Thousands of Australians headed to the UK in January are expected to be denied boarding their flight once the country’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) digital visa-waiver comes info force.

Travellers from most countries outside Europe – including Australia and New Zealand – will need an approved ETA to visit the UK from 8 January 2025.

Australians can already register for the ETA through the UK Government website or the UK ETA app, with a £10 (A$20) fee payable via a credit or debit card at the time of your application.

So what’s the catch?

Unlike the equivalent ESTA for travel to the USA, which is issued almost immediately, the UK ETA won’t have such a quick turnaround.

“Most applicants will receive a response within three working days”, the UK government advises, “with many receiving a result sooner.”

Airline staff will be checking that passengers on flights to the UK have an approved ETA – and anybody who turns up at the airport without an ETA can’t expect to apply on your smartphone to get on-the-spot approval.

Result: missed flights, expensive rebookings and not at all the best way to begin a holiday or business trip.

So if you’re headed for the UK any time from January 8 onwards, applying for an ETA is not something you should leave until the very last minute.

How to apply for a UK ETA

Once issued, the ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, and allows multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time.

Applying for the ETA involves:

• providing contact and passport details 
• uploading a valid digital photo
• answering a set of questions
• and paying a £10 fee with your credit or debit card

Click here for more information on the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) visa waiver scheme.

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