ETA Requirements for UK Flights: Which Nationalities Need One?

Introduction

The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme has expanded significantly, affecting many nationalities that previously didn't need advance permission to visit the UK. As a pilot or operator, understanding ETA requirements is essential for ensuring your passengers can legally enter the country.

What is an ETA?

An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital permission that allows eligible nationals to travel to the UK without a visa. It's linked to the traveller's passport and must be obtained before travel.

Key facts:

Cost: £10 per application

Validity: 2 years or until passport expires (whichever is sooner)

Multiple entries: Allows unlimited visits

Stay duration: Up to 6 months per visit

Who Needs an ETA?

As of 2026, the following groups need an ETA:

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Nationals

Bahrain

Kuwait

Oman

Qatar

Saudi Arabia

United Arab Emirates

Other Nationalities (from 2 April 2025)

All other non-visa nationals who previously didn't need advance permission, including:

United States

Canada

Australia

New Zealand

Japan

South Korea

Singapore

And many more...

Who Does NOT Need an ETA?

Exempt Groups

British and Irish citizens

Those with valid UK visas

Those with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

EU Settlement Scheme holders

Frontier workers

Transit passengers (not passing through UK border control)

How to Verify ETA Status

When you submit a GAR, Border Force will return permission to travel responses:

"Valid permission to travel"

The passenger has a valid ETA or eVisa linked to their passport.

"Authority to carry granted"

For British/Irish nationals, or non-visa nationals where ETA status couldn't be confirmed digitally. You should:

Ask the passenger to show their ETA confirmation

Verify the ETA is linked to the passport they're travelling on

"No record of valid permission to travel"

No digital permission found. The passenger may need to:

Apply for an ETA before travel

Show evidence of an existing visa or permission

Common ETA Issues

Passport Mismatch

ETAs are linked to specific passports. If a passenger has renewed their passport since obtaining the ETA, they need to apply again.

Expired ETA

ETAs are valid for 2 years but expire when the passport expires. Check both dates.

Wrong Nationality Assumption

Don't assume based on appearance or accent. Always verify nationality from the passport.

Applying for an ETA

Passengers can apply for an ETA via:

The UK ETA app (iOS/Android)

The GOV.UK website

Processing usually takes a few hours but can take up to 3 working days.

Conclusion

ETA requirements add another layer of complexity to international GA flights. Always verify your passengers' permission to travel status before departure, and encourage them to apply for ETAs well in advance.

Official resources:

GOV.UK ETA Information

Border Force Carrier Support Hub: 0300 369 0610

*Last updated: January 2026*