Planning to head to the UK this year? Australians will soon need a new pre-travel pass to visit.

From tomorrow (January 8), travellers to the UK will have to apply for a digital permit in order to enter England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. 

So what do you need to know about this new electronic travel authorisation (ETA)?

What is the UK’s electronic travel authorisation (ETA)?

The pass was introduced in November 2023 to replace the UK’s former Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) scheme. 

It was initially rolled out to travellers from the Middle East, before being introduced to all non-European travellers — including Australians. 

An ETA costs 10 British pounds (around $A20) and must be completed prior to entering the UK. 

The permit is not refundable if travellers change their minds. 

An approved permit is valid for two years or until the holder’s passport expires, and you can travel to the UK as much as you like during that time. 

It is a digital permission to travel but is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into the UK. 

Who needs an ETA? 

ETAs will be required for all Australians visitors, including babies and children, but exemptions include the below: 

• Dual British or Irish citizens 
• Those who have an approved visa instead 
• British, Irish or British Overseas Territory citizens 
• Those with permissions to live, work, or study in the UK 

An ETA does not permit visitors to stay longer than six months.

Nor does it allow them to do paid/unpaid work, or live in the UK via frequent visits. 

How do I apply for an ETA? 

The UK’s Home Office advises the quickest way to apply for an ETA is via the UK ETA app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. 

Using the app, applicants will need to:

• Submit their contact and passport details (using the passport they will travel with) 
• Take a valid photo adhering to the app’s standards
• Answer a set of questions 

Applicants will also be required to pay their £10 fee at that point. 

Travellers without a phone can follow the link here. 

It can take around three days to have the permit approved.