What You Need to Know About the UK ETA for Your 2025 Scotland Adventure

9 Jan 2025

Planning to visit Scotland in 2025? There’s something new you’ll need to know before packing your bags: the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Here’s what it is and how to get one, so you can start planning your Scottish adventure!

From 8th January 2025, travellers from visa-exempt countries like the United States and Canada will need to apply for an ETA before visiting the UK. From 2nd April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa, except British and Irish citizens, will need an ETA to travel to the UK.

Much like the ESTA you would apply for before visiting the United States, the ETA is a visa-waiver and allows visa-exempt visitors to get pre-approval before they arrive in the UK. This speeds up the arrivals process once you get here, and means you can be exploring the country even faster than before.

The ETA is a digital authorisation required for non-visa nationals visiting the UK. Anyone from an eligible country will need to get one before they visit us - click here to visit the ETA UK Government page for more details about who needs one.

How do I get one?

The UK ETA application process is super simple.

All you need to do is:

  1. Fill out the online application.
  2. Submit the required documents.
  3. Pay the £10 fee (from 9th April, the fee will be £16).
  4. Receive your ETA.

Easy peasy. It also gets processed pretty quickly, usually within 48-72 hours, and permits you to visit the UK for under 6 months any time over a 2-year period! You could fit a lot of tours into that time.

They even have an app to make the process easier.

Getting an ETA for 2025 Scottish Adventures

You definitely don’t want to let this put a spanner in the works for your 2025 plans. It is a super simple process and is going to make getting into the UK even easier for you once you have completed all the steps.

With new travel regulations in place, there's no better time to visit Scotland! Not only is the process quick and simple, but we’ve also launched four brand-new tours showcasing Scotland’s castles, whiskies, and natural wonders. As well as one very special tour giving you the opportunity to help support Scotland’s ecosystem.

Below is a short taster for each of these tours, but if you want to learn more, simply click on the link in their descriptions below to head to their pages.

New Tours of Scotland for 2025

Aberdeenshire, Balmoral Castle and the Northeast Coast - Edinburgh (2-Day)

This 2-day adventure from Edinburgh takes in some of the very best sights of the northeast coast. On the first day, head north, visiting the fantastic V&A museum in Dundee, the spectacular Dunnottar Castle and picturesque Stonehaven before arriving in the Granite City, Aberdeen, for an overnight stay. On Day 2, we will head further into Aberdeenshire, visiting the beautiful Crathes Castle, Ballater, and the Royal Highland Residence, Balmoral Castle. There will even be an opportunity to step inside and explore the castle, which has been home to members of the British Royal Family since the 1800s.

Learn more about this tour!

Highland Adventure: Lochs, Waterfalls and Rewilding Experience - Inverness

Departing from Inverness, this one-day small group tour explores the iconic Loch Ness and its mysteries on a leisurely cruise, with views of Urquhart Castle, before visiting Plodda Falls, surrounded by forests rejuvenated through rewilding. At Dundreggan Estate, discover a remarkable rewilding project by Trees for Life, reviving the ancient Caledonian forest. Enjoy a guided walk through thriving habitats, learning how nature is reclaiming balance. After this, we will visit the dramatic Falls of Foyers and tranquil Dores Beach on the shores of Loch Ness, before returning to Inverness. By supporting Trees for Life on this tour, you will be helping to support local biodiversity and protect our beautiful country for generations to come.

Learn more about this tour!

The Ultimate Whisky Experience - Inverness

A must for any whisky lover. This one-day whisky tour from Inverness not only visits 2 sensational distilleries, but also takes in some beautiful highland scenery. Departing in the morning, we will first head to Cardhu Distillery for a tour and tasting. Then, it’s onward to Speyside Cooperage, where you will have the opportunity to learn all about the barrel-making process - an essential part of the whisky-making process. After a lunch break in the historic town of Elgin, it’s then on to our 2nd distillery of the day, Benromach. Here, enjoy another tour and tasting, before we return to Inverness.

Learn more about this tour!

The Kelpies, St Andrews and Fife Adventure - Glasgow

Departing from Glasgow, we visit The Helix in Falkirk, home to the towering Kelpies, the magnificent steel sculptures celebrating Scotland’s working horses and folklore. Explore these iconic structures and their fascinating story. To learn more about the Kelpies, click here. Next, journey to the Royal Burgh of Culross, a 17th-century village famed for its Outlander connections and picturesque charm. From there, we travel to the historic town of St Andrews, known for its university, cathedral, and royal romance. Enjoy lunch and free time to explore its cobbled streets and stunning coastline. We then visit Falkland, a charming village with royal ties and Outlander filming spots before our final stop at the iconic Forth bridges. This one-day tour blends history, folklore, and scenic beauty, making it an unforgettable Scottish adventure.

Learn more about this tour!

Not only that, but all of our regular tours will also be available, like our best-selling tours Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands, Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle, and Glenfinnan, Fort William and Glencoe Adventure.

Or, if you want to create your own unique tour, consider a private tour of Scotland. To learn more about our amazing private hire service, simply click here. Before you know it, you could be on a completely bespoke tour of Scotland with your own driver-guide, your own coach, and an itinerary completely designed by you.

If you are planning to travel to Scotland in 2025, apply for your ETA early to avoid delay, once you have successfully applied, you have two years in which to visit the country. You also need to ensure that your passport is valid for the entire duration of your trip. The ETA makes visiting Scotland easier than ever, speeding up the process at the arrivals gate at the airport and getting you out on your adventures sooner than ever.

Scotland’s beauty and people are waiting for you, and we are ready to show you around. If you know anyone travelling to the UK who might not know about the ETA process yet, be sure to share this information with them. (Feel free to recommend a tour with us too.)

Simply visit the UK Government website to apply for your ETA or download the app. Then, once that’s done, come back here and book your 2025 adventure with us - we can’t wait to see you! To view the rest of our tours click here, or, you can also contact our friendly reservations team at +44 (0) 131 226 6066, or email tours@timberbushtours.com. They will be more than happy to help you book your tour or even help you choose the perfect 2025 adventure. 

We can't wait to see you!

FAQs

How far in advance should I apply for the ETA?

You should apply at least 3 days before your intended travel date to ensure enough time for processing, as the ETA is typically approved within 48-72 hours. However, applying earlier is always better to avoid any last-minute delays.

Can I use the ETA for multiple trips within the 2 years?

Yes! Once approved, the ETA is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this time, you can visit the UK multiple times, as long as each trip is for under 6 months and aligns with the ETA’s terms.

What if my passport expires during the ETA validity?

Your ETA is linked to your passport. If your passport expires before the 2-year ETA validity period ends, you’ll need to apply for a new ETA using your new passport.

Do children need an ETA?

Yes, every traveller from a visa-exempt country, regardless of age, requires their own ETA to enter the UK. Parents or guardians can apply on behalf of children under 18.

What happens if my ETA application is denied?

If your ETA is denied, you’ll receive an explanation of why. Depending on the reason, you may need to apply for a different type of visa or address the issues stated in the denial before reapplying.

Can I update my ETA if my travel plans change?

No, the ETA is valid for any trips to the UK during the 2-year period, so you don’t need to update it if your travel dates or plans change, as long as your purpose of visit and personal details remain the same.

What documents do I need to apply for the ETA?

You’ll need a valid passport from an eligible country, an email address to receive the ETA, and a payment method for the £10 fee.

Can I apply for the ETA if I’m already in the UK?

No, the ETA must be obtained before travelling to the UK. If you’re already in the UK, it won’t be applicable for your current stay.

Is the ETA the same as a visa?

No, the ETA is not a visa. It’s an electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors. If you’re from a country that requires a visa to enter the UK, you’ll need to apply for that instead.

Can I work or study in the UK with an ETA?

The ETA is for short visits of up to 6 months, such as tourism, family visits, or attending business meetings. It does not permit you to work, study for extended periods, or settle in the UK.