Visas and immigration news: January 2025 recap
The second phase of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) roll-out has been completed with nationals of non-visa national countries requiring an ETA to travel to the UK since 8 January 2025.
Phase 3, for European nationals, starts on 2 April. The ETA application opens on 5 March.
What is an ETA?
The ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK.
The ETA is valid for two years; a new ETA will be needed if the passport expires in less than two years.
The ETA is not a visa; non-visa nationals apply for a visa when they go through UK immigration control.
Who needs an ETA?
Non-visa nationals who intend to travel to the UK as a visitor for up to six months.
Each visitor must obtain their own ETA, including children and babies.
> Check who needs an ETA
How to apply for an ETA?
There are two ways to apply for an ETA.
1. UK ETA App - The app is the easiest and fastest way to apply. It also helps get a faster decision. The application should take no longer than 10 minutes.
2. Online - The online application must be used if applying on behalf of others or the passport does not have a biometric chip.
> Apply online
> Apply using the UK ETA App
How much does the ETA cost?
The ETA costs £10 per applicant and is valid for two years.
The cost of the ETA is set to increase to £16. The start date has not yet been confirmed.
How is the ETA issued?
The applicant will receive an email when the application has been processed, generally within three working days.
The ETA will be linked to the visitor's passport digitally. The passport is the only document needed when entering the UK.
French school groups
Students under the age of 18 entering the UK as part of a group of five or more pupils from the same school or institution will be permitted to enter the UK without an ETA or a visitor visa.
The school in France needs to complete a form before travel and present it to the Border Force Officer on arrival in the UK.
> Visit the UK as part of a French school trip
eVisas
Students applying for a short-term study visa (11-month visa) are no longer given a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) as evidence of their immigration status in the UK.
They can only access their immigration status online. This is referred to as an 'eVisa'. This also affects students on an 11-month visa who started their course in 2024.
What is an eVisa?
An eVisa is the digital immigration permission for holders of visas that last longer than 6 months.
How is the eVisa accessed?
The e-visa can only be accessed via a UKVI account. Each visa applicant must register for the UKVI account before the eVisa can be viewed.
How do students share their visa status?
A 'View and prove' section within the UKVI account allows students to share their permission with other organisations when required.
EEA nationals and other individuals who used the ID check app to apply for their visas should already have a UKVI account and have access to their eVisa.
> UKVI guidance on eVisa
> UKCISA e-visa FAQ
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