Saturday, December 28, 2024 Starting 2025, travelers from Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa need a UK ETA. Exciting plans to visit the UK next year? If you’re from Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, or Samoa , here’s something important to add to your checklist: Starting January 8, 2025, you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before boarding your flight. It’s a new rule for travelers from visa-exempt countries, and it’s designed to make entry smoother while keeping things secure.
But don’t stress—it’s a straightforward process, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. Think of the ETA as your golden ticket to the UK. It’s a quick pre-travel authorization that allows short stays of up to six months for holidays, business trips, or family visits.
If you’re planning to work, study, or stay longer than six months, you’ll still need a visa instead of an ETA. Starting January 8, 2025, airlines won’t let you board without an approved ETA. So, it’s crucial to check this off your to-do list before heading to the airport.
If you’re traveling from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, or any of the other countries listed above , this new requirement applies to you. The good news? Applications are already open! You can apply now for trips starting on or after January 8, 2025. Planning to travel .