Taking a golf trip to England, Scotland or Northern Ireland? In other words, the United Kingdom (UK).
Then you must obtain an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before travelling to these destinations.
Don’t worry:
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the UK ETA for golf trips.
What is the Electronic Travel Authorisation?
The electronic travel authorisation is a digital certificate required for travel to and through the UK.
Like the U.S. ESTA, the program aims to simplify and quicken the entry process.
The ETA permits multiple journeys to the United Kingdom for up to 6 months.
It will be valid for 2 years unless your passport expires within this period.
Who is the UK ETA for?
Non-Europeans who do not need a visa for short-term visits to the UK must apply for the ETA.
This includes Australian, Canadian and U.S. citizens.
You also require the ETA for flight connections at UK airports. However, there is an exemption for passengers who do not pass through border control before departing for their next destination.
Keep reading to find out how to apply for the UK ETA before your next golf trip.
UK ETA for golf trips: how to apply
Thankfully, it couldn’t be easier.
You’ll need your passport, contact information, and a valid digital photo.
To apply, you can download the official UK ETA app at Google Play or the Apple App Store.
No smartphone? You can also apply via the GOV.UK website.
The process involves answering basic security questions and should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.
The application costs £10. Usually, it’s approved within 3 working days.
The ETA will then be digitally linked to your passport. And you will not need to show anything else when entering the UK.
More about the UK ETA for golf trips
Firstly, if you’ve already booked a 2025 golf trip to the UK, you should apply for your ETA today. That way, you can avoid an oh-no moment on departure day.
For example, here are some popular golf trips that require a UK ETA.
- Northern Ireland. Whether that’s to play iconic courses like Royal County Down, Ardglass, Castlerock, and Portstewart. Or to stay in Belfast city while attending The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush.
- Scotland. You might be headed on a bucket-list trip to Fife to enjoy the legendary layouts at St Andrews and Gleneagles. Or visiting East Lothian for classic championship experiences along the Golf Coast.
- England. Perhaps you’re bound for the windswept Northwest to take on illustrious Open Championship venues such as Royal Birkdale. Or going on a short retreat in captivating Kent to explore another Open icon: Royal St George’s.
Do I need a UK ETA for golf tours in Ireland?
There’s no shortage of direct international flights to the airports in Dublin and Shannon.
So it’s unlikely that you’ll ever travel via the UK for your Ireland golf tour.
However, if arriving in Dublin or Shannon for a visit to Northern Ireland, you’ll require an electronic travel authorisation.
And that’s everything you need to know about the UK ETA for golf trips.
Visit our support hub for more expert golf travel tips.
Further reading
