New Digital Entry Permit Now Required for Australian Visitors to the UK

Passengers wait in the check-in area of Gatwick Airport in London, the UK, on July 20, 2024. Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images

Australians, regardless of age, will now need to apply for a digital permit to visit the UK as the new regulation takes effect.

Under the recent change to the UK’s immigration system, citizens of an additional 49 non-European countries, including Australia, will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland from Jan. 8, 2025.

The ETA is a digital authorisation that replaces the UK’s former Electronic Visa Waiver scheme, which began rolling out in November 2023 to travellers from the Middle East.

It allows holders to stay in the UK for up to six months for purposes such as tourism, business, short-term study, and visiting family and friends.

The digital permit also allows multiple entries within a two-year period unless the holder’s passport expires.

Each ETA application costs £10 (A$20) and is non-refundable.

Travellers can apply via the UK ETA app on Google Play and Apple App Store, or via the UK government website.

According to the UK government, an application is processed within three working days, but travellers may get a quicker result if they apply via the mobile app.

It is advisable for travellers to have their permits approved before boarding their flight to the UK.

Travellers can reapply for the ETA if their application is rejected. However, they will need to apply for a UK visa in the case of an application refusal.

Why Does The UK Require ETA for Travellers?

The UK government said the ETA was a measure to enhance border security, a practice in line with other countries such as the United States and Australia.

“ETAs give us a comprehensive understanding of those travelling to the UK and give us the ability to prevent the travel of those who pose a threat, including those who are transiting through UK airports,” it said.

While the ETA only applied to travellers from several Middle Eastern countries when it was first introduced, it has now expanded to cover citizens from 54 non-European countries.

From April 2, 2025, European citizens must apply for an ETA when travelling to the UK.

Data from the UK government indicated that Australia was among the top 10 countries sending the most visitors to the UK in 2023, with a 62 percent increase in visits, reaching 1.17 million.