Entry requirements change for Australians heading to UK, ETA required in 2025
Australians who don’t follow this new rule when heading to the UK in 2025 won’t be accepted into the country.
Entry requirements for Australians heading to the UK are changing.
From January 8, 2025, Aussies who have previously enjoyed visa-free travel – like tourists and business travellers visiting for less than six months – will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
Australians can apply online for an ETA for about $20 (£10) from November 27, local time.
It will last for two years (no need for a new ETA for every visit), as long as you don’t get a new passport during that time.
While the UK government advises a decision will usually be made within three working days, “occasionally” longer, Corporate Traveller global managing director Tom Walley has urged travellers to be prepared – especially those who book their own travel.
“While expected to improve border security processes, the new UK ETA changes the landscape of visa-free travel and requires more forward planning from travellers,” he said.
“Many frequent travellers will be well-versed in this sort of process with the USA ESTA that is in effect.”
Australians must apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK.
“Travellers that have been accustomed to visa-free travel for years and who land in the UK without the ETA will be turned away,” Mr Walley warned.
“From May 2025, visitors will face the same requirements in the European Union.”
Data from Corporate Traveller, which is part of the Flight Centre Travel Group, showed the UK as Australia’s second-largest international business travel destination this year. Singapore is number one.
The UK is incredibly popular among all travellers.
The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, released this month, showed the UK was the third most popular destination residents were returning from short-term trips in September. Indonesia and New Zealand held the top two spots.
It was the same for August, July, June and May. Japan ranked third in the three months prior, while India took the third spot in January.
How to apply for an ETA to go to the UK
• Use the UK ETA app or apply online.
• Take or upload a photo of the passport you will use to travel to the UK. When using the app on a compatible smartphone, you can scan your passport’s biometric chip.
• Scan your face with your device, if it has a camera. (Children aged 9 and under will not be asked to scan their face).
• Take or upload a photo of yourself.
• Answer some questions about yourself.
• Pay for your application.
• You will get a confirmation email with a reference number.
• If approved, you will get an email confirming you have got an ETA.
Note: You do not need to enter your travel plans in the application and it is actually advised to apply for booking your travel. However, you cannot get a refund after you apply if you no longer choose to travel.
What you can do with an ETA and no visa
• Go to the UK for up to six months for tourism, visit family and friends, business or short-term study.
• Go to the UK for up to three months on the Creative Worker visa concession.
• Go to the UK for a permitted paid engagement.
• Transit through the UK – including if you are not going through UK border control.
If you are going to the UK for another reason, check if you need a visa instead.
What you cannot do with an ETA
• Stay in the UK for longer than six months.
• Do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, unless you are doing a permitted paid engagement or event or work on the Creative Worker visa concession.
• Claim public funds (benefits).
• Live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.
• Marry or register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership (you will need to apply for a Marriage Visitor visa).
Further details on the process can be found on the UK government’s website.
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