Visitors told to prepare for new ETA rules

Electronic Travel Authorisations to be enforced from 23 April

Some travellers coming to the Isle of Man from outside the Common Travel Area will soon need to purchase an ETA: Electronic Travel Authorisation.

They've been a requirement for travel to the UK from outside the Common Travel Area since February and the Isle of Man is now mirroring that scheme.

Applications are now open for ETAs ahead of them being enforced from Thursday, 23 April.

"40,000 people will be here, we'll be enjoying their company, and some of them will need ETAs"

Treasury Minister Chris Thomas says it's crucial people are made aware of this change ahead of the TT:

Do I need an ETA?

People travelling to the Island for visits of up to six months and who do not hold a valid visa will require an ETA, including children. ETAs are linked to an applicant’s passport, and valid for two years from the date of issue or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner.

You do not need an ETA if you are:

• A British citizen or Irish citizen – including dual nationals – who must travel into the CTA with their British or Irish passports (an Isle of Man variant passport is a British passport)
• A person who already has a valid visa or immigration permission(s) to live, work or study within the CTA
• A person who holds settled or pre-settled status granted under the EU Settlement Scheme
• A child travelling to the Isle of Man as part of an organised French school trip
• A person travelling with a British Overseas Territories citizen or British National (Overseas) passport
• A resident of the Republic of Ireland travelling from the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, Jersey or Guernsey

ETAs have been a requirement for travel to the UK from outside the CTA since 25 February 2026. The Isle of Man’s scheme mirrors the UK’s, and ETAs issued in the Isle of Man, United Kingdom and the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey will be mutually recognised. That means valid ETAs issued in each of the four jurisdictions will be valid for travel to any of them.

The legal requirements to travel between the jurisdictions within the CTA have not changed – for example, for travel between the Isle of Man and the UK – however, non-visa national visitors entering the CTA via the Republic of Ireland will require an ETA.

You can find more information HERE.

Contact the Isle of Man Immigration Service in the following ways:

• Email: immigration@gov.im
• Telephone: +44 1624 685203 - Monday to Friday 9:30am to 12:30pm
• Address: Isle of Man Immigration Office, Ground Floor, Government Office, Bucks Road, Douglas, IM1 3PN
• Website: Isle of Man Immigration Service – Contact us