Electronic Travel Authorisation - ETA

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new requirement for people who do not need a visa to come to the UK. It gives you permission to travel to the UK, and it is electronically linked to your passport. It will cost £10 and is valid for 2 years.

You will not need an ETA if you have:

a British or Irish passport
permission to live, work or study in the UK
a visa to enter the UK
Irish residency and don't need a visa to visit UK, entering via Ireland; Guernsey; Jersey; Isle of Man

If you are coming to study a short course at St Andrews and don’t need to apply for a visa before you travel, you will need to apply for an ETA.

Check if you need a visa.

From 15 November 2023, you’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK and you’re a national of Qatar. You’ll be able to apply from 25 October.

From 22 February 2024, you’ll need an ETA if you’re travelling to the UK and you’re a national of:

Bahrain
Jordan
Kuwait
Oman
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates

More nationalities will be added to the scheme later.