Catherine Ortegon ortegonc1@southernct.edu will be the OIE liaison for travel authorization types:

The United Kingdom Electronic Travel Authorization (UK ETA) is a digital authorization required for citizens of certain countries to travel to the UK. The UK ETA is designed to accommodate various short visit purposes, for up to 6 months, such as tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term study.

The UK ETA application process is entirely online and is digitally linked to the applicant’s passport once issued, eliminating the need for additional documentation to verify its status. Travelers with an approved UK ETA will only need to present their passport at UK entry points, facilitating a seamless entry experience. 

Apply for an electronic travel authorisation (ETA)

ETA Validity and Duration of Stay

Validity: 2 years

The UK ETA grants travelers a validity period of two years from approval, allowing for multiple visits to the United Kingdom within this timeframe. This extended validity offers convenience and flexibility for recurrent travel plans, ensuring hassle-free entry for frequent travelers.

Duration of Stay: 6 months

With the UK ETA, travelers can enjoy stays of up to six months per visit to the United Kingdom. This generous duration provides ample time to explore attractions, conduct business, or spend quality time with family and friends, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Renewal Extensions

Renewing or extending the UK ETA is not possible. Travelers must apply for a new ETA if they plan to visit the UK again after the current authorization expires. This ensures compliance with immigration regulations and facilitates seamless travel arrangements for future visits.

ETIAS is currently not in operation and will not start in the first half of 2025.

No action is required from travelers at this point.

The European Union will inform about the start of ETIAS several months prior to its launch.

ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to any of these 30 European countries. It is linked to a traveler’s passport. It is valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new ETIAS travel authorization.

With valid ETIAS travel authorization, you can enter the territory of these European countries as often as you want for short-term stays - normally for up to 90 days in any 180 days. However, it does not guarantee entry. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions.