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This is your complete guide to the UK ETA for golf tours.
Why should you read it?
Because you now need an ETA to travel to popular golfer destinations like Scotland and Northern Ireland.
With that in mind, keep reading (or click) to find out:
The electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is a digital cert that allows you to travel to and transit through the United Kingdom (UK).
Based on the U.S. ESTA, the system accelerates the entry process for visitors.
Your ETA is valid for 2 years.
You can travel to the UK as much as you want during this period for up to 6 months at a time.
Unless your passport expires beforehand.
In that case, you’ll need a new ETA for your new passport.
Next, we’ll look at the nationalities that require this pre-travel clearance.
Non-Europeans who do not require a visa for short-term stays must apply for an ETA before travelling to the United Kingdom.
This includes Australian, Canadian and U.S. citizens.
Journeying to Northern Ireland for bucket-list tee times at Royal County Down and Royal Portrush?
You need a UK ETA.
Playing Open Championship icons like Royal Troon, Turnberry and Prestwick on a trip to Southwest Scotland?
You need a UK ETA.
For connecting flights via the UK, the only exemption is for passengers who do not pass through border control or leave the airport.
Now, on to your application.
Fortunately, applying for a UK ETA for golf tours is as easy as a 2ft putt.
With the official app, it should only take you 10 minutes. It’s available on Apple and Android.
Follow these steps to apply:
To apply for the ETA, you must have your physical passport, email address, and payment card (debit or credit).
Currently, the application costs £10. But that could soon increase to £16.
Generally, it takes 3 working days to approve.
However, to be sure, apply for the ETA at least a fortnight before departing on your golf tour.
It will then be digitally linked to your passport. And you will not have to provide anything else when entering the UK.
You do not need any authorisation to travel for a golf tour in Ireland.
With a valid passport, you can enter visa-free at Ireland’s international airports for tourism stays of up to 90 days.
It’s also recommended to have proof of accommodations, sufficient funds for your visit, and return airline tickets.
Entering Northern Ireland from Ireland
Our guests often fly to Dublin Airport and drive to Northern Ireland for their golf break.
Usually, they spend their first 3 nights in enchanting County Antrim.
Even though there are no physical border checks between the countries, as of January 2025, you require the ETA to travel to Northern Ireland via Ireland.
So, remember to apply well before your planned arrival date.
And that’s your guide to the UK ETA for golf tours.
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