025 | United StatesComputer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent
October 2, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?
October 2, 2025 | NamibiaNamibia: New Online Visa-on-Arrival Launched
October 2, 2025 | Saudi Arabia, United Arab EmiratesPartner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025
October 2, 2025Somalia: Electronic Travel Authorization Launched
October 2, 2025 | United StatesComputer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent
October 2, 2025 | United KingdomConstruction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?
October 2, 2025 | NamibiaNamibia: New Online Visa-on-Arrival Launched
October 2, 2025 | Saudi Arabia, United Arab EmiratesPartner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025
October 2, 2025Somalia: Electronic Travel Authorization Launched
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

United Kingdom: Roll-out of Electronic Travel Authorisation for Visa-Exempt Travellers to Begin January 2023

September 26, 2022

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

  • The United Kingdom will start to roll-out its system for the issuance of ‘Electronic Travel Authorisation’ (“ETA”) as part of its ‘Permission to Travel Scheme’ for visa-exempt travellers starting from 2023, with full operations anticipated to be in place by Q3 2023.
  • The ETA application process should take less than 15 minutes and a decision provided within 78 hours.
  • Securing ETA is not the same as getting a visa.  ETA is simply a digital travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers visiting the United Kingdom. It only gives permission for a person to board a plane for travel to the United Kingdom. It is comparable to the ESTA in the United States and is designed to strengthen the control and compliance of UK borders.

The situation

As a reminder, the United Kingdom will start to roll-out the electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers starting at the beginning of 2023, with full operations anticipated to be in place before the end of that year.

A closer look

  • Purpose of ETA. The ETA is not a visa but a digital travel authorisation for visa-exempt travellers visiting the United Kingdom. It is comparable to the ESTA in the United States.
  • Phases. The first phase is expected to be a beta testing phase (Q1 2023); the second phase is expected to apply to nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (Q1 through late Q3); the last phase is expected to apply the system to the rest of the world (Q2 on). It is not clear how the government will announce the transition between phrases – Fragomen will be monitoring this.
  • Who needs to apply?  Non-British and non-Irish citizens (“visa-exempt nationals”) will need to get ETA before visiting or transiting through the United Kingdom (i.e. those who do not require a visa in advance of travel to the United Kingdom, who can simply enter using only their passport). Examples include Australia, Canada, European Economic Area member states, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States, among other countries. The ETA will not apply to those who have obtained a UK visa prior to traveling to the United Kingdom (“visa nationals”), as they will have already completed an application. Examples include China, India, Pakistan, and South Africa, among other countries.
    • Exemptions. Those with UK and Irish passports and individuals who hold immigration permission within the United Kingdom, will be exempt (i.e. holders of Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Student visas as well as those with status under the EU Settlement Scheme, among others).
  • How to apply. The application must be completed online before travelling to visit the United Kingdom. The process should take less than 15 minutes and a decision provided within 78 hours.
  • Cost. The cost of getting ETA is yet to be confirmed. However, this should be competitive in line with the cost of the ESTA (USD 20) ETIAS (EUR 5). This is a relatively low cost in comparison to the standard UK immigration fees.
  • Validity. Although the government has not yet published further information, it is expected that ETA once given will be valid for two years. Successful applicants will be able to travel to the United Kingdom throughout this period, without applying for further ETAs each time.

Impact

Employers should ensure that employees complete applications seeking ETA before travelling to the United Kingdom for business or for cross-border travel, once the system is implemented.

Background

The government is launching this system to increase tracking of overstays of visa-exempt travellers and to strengthen the control and compliance of UK borders.

Looking ahead

The European Union is also expected to launch a similar scheme in November 2023 – the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

Country / Territory

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

Post Bulletin: Trump’s New $100K Fee on Certain Work Visas Could Impact Rochester’s Medical Staff

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Folha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções

Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Lawyers Try to Make Sense of Trump’s Confusing H-1B Fee Hike

Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Learn more

Media mentions

Kommunal topinform: Staatsdienst am Limit

Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.

Learn more

Blog post

UAE Golden Visa: Work Permit Requirements for Employers and Professionals

Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

Learn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

Post Bulletin: Trump’s New $100K Fee on Certain Work Visas Could Impact Rochester’s Medical Staff

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Folha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções

Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Lawyers Try to Make Sense of Trump’s Confusing H-1B Fee Hike

Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Learn more

Media mentions

Kommunal topinform: Staatsdienst am Limit

Fragomen explores in an article how international recruitment can help solve Germany’s public sector staffing crisis and support the future of essential services.

Learn more

Blog post

UAE Golden Visa: Work Permit Requirements for Employers and Professionals

Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.