Starting from 2025, business visitors from Europe and the US will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling to the UK. This new requirement is part of an expanded ETA travel scheme that involves an online application process and a £10 fee. The ETA will be mandatory for visitors coming to the UK for up to six months for purposes such as tourism, visiting family and friends, business, or short-term studies. The requirement will apply to international travellers from countries like the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada from 8 January 2025, and will extend to European visitors from 2 April 2025.
Impact on business travel
The introduction of the ETA represents a significant change for many travellers who previously only needed their passport to enter the UK. While the process is designed to be low-cost and quick, it does introduce a new logistical step for business travel. Employers are advised to start preparing for these changes to avoid disruptions. This includes identifying which employees will need to travel to the UK and ensuring that ETA applications are submitted in a timely manner. Applications for the cohort of travellers needing ETA from 8 January can be submitted from 27 November 2024.
Permitted activities and remote work
The new immigration rules, effective from 31 January 2024, have also expanded the range of permitted business activities for visitors. Overseas employees of the same corporate group can now engage directly with UK clients, provided the activities are incidental to their overseas employment and required for the delivery of a project or service by the UK branch of their employer. Additionally, visitors are permitted to engage in remote work related to their overseas employment, as long as it is not the primary purpose of their visit.
Legal and compliance considerations
Employers should note that not all travellers will be eligible to use the ETA. Individuals with criminal convictions, who may have previously visited the UK visa-free, will now need to apply for a full visa. Planning is crucial, as a full visa application takes more time and preparation than an ETA request. The UK government typically takes three working days to process an ETA application, which lasts for two years and allows unlimited entries to the UK during that period. However, if a traveller gets a new passport, they will need to apply for a new ETA.
Additional considerations
Permitted Paid Engagements (PPE): From 31 January 2024, the specific PPE visa will be abolished and absorbed into the Standard Visitor visa. This change will allow visitors to undertake paid engagements within 30 days of entry, provided the engagement was arranged before travel.
Legal professionals: The scope of permitted activities for legal professionals has been expanded to include arbitrations, court appearances, and transactional legal services. This change acknowledges the complexities of legal work involving diverse client parties and practices.
Remote work: While remote work is permitted, it should not be the primary purpose of the visit. Employers should ensure compliance with visitor requirements and immigration regulations to avoid potential scrutiny.
Employers should start preparing for these changes now to ensure smooth business travel and compliance with the new requirements.
This article was generated using Lex HR, an AI tool designed to assist HR professionals with employment law. If you find the content helpful, please explore Lex HR and sign up for a free trial to see how it can benefit your HR practices.
