United Kingdom entry requirements for Australian citizens

The UK government is introducing a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for non-visa travellers starting in 2025. This system, similar to the US ESTA, will require most visitors to obtain an ETA or eVisa before travelling to the UK. The ETA is a digital permit linked to the traveller's passport, costing £10, and allows multiple entries into the UK for up to six months at a time over a two-year period.

ETA rollout schedule:

• From January 8, 2025: All non-European nationals will need an ETA.
• From April 2, 2025: European citizens will also require an ETA.
• Applications: Open for non-European nationals on November 27, 2023, and for European citizens on March 5, 2025.

Who needs an ETA?

It will cover all non-European and European nationals (except British and Irish citizens).

Exemptions:

British and Irish passport holders, those with British Overseas Territories passports, existing visa holders, and individuals with permission to live, work, or study in the UK do not need to apply for an ETA.

Restrictions:

While the ETA permits stays for tourism, business, short-term studies, or visiting friends and family for up to six months, it does not allow activities like getting married, claiming benefits, residing in the country through frequent visits, or self-employed work.

• Electronic travel authorization

  Travellers visiting the UK for under six months require an Elecronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Travellers can submit an ETA application online. Once the application is approved, travellers receive their ETA confirmation electronically.
  Apply online
  An eTA is electronically linked to a passport and valid for up to 2 years. If travellers receive a new passport, they must apply for a new eTA. Travellers visiting the UK for more than six months, for example to live, work or study in the UK, should check the source for more details. For travellers who are existing visa holders who live in the UK and use a physical immigration document to prove their rights, the UK is moving from physical immigration documents to eVisas. Travellers with existing visas should take action now to create a UK Visas and Immigration account to access their eVisa. The ETA requirement doesn’t apply to: - Travellers who are dual citizens with British or Irish citizenship. Dual citizens must prove their permission to travel using a British passport, Irish passport, or other passport containing certificate of entitlement to prove they have right of abode in the UK; - Travellers with a valid visa; - Travellers with permission to live, work, or study in the United Kingdom (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode); - Travellers who live in Ireland travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man; - Travellers with valid British overseas territories citizen passports; - Travellers with valid British National (Overseas) passport passports; - Travellers transiting through the United Kingdom via Manchester Airport (MAN) or Heathrow Airport (LHR) who will not pass through border control (‘airside’ transit). Visit the source for more details.

• Travellers require a passport valid for the duration of stay in United Kingdom

  Travellers need a valid passport to enter United Kingdom. The traveller's passport must remain valid throughout the traveller's stay in United Kingdom.