"A hand holding a smartphone displaying the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) application interface, presented by Lery Hago Travels."

What is an Electronic Travel Authorization?

Travel documentation and approvals are essential for international trips. One such document that is gaining traction is the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). Recently, the United Kingdom announced plans to expand its ETA process to include all visa-free countries. But what exactly is an ETA, and how does it differ from other travel approvals such as eVisas, visas-on-arrival, and traditional visas?

Understanding Traditional Visas

A traditional visa is a formal endorsement that allows you to enter, stay in, or leave a country. Typically, you apply for it well in advance at an embassy or consulate. This process often involves submitting extensive documentation, attending an interview, and waiting weeks, sometimes months, for approval.

Visas on Arrival

Visas on arrival (VOA) simplify things slightly. Instead of applying beforehand, you complete the visa process at the destination airport or border. While convenient, VOAs will require you to provide documentation such as return tickets, proof of funds, and pre-filled application forms.

The Rise of eVisas

An eVisa, or electronic visa, takes the convenience of VOAs a step further. You apply and pay online, receiving an electronic version of your visa via email. This means you arrive at your destination with pre-approval, speeding up immigration procedures. While it’s faster than traditional visas, eVisas still require planning and can take several days to process.

What is an Electronic Travel Authorization?

An ETA is not a visa in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a pre-travel approval for citizens of countries with visa waiver agreements. These agreements typically apply to short-term visits for tourism, business, or transit.

Unlike visas, ETAs are:

Exclusive to visa-exempt travellers: If you need a visa to enter a country, an ETA will not apply.
Streamlined and quicker: Applications are completed online, usually via an app or a dedicated ETA website.
Affordable: Costs are generally lower than traditional visa fees, averaging around $20–$50 per person.
Fast: Processing can take a few hours to a few days, rarely more than a week.

Countries Requiring ETAs for Nigerian Travellers

One example of an ETA process is Kenya’s. All travellers including Nigerian passport holders must apply for an ETA. Here’s what you need to know:

Cost: $30
Processing time: Within three days
Validity: 90 days for single entry
Multiple entry option: Available if you meet these criteria:
- Visit only East African Community (EAC) partner states (Burundi, DR Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda).
- Do not visit any other country.
- Your ETA remains valid within 90 days of issuance.
Special conditions: Only U.S. citizens are eligible for a multi-entry ETA valid for up to five years.