Electronic Travel Authorisation is now live and will impact visitors to the UK. An ETA for UK cruises is essential for anyone who is not exempt – read on to find out more about who’s affected and how the scheme works.
The Electronic Travel Authorisation scheme is an online system where travellers need to apply for and obtain authorisation before embarking on their journey to the UK. It applies to visa-exempt visitors and operates in a similar way to existing systems such as the US ESTA or the EU’s upcoming ETIAS.
This new entry requirement mainly impacts non-visa nationals, namely tourists who wouldn’t normally need a visa to enter the UK for short stays.
Electronic Travel Authorisation for UK cruises is essential unless you are:
Everyone travelling to the UK who will pass through border control needs Electronic Travel Authorisation, including babies and children.
The ETA scheme is now live. A list of nationalities that will need to apply for an ETA is available here.
If your nationality is not listed here, you are not eligible for Electronic Travel Authorisation and will need to apply for a visa instead.
Passengers on cruise ships who plan to embark, disembark, or visit the UK as part of their itinerary will need Electronic Travel Authorisation, including babies and children.
The ETA UK fee is £10. This will increase to £16 on 9 April 2025. Once granted, is valid for multiple entries over a two-year period. This means that you will not have to reapply for each trip that you make to the UK.
There is a six-month limit on each visit to the UK.
If you receive a new passport in this two-year time frame, you will need to apply for a new ETA.
You will need to apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation online in plenty of time for your cruise to the UK. In order to speed up the process, make sure you have the following available before you start your application:
If you are cruising as a group, each person will need to apply for their own ETA, if required to do so. This includes babies and children.
The easiest way to apply is by downloading the UK ETA app.
Download the UK ETA app on App Store
Download the UK ETA app on Google Play
Once you have submitted your application, you should receive a decision within three working days. Please ensure you submit your Electronic Travel Authorisation for UK cruises with plenty of time ahead of your departure to avoid any delays.
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