Northern Ireland: European and American travellers required to present an ETA

From January 8, 2025, the UK has introduced a new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for travelers from over 50 countries, including all of the USA and some European countries. This system applies to travelers who do not require a visa for a short-term stay (up to six months) and who do not already have immigration status in the UK or Northern Ireland.

British and Irish citizens, as well as those from European Union (EU) countries, the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, are not affected by this new requirement. Indeed, these nationals can continue to enter the territory without needing to apply for this authorization, under the free movement agreements that remain in place despite the Brexit. However, European travelers with dual nationality, particularly with a non-EU country, will need to check whether their status requires an ETA application.

This new rule applies to visitors wishing to travel to the UK, including Northern Ireland, for a variety of reasons: tourism, family visits, business, short-term study or even transit. The ETA, which is a digital authorization linked directly to the traveler’s passport, must be obtained online before departure. There is no need to wait for a visa or other authorization to stay in the UK for less than six months.

The ETA system is designed to enhance border control security and facilitate immigration procedures. It is similar to the ESTA system introduced by the United States, and helps to better manage the flow of travellers while increasing security.

Travelers will need to submit a simple application via an online form. It is important to note that those who already hold a visa or residency status in the UK, as well as British and Irish nationals, are not affected by the ETA.

In short, this new requirement mainly affects nationals of certain countries outside the UK and the European Union, but does not affect citizens of EU member states, the EEA and Switzerland, who can continue to travel freely in these territories without the need for an ETA.