11 March 2025

Important information about Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for travellers to the UK

From 2 April 2025, nationals of select countries will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK. Please refer to the list below for the full list of eligible countries.

What is an ETA?

An ETA is a digital travel requirement for visitors from select countries who do not require a visa to enter the UK. Travellers must apply for and receive an ETA before their journey to the UK. This applies to those visiting for short stays, tourism, business trips, or transit purposes. VFS Global is not involved with the processing of ETA, to find out more please click here or visit GOV.UK: Electronic travel authorisation (ETA).

Who Needs an ETA?

For full details on eligible nationalities, please visit GOV.UK:

• on or before 1 April 2025 - GOV.UK: Who can apply
• on or after 2 April 2025 - GOV.UK: Who can apply

How to Apply for an ETA

Applying for an ETA is a quick and straightforward online process. Travellers will need to provide:

• Personal details
• Passport information
• Travel plans
• A small application fee

Once approved, the ETA will be electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and will be valid for multiple visits over a specified period. Find out more.

Start your application on GOV.UK: Apply Now.

Plan Ahead

Travellers planning to visit the UK should check their ETA eligibility and apply well in advance of their trip. For more information, visit GOV.UK: Electronic travel authorisation (ETA).

03 March 2025

Important Update on eVisas Digital Immigration System

The UK Immigration system is becoming digital, replacing physical documents, such as biometric residence permits (BRPs) and vignette stickers in passports, with an online record of your immigration status – known as an eVisa. You will need to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to be able to access your eVisa and share information about your immigration status with others, such as landlords or employers.

For more information, see: www.gov.uk/evisa

How do I create a UKVI account?

If you are granted a visa with permission to stay in the UK for over 6 months, create your UKVI account online at: Get access to your online immigration status (eVisa) - GOV.UK

For more information and instructions on how to complete the 3-step process for creating your UKVI account, watch the video How to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and get access to your eVisa.

Once you have a UKVI account, keep it up to date and make sure it is linked to your current passport. To update your account, follow the instructions on Gov.uk: Update your UKVI account details

If you have been granted a visit visa (or other permission to stay in the UK for less than 6 months), you will not be able to access an eVisa and do not need to create a UKVI account yet. For more information, see: Get access to your online immigration status (eVisa) - GOV.UK

Do I need to create my UKVI account before I travel to the UK?

If you are granted a visa with permission to stay in the UK for over 6 months, create your UKVI account online at: Get access to your online immigration status (eVisa) - GOV.UK and access your eVisa as soon as possible – and before you travel to the UK.

To create a UKVI account, visit Gov.uk: Get access to your online immigration status (eVisa) - GOV.UK.

For more information and instructions on how to complete the 3-step process for creating your UKVI account, watch the video How to create a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account and get access to your eVisa.

You can use an eVisa to travel to the UK together with your current passport which must be linked to your UKVI account. Before you travel, check that your eVisa has the correct details and get a share code to prove your immigration status - a share code is valid for 90 days.

Who do I contact if I need help with my eVisa?

If you need help with creating your UKVI account or accessing your eVisa contact UKVI using their web messenger and you will be directed to the relevant service.

How do I prove my right to work, study or rent in the UK with an eVisa?

You can share details of your immigration status with others, such as employers, education institutions and landlords, by generating a share code in the UKVI view and prove service. You can get a new share code whenever you need one.

For more information on how to prove your immigration status with an eVisa, watch this video: How to prove your immigration status with an eVisa.

I already have an eVisa. Do I need to take any action?

You will already have a UKVI account if you have applied to the EUSS Settlement Scheme or used the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to prove your identity when you applied for a visa. You do not need to take any action other than ensuring you keep your UKVI account up to date and linked to your current passport.

To update your account, follow the instructions on GOV.UK: Update your UKVI account details.

20 December 2024

At our Visa Application Centres, we offer a range of optional value-added services to enhance your visa application experience. These services can be purchased online and directly at the centre. For more information, please click here.