1. Why do I need a permit to travel to the UK?

The United Kingdom has changed some of its border security rules and visitors who previously didn’t need a visa to take a short trip to the UK will now need to apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

2. What is an ETA?

The ETA gives you permission to travel to the UK. It is not a visa and does not permit entry into the UK. If you are issued an ETA, you will still need to meet the relevant border requirements in order to be allowed entry into the country. The permit is valid for two years or until your passport expires and will permit multiple journeys of up to six months to the UK during that time.

More information is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQVvTTbHIu4&ab_channel=HomeOffice

3. I already have a trip booked, do I still need to get the permit?

The ETA system had already come into effect for some countries in February, but if you are a Maltese national or a citizen of the European Union it will be mandatory if you are arriving in the UK from April 2, 2025, onwards. You can check whether you require ETA to travel to the UK or not here. You may also check if you’ll need a visa for your trip here.

4. Which destinations will be impacted by this change?

Malta International Airport currently flies to Belfast, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds-Bradford, Liverpool, London-Gatwick, London-Heathrow, London-Luton, London-Southend, London-Stansted, Manchester, Newcastle, and Norwich, which are all located in the United Kingdom. If you are travelling to any of these destinations on and after April 2, you will need an ETA to do so.

5. How do I apply for ETA?

You can apply for the ETA through an app launched by the UK Home Office, which is available both on the App Store and on Google Play. If you are unable to use the app you can apply for it online.

6. How much does an ETA cost?

Applying for the ETA currently costs £10 (around €12) and will remain valid for two years. The cost cannot be refunded after you apply. From 9 April 2025 an ETA will cost £16.

7. What do I need to do to apply?

You will need your passport, access to your emails and a method through which you can make online payments, like a credit card or Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Further instructions are available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG1zaOMl63M&ab_channel=HomeOffice

8. We’re travelling as a group, can I apply for everyone in my party?

Every person travelling in the group will have to get their own individual ETA, including babies and children. You can apply for the ETA for other people, but you will need to upload or take photos of their passports and their faces in order to apply for them.

9. Do children also need an ETA?

Yes, babies and children of all ages are required to have their own ETA. You can apply for the ETA for other people, but you will need to upload or take photos of their passports and their faces in order to apply for them.

10. How long does it take to get the ETA application approved?

Once you submit an application it may take up to 3 working days to receive a decision, but most applicants are currently receiving an automatic decision in minutes. Once it is approved you will receive email confirmation that you have gotten an ETA, which will be linked to the passport you applied for it with.

11. Can I fly to the UK and apply for ETA after I arrive?

No, you must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK, however, you will be allowed to travel to the UK while awaiting a decision.

12. I have a connecting flight through the UK, do I still need an ETA?

If you are in transit or have a layover through a UK airport and you do not pass through border control, then you do not need an ETA.

13. Are there any exemptions to getting an ETA?

Yes. If you are a British or Irish citizen, you do not need one. Similarly, if you have a visa or equivalent permission to live, work or study in the UK, or you are otherwise exempt from immigration control, then you do not need an ETA to travel to the UK.

14. Do these exceptions also apply to dual citizens?

Yes, but you will need to prove your permission to travel by showing either a valid British or Irish passport, or any other valid passport that contains a certificate of entitlement.