UK Expands Travel Entry Scheme to US, Canada, Australia

The United Kingdom has expanded its visa-waiver entry system, now applying to travelers from the United States, Canada, Australia, and several other countries.

The new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, similar to the US ESTA, went into effect on January 7, 2025, requiring travelers from these nations to secure pre-travel approval before entering the UK.

The ETA, which costs £10 ($12.50) and permits stays of up to six months within a two-year period, was first introduced in 2023 for Qatar and has since been extended to cover about 50 additional countries, including Argentina, Brazil, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and various Caribbean nations.

Travelers from these regions have been able to apply for the ETA since November 2024, with the official implementation beginning this week.

The UK government aims to strengthen border security through this initiative. In April 2025, the ETA scheme will be extended to European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries, with travelers able to apply from March 5, 2025.

This expansion will affect roughly six million visitors from the US, Canada, and Australia annually, including those passing through the UK for connecting flights.

While the scheme is widely supported, London’s Heathrow Airport has expressed concerns, claiming it could reduce passenger traffic and make the UK less competitive, potentially affecting the economy.

However, the requirement does not apply to British or Irish citizens, residents, or those with British overseas territory passports.

Additionally, the new rule does not alter visa requirements for citizens of countries such as China, Ecuador, or South Africa.