Visiting the UK with the new electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

The electronic travel authorisation (ETA) marks a significant update to the UK’s immigration processes for visitors, including those travelling to the UK for business reasons. The ETA, which in large part mirrors the ESTA in the US, is a digital immigration permission that must be obtained before travelling to the UK. It is designed to streamline immigration procedures, enhance security at the UK border and ultimately forms part of the Home Office’s overall strategy to digitise the UK’s immigration system.

The UK government has introduced the ETA gradually via a phased rollout. Initially, the first cohort included Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The second cohort of eligible applicants included all other non-European nationals spanning the North American, Asian and Oceanic regions. Most recently in April 2025, European nationals (including EEA countries and Switzerland) were added.

Who can apply for an ETA?

Before the ETA, ‘non-visa nationals’ i.e., citizens of countries who did not require entry clearance (a visa) before travelling to the UK, were allowed to enter the UK as visitors without applying for visas prior to entry.

‘Visa nationals’ (citizens of countries who do require a visa to enter the UK) remain ineligible and must continue to apply for standard visitor visas to enter the UK for business or tourism purposes.

A full list of nationalities eligible to apply for an ETA can be found on the UK government’s website.

Who does not need to apply for an ETA?

The ETA applies to non-visa nationals without immigration permission who are visiting the UK. The following categories of individuals do not need to apply for an ETA prior to UK entry:

• British and Irish citizens.
• British Overseas Territories citizens passport holders.
• British national (overseas) passport holders.
• Those with a valid UK visa/immigration permission to live, work, or study in the UK.
• Travellers transiting through a UK airport airside, i.e., not passing through UK border control.
• Irish residents travelling to the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
• Children travelling on the France-UK school trip travel information form.
• Those exempt from UK immigration control.

How do you apply for an ETA?

Applications for an ETA can be made via the UK ETA mobile app (the fastest method) or by completing an online application form. The application fee is £16 and applicants must answer a series of questions about their job, travel history and intended activities in the UK.

If approved, the ETA is valid for two years or until the expiry date of the passport linked to the ETA (whichever date comes sooner), with visits being capped at six months. The ETA is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport, meaning that if a new passport is issued, a new ETA must be applied for. Travellers with multiple nationalities must travel to the UK using the passport linked to the ETA.

Processing ETA applications normally takes three working days. If an individual has a criminal record or previously been refused entry to the UK, they should instead apply for a standard visitor visa, as their ETA application will likely be denied.

Business visitors

Business visitors from eligible countries should find the ETA convenient, as it simplifies the process of entering the UK for short-term professional activities.

The ETA, however, is not a replacement for a work visa. It does not permit overseas visitors to do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, or activities which would otherwise require a visa permitting work. Business travellers must ensure that they fully comply with the UK’s visitor rules, as failure to do so could result in being refused entry or facing future travel restrictions.

Permitted activities

When travelling to the UK as a business visitor, there are specific permitted activities, including but not limited to:

• attending meetings, conferences, seminars or interviews;
• giving a one-off/short series of talks provided these are not organised as commercial events and will not generate a profit for the organiser;
• negotiating and signing deals/contracts;
• information gathering for overseas employment;
• being briefed on the requirements of a UK-based customer, provided the work is done outside the UK;
• working remotely for an overseas employer (provided this is not the primary purpose of a visit and does not become a regular occurrence).

Employees of overseas companies are allowed to advise, consult and share skills and knowledge on internal projects with UK employees of the same corporate group. Client-facing activities are also permitted, so long as they are required for the delivery of a project/service by the UK branch of their overseas employer, as opposed to a project/service being delivered directly by the overseas employer to the UK client.

Importantly, overseas employees who are visiting the UK for work must continue to be employed and be paid outside the UK.

If an overseas employee is coming to work in the UK, and the intended work falls outside the scope of the permitted business visitor activities, regardless of the length of the time spent in the UK, a work visa or non-sponsored visa (which permits work) will be required.

In summary

While the ETA facilitates short-term visits for business and tourism, it is crucial for visitors to understand the limitations of the ETA, particularly regarding work activities. Even if granted an ETA or visitor visa, visitors can still be refused entry to the UK if border control is not satisfied that their visit is of a genuine nature. By staying informed about the rules and applying for the correct immigration documentation when needed, visitors can ensure a smooth and compliant journey to the UK.

If you would like to discuss the new ETA changes in more detail, please get in touch to speak to our immigration law experts.