Starting 2 April 2025, European citizens must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK. This new travel requirement is part of the UK government’s effort to strengthen border security and streamline the travel process. Here’s everything you need to know about the new ETA system and how it will affect your travel plans to the UK.
What is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)?
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is an online travel permit that allows visitors to enter the UK without needing a traditional visa. It is designed to replace the existing visa waiver for certain nationalities, including those from European countries, who wish to visit the UK for short stays such as tourism, business, or transit.
Like the ESTA system used for entry into the United States, the ETA will be electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and provide an efficient and secure method for pre-screening passengers before their arrival.
Why is the ETA Being Introduced?
The UK government introduced the ETA to enhance border security and ensure that travellers entering the country meet the required entry conditions. The system will help identify individuals who may pose security or immigration risks and reduce the need for lengthy checks at the border.
The ETA also aims to improve the traveller experience by speeding up the entry process, particularly for those who are already eligible for visa-free entry to the UK. It will give UK border authorities a clearer picture of who is entering the country before they arrive, which can lead to quicker and more efficient immigration processing.
Who Will Need to Apply for an ETA?
From 2 April 2025, European citizens and nationals of other visa-exempt countries will need to apply for an ETA before they travel to the UK. This includes those visiting for tourism, business, or transiting through the UK. The list of countries eligible for an ETA will be similar to the current visa waiver programme.
Although European Union (EU) citizens will be required to apply for the ETA, they will not need a visa for short stays of up to six months. The ETA is designed to be a simple and quick process, and once granted, it will be valid for multiple visits over a period of up to two years.
How to Apply for an ETA
Applying for an ETA will be straightforward and can be completed online. Travellers must provide basic personal details, such as their name, nationality, passport information, travel plans, and contact information. You will also be required to answer a few security-related questions to ensure you meet the entry requirements.
The application process will take just a few minutes to complete. Once approved, travellers will receive their ETA electronically. The ETA will then be linked to the traveller’s passport, and there will be no need to print out any documents.
It is advisable to apply for the ETA well in advance of your planned travel, but the process will typically be quick. Most applications are processed within a few minutes to a few days.
When Should You Apply for Your ETA?
To avoid any travel disruptions, it is recommended that you apply for the ETA at least 72 hours before your departure. Although most applications will be processed quickly, this buffer period allows for any unforeseen delays or complications in the approval process.
What Happens if You Don’t Apply for an ETA?
From 2 April 2025, it will be a requirement to have an approved ETA before travelling to the UK. Failure to apply for an ETA or being denied approval could result in being refused entry upon arrival in the UK. It is, therefore, essential to ensure that your ETA is approved before your travel date.
Cost of the ETA
The cost of applying for an ETA has not been confirmed yet, but it is expected to be a small fee to cover the processing and administrative costs associated with the system. The government has stated that the application process will be simple and inexpensive, with the aim of making travel to the UK more efficient and secure without imposing significant financial burdens on visitors.
The Benefits of the ETA for European Visitors
- Faster Border Processing: The ETA system will enable faster entry into the UK by allowing travellers to be pre-screened before they arrive, reducing immigration delays.
- Enhanced Security: The system will help UK authorities better monitor who is entering the country, contributing to improved national security and the safety of its citizens.
- Multiple Visits: The ETA will be valid for up to two years, allowing multiple visits to the UK during that period without needing to reapply each time.
- Visa-Free Travel: European visitors can continue to visit the UK for short stays without the need for a traditional visa, making travel to the UK easier and more convenient.