The United Kingdom has officially released the names of 82 countries whose citizens can enter Britain using an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a streamlined alternative to a traditional visa. The UK government has outlined four key activities that ETA holders are permitted to undertake once inside the country, ranging from tourism to short-term professional engagements.
What Can ETA Holders Do in the UK?
According to the UK government, ETA holders from eligible countries are allowed to stay in Britain for up to six months for tourism, visiting relatives or friends, attending business meetings, or completing a short course of study. This provision makes the ETA a practical option for travellers with varied short-term needs who do not require a long-term visa.
In addition to general visits, the ETA also covers the Creative Worker visa concession, allowing travellers in creative fields to enter the UK for up to three months. This applies to performers, artists, and other creative professionals who may need to work in Britain on a short-term basis without obtaining a full work visa.
Paid Engagements and Transit Provisions
ETA holders may also visit the UK for a permitted paid engagement. This covers specific professional appearances, such as an expert invited to give a lecture or a professional invited to examine a student, provided the visit is short-term and the engagement falls within approved categories.
For travellers simply passing through Britain en route to another destination, the ETA covers transit through a UK airport when the traveller will pass through border control. The UK government advises that travellers check with their airline if they are uncertain whether this applies to their journey.
Full List of 82 Eligible Countries
The UK government has published the complete list of 82 countries whose citizens qualify for the ETA. The list includes Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao Special Administrative Region, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Samoa, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, Tonga, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay, and Vatican City.
The introduction of the ETA is part of Britain's broader effort to modernise its border system while maintaining oversight of who enters the country. This scheme applies to nationals from these 82 countries, with the full list published by the UK government.
Related Visa Schemes in Other Countries
In a related development, New Zealand has named Mauritius and Seychelles as the only two African countries whose citizens can enter the country without a traditional visa. Citizens of both countries must still obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before travelling, according to Legit.ng reports.
