Visitors to the UK have been issued a warning ahead of travelling to the country before a new rule is introduced in the new year.

People need to apply for electronic travel authorisation (ETA). From January 8, 2025, travellers from eligible non-European countries, such as the US, Australia and Canada, will need it to enter the UK.

The crucial pass is needed if you are coming to the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, doing business, or doing short-term study.

It is also needed if you are coming to the UK for up to three months on the Creative Worker visa concession, for a permitted paid engagement or if you’re transiting through the UK.

This includes if you are not going through UK border control.

The ETA does not allow you to stay in the UK for longer than six months, nor do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person.

This is unless you are doing a permitted paid engagement or event or work on the Creative Worker visa concession.

You also can’t claim public funds from the UK taxpayer nor live in the UK through frequent or successive visits.

In addition, you wouldn’t be able to marry or register a civil partnership, nor give notice of marriage or civil partnership.

Multiple embassies have warned their country’s citizens about the rule.

The US Embassy’s London Consulate said on X: “US citizens in the UK! If you do not currently need a visa to travel to the UK, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation.”

The UK government says that after applying, you will usually receive a decision within three working days, but you may receive a quicker decision.

Occasionally, it may take longer than three working days, officials warn.

When it comes to group applications, each person must apply separately. Even if they apply at the same time, they could get a decision at a different time from others in the group.

If you need to travel soon, apply for an ETA before travelling to the UK.

The government says you can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision.