Irish citizens traveling to the UK must apply for an eTA, which is an electronic document that authorizes visitors to enter the country.
UK eTA is a visa waiver that can be applied for online by Irish citizens through an online application form. After being completed and approved, the eTA will be sent to travelers via email and must be printed before arriving in the UK.
Benefits of UK eTA for Irish citizens
The ability to apply for a UK eTA has many advantages for Irish citizens. For example, they can avoid appointments at UK embassies since the visa waiver process is 100% online.
Additionally, upon arrival at UK borders, Irish citizens only need to present the visa waiver and passport, which means having an easy and hassle-free trip.
Third, the UK eTA allows travel throughout Great Britain, which makes the application process more useful and economical.
UK eTA requirements and documents for the UK from Ireland
Irish passengers intending to arrive in the UK must meet the following requirements to obtain a UK eTA:
Additionally, to submit the application form, Irish visitors must have a valid email address and a debit or credit card.
Since Ireland is part of the European Economic Community, Irish citizens do not need to present additional documentation, such as medical records or other supporting travel documents.
Irish children have the same conditions as adults.
The UK eTA is required when Irish travelers cross UK border controls by air or road, as well as by ferry.
How long does the UK eTA last for Irish travelers?
Each UK eTA allows holders from Ireland to stay up to 3 months in the UK.
It is a single-entry document, which means that each time Irish citizens want to enter the UK, they will need to obtain a new eTA. The document is valid for 3 months from the date of issue.
Online application for UK eTA for Irish citizens
The online application form to obtain UK eTA from Ireland is available online and requires registration via email. The email must be active since all updates, as well as the eTA itself, will be sent via email.
After Irish applicants have registered their email, they must answer personal questions about the following information:
Applicants from Ireland will also be asked some security questions about the duration of their stay and possible criminal history.
Once all information is submitted, the website will redirect Irish applicants to the payment page, where they can pay the UK eTA processing fee with a credit or debit card. The page ensures complete security of the banking details provided.
As soon as the eTA application is completed, it will be sent to UK authorities, who have the final decision regarding rejection or approval of the eTA. In both cases, the Irish applicant will receive an email. If the UK eTA is approved, it will be attached to the email in PDF format.
It is important that Irish passengers print the UK eTA visa waiver and carry it with them along with their original passport. Not having a printed copy of the eTA could cause delays or problems boarding the flight to the destination.
UK eTA processing times from Ireland
Applicants from Ireland can get their UK eTA up to 3 days after their application has been submitted. Sometimes, depending on the number of applications the British government has to process, this could be delayed or sent early.
Can Irish citizens apply for an EVW to enter the UK?
Irish citizens should keep in mind that UK eTA is not the same as EVW, which is only available to certain Middle Eastern countries. Therefore, visitors with an Irish passport must apply for the UK eTA, and not EVW, which can serve various purposes such as tourism, short business, short academic studies, and medical treatment.
In case this visa waiver does not meet the needs of Irish citizens, they can always explore the visas offered by the UK, which can be applied for at the respective UK embassy or consulate closest to the applicant.