Plane landing at Barra Airport
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
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Image: Planes at Islay Airport
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement that grants permission to travel to the UK with the exception of British and Irish citizens. Everyone including children who enters or transits through the UK must apply. To help you plan your future trip to Scotland, watch the UK Government’s video overview of the scheme and who will need one.
Passport
You’ll need an ETA if you are:
From 15 November 2023, you’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK and if you’re a citizen of Qatar. You’ll be able to apply from 25 October 2023.
From 22 February 2024, you’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK and you’re a citizen of:
*More nationalities will be added to the scheme at a later date.
You will not need an ETA if you have either:
Check if you’re eligible for a UK visa
No, the ETA is not a visa. All other entry requirements into the UK will remain unchanged.
Find out more information on passports, visa requirements
The ETA scheme will gradually roll out in November 2023, on a nationality basis, over the next two years. The UK Government will provide further details of which countries will be rolled out next in due course.
Get more information and regular updates from the UK Government
You can apply on the UK ETA app, or online at GOV.UK. Each traveller must get their own ETA, including children and babies, and you can apply on the behalf of others. You’ll normally find out within 3 working days on whether your application is successful.
Please note, you must apply 3 days before you travel and applications may take longer if further checks are needed.
An ETA will cost £10 per person.
You’ll get an email confirmation if your application has been approved and your ETA will be linked electronically to the passport you applied with. You must use the same passport to travel.
Your ETA will last for two years. It will allow multiple journeys to the UK and will be valid for two years or until your passport expires – whichever is sooner.
You’ll need to apply for either a:
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