ETA- Electronic Travel Authorisation for entering the U.K., including Northern Ireland

An ETA is a digital permission to travel. Electronic Travel Authorisations (ETAs) are being introduced worldwide for visitors to the UK (Which includes Northern Ireland) who do not currently need a visa for short stays, or who do not already have a UK immigration status prior to travelling.

Visitors can find out if they need an ETA to travel , on GOV.UK But, in a nutshell, British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA. Residents of Ireland also do not need an ETA, but should bring evidence of their residency with them

Tourists from outside the common area of G.B., Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland do ,(as for example U.S. visitors) and EU citizens will, from April 5th, 2025

Applying for an ETA is quick and simple. Either download the UK ETA App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or go to the UK Home Office Website by clicking HERE

What to do if you forget? Well, never fear, we will remind you to get your ETA on booking with us and check that you have it on meeting you. We can help you apply online, before crossing the border, if needs be. By the time your cappuccino is ready, you should have your authorisation already!

What do you need to apply? Your mobile phone, or internet access, and your passport

You can watch this video, on how to apply, HERE

How much does it cost? Currently, an ETA costs £10 although, predictably, it is about to be increased to(GB) £16 this Spring, 2025.

Most applicants get an automatic decision in minutes when applying through the UK ETA app, which means spontaneous trips to the UK are still possible. Although IN THEORY you can get authorisation in 10-15 minutes, the British Home Office suggest applying 3 days before you intend to travel. So, if you have booked a tour with Jessie’s Tours of Ireland, that enters Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland on May 5th, you would be well advised to apply, using the ETA App, by May 2nd.

An ETA 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. For more information, visit GOV.UK

At the moment, If you are travelling to Ireland via Heathrow or Manchester Airports, you can choose to stay “Airside “and simply transit without needing an ETA. If, however, you are travelling via other British Airports, or leave the airport and go “Landside”, you will need an ETA.

There are, of course, direct transatlantic flights to Ireland via Dublin and Shannon Airports, if you don’t want to land in the U.K., but if you are then going on to Northern Ireland from the Republic, you will need one

Here’s a Factsheet, if you want more information. As always, you can contact info@jessiestoursofIreland.com with any further questions