If you’re planning to travel to the United Kingdom under the new UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) system in 2025, you might be wondering:
Can I travel to Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland with a UK ETA?

The short answer is: Yes, you can.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how the UK ETA works, where it allows you to travel, and what to consider if you’re exploring destinations beyond England.

What Is the UK ETA?

The UK ETA is a digital travel permit for visa-exempt nationals who wish to enter the UK for short stays of up to 6 months. It applies to travelers visiting for:

• Tourism

• Business

• Transit

• Short study programs

• Visiting family or friends

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Does the UK ETA Cover All Parts of the UK?

Absolutely. The UK ETA is valid for entry into all four countries of the United Kingdom:

• England

• Scotland

• Wales

• Northern Ireland

Once you arrive in the UK—regardless of the airport or port of entry—you are free to travel between the four nations without needing additional visas or permits.

📍 For example: If you land in London with a valid UK ETA, you can take a train to Edinburgh, a car trip to Cardiff, or a ferry to Belfast—all legally and without border checks.

Key Points to Remember

• The UK ETA is only valid for visa-exempt nationalities (e.g., USA, EU countries, Gulf countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.).

• You can stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

• You cannot work or live permanently in the UK under the ETA.

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Do I Need a Separate ETA for Each Country?

No. The UK ETA is issued once and is valid throughout the entire United Kingdom.
There are no internal borders between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, so you can move freely once you’re inside the UK.

What About the Republic of Ireland?

Here’s where things get a bit different.

The Republic of Ireland is not part of the United Kingdom. The UK ETA does not allow entry into the Republic of Ireland (Dublin, Cork, etc.).

If you plan to visit the Republic of Ireland, you must check their visa rules separately.

Top Attractions You Can Visit with a UK ETA

Scotland

• Edinburgh Castle

• Isle of Skye

• Loch Ness

Wales

• Snowdonia National Park

• Cardiff Castle

• Brecon Beacons

Northern Ireland

• Giant’s Causeway

• Belfast City Hall

• The Dark Hedges (Game of Thrones fans alert!)

Conclusion

With a valid UK ETA, you can explore the entire United Kingdom—including Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—without any additional paperwork. It’s a seamless way to experience the UK’s diverse cultures, landscapes, and histories.

Just remember: The ETA does not include the Republic of Ireland, so plan accordingly if you’re crossing that border.