From 2 April 2025, many people travelling to the United Kingdom will need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) - an electronic permission to enter.

Summary & key takeaways

  • From 2 April 2025 an ETA is compulsory for Poles without settled status, among others.
  • An ETA is not a visa; it allows short stays of up to 6 months with no right to work.
  • You apply online, and an ETA costs £10, rising to £16 from 9 April 2025.
  • An ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires and allows multiple entries.
  • Holders of settled or pre-settled status do not need an ETA.

IMPORTANT! This requirement does not apply to people with settled status or pre-settled status. If you hold one of these statuses under the EU Settlement Scheme, you do not need an ETA.

What is an ETA and why is it being introduced?

An ETA is a type of electronic travel pass for citizens of countries who do not need a visa for short stays in the United Kingdom.

In short:

  • It is not a visa - an ETA does not entitle you to work or to a long-term stay.

  • It is a mandatory permission for short stays (up to 6 months), e.g. for tourism, family visits or business.

  • It is linked specifically to your passport - a change of passport means you need to apply for a new ETA.

Who needs an ETA?

An ETA will be required from Polish citizens if they:

  • do not have British citizenship or settled/pre-settled status,

  • are planning a short trip to the UK (up to 6 months),

  • are travelling on a Polish passport.

An ETA will also be needed for children and infants.

Who does NOT need an ETA?

  • people with a British passport,

  • people holding settled or pre-settled status,

  • residents of Ireland travelling from its territory,

  • transit passengers (at airports with an active transit zone, e.g. Heathrow).

How to apply for a UK ETA

When can you apply?

  • From 5 March 2025 Polish citizens can start applying for an ETA.

  • From 2 April 2025, a completed and approved ETA will be mandatory for every traveller exempt from the visa requirement.

How do you apply for a UK ETA?

An ETA application can only be submitted electronically. There are two options to choose from:

  • The UK ETA smartphone app. You can download the free mobile app:

UK ETA on the App Store (iOS)

  • UK ETA on Google Play (Android)

  • The government website - Alternatively, you can apply directly on the official UK government website (the link to the form will appear closer to the introduction of the new rules).

When completing the form you need to:

  • pay the ETA fee (more on this below),

  • provide your passport details and contact details,

  • attach a recent photo (the technical requirements will be described in the app),

  • answer a set of questions about, among other things, the purpose of your trip and your planned stay in the United Kingdom.

How long is an ETA valid?

  • For 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first).

  • It allows multiple entries into the UK.

How long does the application take?

  • Sometimes a decision is made within minutes.

  • It can take up to a maximum of 3 working days.

What if my application is refused?

  • You will be given the reason for refusal

  • There is no right of appeal

  • You can, however, apply for a visa.

Important: a UK ETA, your passport and changes to your details

An ETA is linked to your passport number. If you lose your passport, change your name, etc., you must:

  • submit a new application,

  • pay the fee again.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is an ETA the same as a visa?

No. An ETA applies to people who do not need a visa. It is a form of travel registration.

  • Do I need an ETA if I have settled status?

No. Holders of settled/pre-settled status are exempt from the ETA requirement.

  • How much does an ETA for the United Kingdom cost?

£10 (until 8 April 2025), £16 (from 9 April 2025).

  • Does an ETA entitle me to work?

No. An ETA does not give you the right to take up work in the UK.

If you have any doubts or need help with tax, benefit or accounting matters in the UK - contact Polaccount. We explain the complexities of the British system simply and reliably.

Sources:

PolAccount

Accounting for Polish businesses in the UK

A team of Polish accountants and tax advisors with years of experience supporting businesses operating in the United Kingdom.

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