New legislation means that many international travellers visiting the UK now need to register for online authorisation (Electronic Travel Authorisation) before arriving. Here, we explain who it affects and what it means for those students heading to the UK to study with us.
As of 8 January 2025, visitors from the US, Canada, Australia and other non-European nations who currently do not need a visa for short stays in the UK are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the country.
Beginning on 2 April 2025, EU nationals will also be required to obtain an ETA before entering the UK. (Citizens of the UK, Ireland and those with valid UK visas will be exempt.)
To receive an ETA, travellers must fill out an online form and pay a £10 fee. Applicants should hear if their authorisation has been approved in a few hours, but in some cases, a decision may take up to three business days.
The authorisation is valid for multiple entries to the UK for stays of up to six months and is good for a two-year period or until the traveller's passport expires – whichever comes first.
Below are some FAQs that we hope will be useful to anyone planning to take a UK-based study programme with us.
ETA FAQs
What can’t you do with an ETA?
Does it only allow single entry?
Are there restrictions on study? Can I change schools and change course?
What if I want to extend my studies for longer than 6 months?
How will the school know how long I have been in the UK?
What happens if someone is not able to obtain an ETA?
What is an ETA?
Electronic Travel Authorisation. It is a digital travel permission required for entering the UK. It is not a visa, but will be mandatory for visa-free nationals.
It’s not expensive, it doesn’t take long to get one, it’s not difficult to apply for one and it lasts for 2 years.
It’s also not a paper document so you can’t lose it and don’t need to carry it. It’s with you all the time on your phone or easily accessible via the internet.
What can you do with it?
With an ETA you can visit the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family/friends, business, or short-term study, and you can make multiple entries during the period it is valid. If you’re coming to the UK for another reason, check if you need a visa instead.
What can’t you do with an ETA?
ETA holders must still comply with visitor rules, and you cannot stay in the UK for longer than 6 months per visit or do paid or unpaid work. You can’t use an ETA as a way of living in the UK through frequent visits.
Who needs one?
All ‘non-visa’ nationals - all ages, these are nationalities that usually do not need to apply for a visa before travelling to the UK for stays of up to 6 months.
You don't need an ETA if you already have a visa, permission to live, work, or study in the UK.
When does this start?
- If you are from one of the 54 countries listed in Appendix ETA National List, you now need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK;
- If you are a national of a European country (including EU, EEA, and Switzerland), you'll need an ETA to travel to the UK from 2 April 2025, and can apply for the ETA as of 5 March 2025.
How do I get one?
Apply online or download the ‘UK ETA app’
People must travel using the same passport they used when they applied for an ETA.
How long does it take?
Usually 3 days, but applicants may get a quicker decision if they use the UK ETA app.
How much does it cost?
£10.
How long do they last?
2 years or until your passport expires whichever is soonest.
Does it only allow single entry?
No, it permits multiple journeys to the UK of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
Are there restrictions on study? Can I change schools and change course?
You can study at any UK school (except state schools) on an English or Academic course and you can choose to change your course or school during that time.
What if I want to extend my studies for longer than 6 months?
You will need to leave the UK and return and may need to apply for a different type of study visa if you want to return to study for a new period of more than 6 months. You can ask us for information about this if you have any questions.
How will the school know how long I have been in the UK?
If you don’t have an entry stamp in your passport you will need to keep a copy of your flight ticket or boarding pass from when you entered the country. You will need to keep this for the duration of your time in the UK and each school you study at will need to keep a copy.
Can you be refused an ETA?
Unfortunately yes. Applicants who have been previously refused a visit visa (or permission to enter as a visitor will be refused an ETA - unless a visit visa was subsequently granted after the refusal. If this applies to you, you will need to apply for a different kind of study visa.
What happens if someone is not able to obtain an ETA?
- If a person’s ETA application is rejected, they will be told the reason and can apply again.
- If a person’s ETA application is refused, they cannot appeal and instead need to apply for a visa if they still wish to seek permission to come to the UK.
An ETA currently costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
The introduction of ETAs is in line with the approach many other countries have taken to border security, including the US and Australia, and helps prevent the arrival of those who present a threat to the UK.
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