ETA Resource Hub
Starting January 8, 2025, travelers visiting or passing through the United Kingdom must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). An ETA is a digital entry requirement linked to your passport that allows eligible travelers to enter the United Kingdom – England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales – for tourism or flight connections.
Why This Matters
It is crucial that you apply for and receive an approved ETA before your tour’s final payment date. If you do not have a valid passport and ETA:
- Airlines will not allow you to board your flight.
- Your tour will be nonrefundable.
- Travel insurance will not cover the costs of a missed tour due to failure to secure an ETA.
How to Apply
You can apply for an ETA online or via the official mobile app; you will need your passport and phone for the process. The cost is €10, which is automatically converted to US currency during the application process. Once approved, your ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. When you renew your passport, you must also renew your ETA.
Tips
- Before beginning the application process, we recommend you have the following ready:
- valid passport
- access to your email
- credit or debit card
- cellphone (if applying via mobile app or using your phone camera)
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your tour’s flight home date.
- Remove your passport and cell phone from any cases.
- You will not need your specific travel details to apply.
- During the application process, you will need to take/upload photos of your face and passport. When taking the photo, stand in front of a light background and avoid shadows or glares for the best results.
- If you have difficulty getting your passport’s biometric chip to scan, you may opt to skip it and manually confirm details instead.
- You have 30 minutes to complete the application before it times out.
- Once your ETA application is approved, typically within a few days, simply mark it complete on your Guest Portal’s Registration Checklist.
Resources
- Official UK government website
- Understanding the ETA
- Photo guide of mobile application process
- Step-by-step application process
For any further questions, please contact our expert Tour Sales Consultants at 1-888-867-2190.