The United Kingdom has introduced an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for non-visa nationals planning short visits, including to Northern Ireland. Visitors without a visa or prior UK immigration status must obtain an ETA prior to travel. The policy applies to multiple journeys and remains valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever occurs first.

The ETA costs £16 per person, including children under 18, and can be applied for via the UK ETA mobile app or GOV.UK website. Applications require passport details, contact information, a digital photo, and responses to suitability questions. Decisions are typically issued within three working days via email, linking the ETA to the applicant's passport.

An Irish resident exemption permits certain individuals, such as Irish citizens or those with Irish residence status, to travel to the UK from within Ireland without an ETA. This facilitates movement within the Common Travel Area, including to Northern Ireland. However, travel to the UK from outside Ireland requires an ETA for eligible nationalities.

Examples include a US national residing in Cork travelling to Belfast for a week, who does not need an ETA via the Northern Ireland border. A French national resident in Dundalk flying to Belfast from France requires an ETA. A Canadian tourist moving from the Republic of Ireland to the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland must obtain one to avoid immigration offences.

Nationals requiring visas, such as Pakistanis, must apply for a visitor visa instead of an ETA. Dual citizens with Irish passports may use specific documents but face additional checks from 25 February 2026. There is no appeal or review for ETA refusals; applicants may need to seek a visa and immigration advice.

The rollout is phased, with EU nationals added from 2 April 2025. Non-compliance risks denial of boarding, detention, or removal.