Briefing Note on the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme and the Windsor Framework

Introduced as part of the 2022 Nationality and Borders Act, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system was introduced by the UK Government as a means ‘to deliver a more streamlined, digital immigration system which will be quicker and more secure for the millions of people who pass through the UK border each year’.

It is for ‘visitors to the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status’.

The ETA ‘is a digital permission to travel – it is not a visa and does not permit entry into the UK – it authorises a person to travel to the UK’.

The roll-out of the UK’s ETA system will include non-visa nationals from the EU/EEA/Switzerland from 2 April 2025 (with citizens from these countries being able to apply from 5 March 2025).

This will mean those non-visa nationals wishing to visit the UK, including Northern Ireland, will have to apply online for an ETA prior to entering the UK at a cost set to rise to £16 per ETA (from the current cost of £10).

Dr Anthony Soares, the Centre’s Director, examines the Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme and the Windsor Framework.

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