Starting April 2, 2025, all European visitors, as well as certain non-EU nationals, will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK.
This new requirement extends the ETA system, which was previously made mandatory for travelers from the US, Canada, and Australia as of January 8, 2025. The system had initially been introduced last November for nationals from Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
The ETA replaces the former Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) program, providing a more affordable alternative with multi-entry validity. However, the UK government clarifies that the ETA is not a visa and does not guarantee entry into the country; it simply allows travelers to journey to the UK. Most travelers can apply for their ETA through a mobile app, with a decision usually arriving via email within three days.
Applications are required for all travelers, including children and infants, although parents or guardians can apply on behalf of minors. To apply, you will need a valid passport, an email address, and a payment method such as a credit or debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. Importantly, you will not need to provide specific travel details. Once the process is completed, your ETA will be linked to your passport, and you will not need to present anything additional upon arrival in the UK.
The UK government has stated: “You must apply for an ETA before you travel to the UK. You can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision.”
The application process is expected to be quick, and decisions are generally made within three days, though applicants are advised to apply at least three days prior to travel. The fee for the ETA is £10 (around €12), but it will rise to £16 (€19) starting April 9, 2025. The ETA is valid for two years, during which travelers can make multiple trips to the UK, although no single stay can exceed six months.
If you receive a new passport, you will need to apply for a new ETA as it is linked to the passport. The ETA is not a visa, but it does grant permission to enter the country for a variety of reasons, including tourism, family visits, business, or short-term study. However, it does not permit employment or self-employment within the UK.
For travelers from countries without visa-free access to the UK, obtaining the appropriate visa is still necessary, in addition to the ETA.
Failure to apply for an ETA before traveling may result in a fine, though further details have not been disclosed. Additionally, travelers transiting through the UK will also need to apply for an ETA, even if they do not pass through border control.
The ETA is not valid for paid or unpaid work, except for those entering the UK under specific concessions, such as the Creative Worker visa concession or for a permitted paid engagement. For more details on eligible activities and the application process, travelers can visit the UK government website.
