Travel rules continuously evolve, and the introduction of the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is an especially important change when it comes to travelling to the UK. Whether you’re planning a business trip, a morale-building team holiday or something else entirely, the ETA will soon become an essential part of the UK entry process for corporate and leisure travellers both.
In this blog, we’ll break down what the UK ETA is, who needs one, how to apply, and what the new system means for corporate travel plans.
What is the UK ETA scheme?
The UK ETA scheme is a new electronic travel authorisation that will be required for certain travellers hoping to enter the UK. It’s a pre-travel check that costs £10, which enables the UK government to assess who is entering the country before they even land.
The scheme is part of the UK government’s wider efforts to tighten border security and simplify the entry process for eligible visitors. It will be implemented alongside other existing entry requirements, like traditional passport control and immigration checks, but focuses on ensuring that non-visa nationals are pre-approved to enter the UK.
Who needs an ETA to enter the UK?
Not everyone needs an ETA. The scheme primarily applies to travellers from countries that don’t require a visa for short stays in the UK: such as citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and multiple European countries.
As of now, citizens from countries within the EU, as well as those who hold a valid UK visa, will not need to apply for one. However, as the system rolls out, more nationalities will be added to the list of those required to apply.
You will need to apply for an ETA if:
- You are from a country or territory that currently enjoys visa-exempt status for the UK
- You plan to stay for up to six months for purposes like tourism, business, or transit
How to apply for the UK ETA (and how long it lasts)
The application process for the UK ETA is designed to be simple and efficient. Here’s how you can apply:
- Apply online: the ETA application will be available online, via the link here. The process shouldn’t take longer than ten minutes in total. You’ll have to provide personal info, travel details, and passport information.
- Fee payment: there is a £10 cost associated with the UK ETA. It’s a one-time payment, and it’s processed securely through the online portal.
- Approval and confirmation: once your application is submitted, you’ll typically receive a decision within minutes. If approved, your ETA will be electronically linked to your passport. You won’t need a physical visa, as the system will confirm your travel authorisation when you check in with your airline at the UK border.
- Validity: your ETA will be valid for 2 years from the date of approval, or until your passport expires. If your passport is renewed, or you get a new one for another reason, you’ll need to apply for a new ETA.
What does the ETA mean for corporate travel to the UK?
While it can be hard to gauge the impact of travel rule changes before they’ve been implemented properly, we don’t envision the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme having too much of an impact on corporate travel. Outside of some alterations to travel policies and procedure, it should hopefully make corporate travel to the UK more streamlined.
It’s worth reiterating that there will be no change for business travellers from many countries within the EU, or those with a valid British visa. But even for corporate travellers coming to the UK from countries that already benefit from visa-exempt status, the ETA will likely have minimal impact.
Corporate travellers who need to apply for a UK visa due to the nature of their trip — such as for specialised work visas or events — will not be impacted by the ETA, as the process for these types of visas will remain unchanged.
Impacts on corporate travel policy and compliance
The introduction of the ETA will likely prompt businesses to tweak their travel policies, to ensure they meet the new requirements. It might be prudent to customise travel policies to include specific instructions for employees on how to apply for the ETA, as well as guidelines for confirming that the ETA has been approved before departing.
The right travel management software will allow you to customise your corporate travel policies easily and intuitively. For guidance on which travel management software is right for your company, get in touch.
Benefits of the UK ETA scheme
One of the main benefits of the ETA system for corporate travellers is the potential for a smoother entry into the UK. By applying online before departure, travellers should avoid lengthy immigration queues, as their entry will be pre-approved.
For companies managing time-sensitive schedules, an expedited entry process could improve the overall efficiency of travel plans. In theory, the UK ETA should result in business travellers spending less time navigating the UK’s immigration procedures, and more time focusing on productive, work-related activities.
The risks of not successfully applying for an ETA
While the UK ETA is currently not a mandatory requirement for all visitors, it will become compulsory for all eligible travellers. If you or your employees fail to apply for an ETA when required, entry to the UK may be refused upon arrival. It’s crucial to stay updated on the implementation of ETA, and whether or not you or your employees need to apply for one.
Looking ahead
The introduction of the UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a significant but manageable change for many travellers, including corporate travellers. While the process itself is relatively straightforward, businesses must stay informed and adapt their travel policies accordingly to ensure their corporate travel plans remain efficient and compliant.
Doing so is made significantly easier by partnering with the right travel management company. To book a free demo, get in touch with our team.