Starting January 8, 2025, Japanese nationals entering the UK without a visa (including airport transit) must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in advance, registering their passport information and obtaining approval. Travelers to the UK should take note of this requirement.
1. Who Needs to Apply for ETA?
Japanese nationals who fall into the following categories are required to apply for an ETA before entering the UK:
- Staying for 6 months or less for purposes such as tourism, visiting relatives, business, or studying.
- Staying for 3 months or less under the Creative Worker visa concession.
- Staying for permitted paid engagements.
- Transiting through the UK, including cases where you do not enter the country.
Applications can be made via the official website or by downloading the app.
(Ensure you use the official website to avoid phishing scams by imitation sites.)
Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)
2. Application Fee and Validity
- The ETA application fee is £10.
- Processing takes up to 3 UK business days.
- An approved ETA is valid for 2 years.
- Unlimited entries to the UK are allowed within the validity period.
- If your passport expires or you obtain a new passport, you must reapply for an ETA.
Please note that obtaining an ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK. You will still be subject to immigration checks upon arrival.
Additional Information
As the ETA system is specific to the UK, please refer to the UK government’s official website for more details:
UK Visas and Immigration Homepage
