UK to Launch Digital ETA System by 2025: What Travellers Need to Know

In a major step toward modernizing its immigration process, the government of the United Kingdom has announced plans to fully digitize border controls by April 2025.

As part of this initiative, the introduction of an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system will become mandatory for foreign visitors who do not require a visa to enter the UK.

What is an ETA?

An ETA is an electronic travel authorization that grants permission to travel to the UK. It’s similar to the ESTA system used by the United States. By digitizing the travel authorization process, the UK government aims to enhance border security and streamline entry procedures.

Who Needs an ETA?

From March 2025, most foreign nationals, including European citizens, will need an ETA to enter the UK. Exceptions will be made for British and Irish citizens. This digital travel permit is linked to your passport and allows for multiple visits within two years.

• Duration: Valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner.
• Cost: £10
• Validity: Allows multiple visits to the UK for up to 6 months at a time.

New ETA Scheme Set for Implementation by 2025

The ETA scheme is part of the UK’s ambitious strategy to digitize immigration and improve border security. The system will apply to all international visitors, except British and Irish nationals, requiring them to obtain an ETA or an eVisa before entering the UK.

Timeline for ETA Implementation

The ETA will cost £10 and grants multiple entries, allowing each visit to last up to six months over two years or until the passport’s expiry date—whichever comes first. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals are already required to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK.

eVisas Replace Physical Immigration Documents

For individuals needing a visa to live, work, or study in the UK, eVisas are now replacing traditional paper visas. These digital visas link directly to a traveller’s passport, serving as secure proof of immigration status and removing the risk of losing or damaging physical documents.

eVisas also streamline the visa process by eliminating the wait times typically required for physical permits. Travelers can manage their immigration status online, making the process faster and more convenient than ever.

Enhanced Security Measures with ETA

The UK’s ETA scheme ensures that each applicant undergoes thorough security checks before their travel begins. This digital link to passports enhances border security, as it enables authorities to verify travellers’ information seamlessly.

The UK’s move towards digital immigration documents mirrors similar efforts by countries such as the United States and Australia, where electronic authorizations are already standard for non-visa-required visitors.

Transitioning from BRP to eVisa for Migrants

Migrants in the UK who currently rely on physical documents, such as Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), must transition to eVisas before the year-end.

Most BRPs are set to expire on 31 December 2024. After this date, BRPs will no longer serve as proof of immigration status, and migrants will be required to use eVisas instead.

Important Steps for BRP Holders:

1. Check Expiration: Verify the expiration date on your BRP (most expire on 31 December 2024).
2. Create a UKVI Account: If you do not yet have a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account, create one online. This account is essential for accessing and managing your eVisa.
3. Use Online Services: The UKVI account provides a secure platform for updating personal information and managing rights related to your immigration status. However, it will not impact any existing immigration permissions.

How to Create a UKVI Account for eVisa Access

Setting up a UKVI account enables access to essential online services to prove your immigration status, update personal details, and manage other immigration-related information. If you need to transition to an eVisa, you can create an account simultaneously with your eVisa setup.

Key Benefits of the UK’s Digital Immigration Shift

The UK’s digital transition offers several advantages for international travellers and residents:

• Streamlined Process: The ETA and eVisa systems simplify entry requirements, reducing paperwork and processing delays.
• Enhanced Security: Digital connections to passports help maintain robust security checks.
• Convenience for Migrants: Eliminating physical immigration documents like BRPs reduces risks of loss or damage, allowing users to manage their immigration status entirely online.

As the UK continues its journey toward a fully digitized border system, these new measures are poised to transform how visitors and residents navigate UK immigration, making the process faster, safer, and more convenient.