UK ETA Scheme: Navigating the change to UK travel authorisation

If you’re planning a trip to the UK, a recent change to travel authorisation and legislation could require you to get a UK ETA (United Kindom Electronic Travel Authorisation). Designed to enhance border security to simplify entry procedures, the UK ETA is a crucial aspect of travelling to the United Kingdom for corporate travellers. This legislation could change, and while we’ll update this guide when possible, it’s important to check the official government advice here before travelling to the UK.

Decoding the UK ETA: The basics

The UK ETA is a digital authorisation required for nationals of specific countries that are visiting the UK. Which are:

• Qatar
• Bahrain
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia
• The United Arab Emirates

Serving as a digital gateway it offers a secure and efficient means of obtaining permission to enter the UK. The future will see this list grow and extend to nationals who currently don’t require a visa to enter the UK. If and when more countries are added to the list, we will update this page.

Who requires a UK ETA?

If you’re a citizen of Qatar, this requirement is already in effect. For nationals of the other countries listed above it will become a requirement to enter the UK from 02/02/2024. All travellers from these nations must familiarise themselves with the UK ETA process to avoid any complications when travelling.

Are there any exemptions from the ETA requirements?

Some individuals will be exempt from needing one to enter the country. Those with existing UK visas, residence permits, or British and Irish passports are exempt, as are residents of Ireland travelling from specific locations. Check the rules on gov.uk if you think you are exempt.

Essential considerations

You can apply for a UK ETA instead of a visa in several scenarios. These scenarios include:

• Travelling to the UK for up to 6 months when; visiting family/friends, tourism, business, or short-term studies
• Travelling to the UK for up to 3 months on a Creative Worker visa
• Travelling to the UK for up to 1 month for a Permitted Paid Engagement
• If your travels involve travelling through the UK – This includes scenarios where you won’t go through UK border control

Everyone travelling to the UK who meets the requirements we’ve listed above must apply, including children and babies.

If you are travelling to the UK without an ETA and require one, you will likely be denied entry at the border. Attempting to enter the UK without a required ETA, if applicable, will result in a criminal offence.

Where can I find updated information about UK ETA’s?

We’ll be keeping a close eye on the growing list of required nations and will update this page accordingly, however, both the UK ETA app and the GOV.UK pages will be the most up-to-date resource to have at hand. If you are an Ortharize user and are travelling to the UK and need help or advice regarding an application please contact our support team.