In a significant overhaul of longstanding travel protocols, European citizens planning to visit the United Kingdom will be required to obtain a mandatory Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from Wednesday. The British government states that the move is aimed at enhancing border security.
The ETA, which can be acquired online, is currently available at a cost of £10 (€12). However, this price is set to increase to £16 from 9 April.
The new requirement mirrors the United States’ ESTA system and will become compulsory for all European visitors to the UK from 2 April, following its earlier implementation for citizens of the US, Canada, and other visa-exempt countries in January.
“By digitising the immigration system we are paving the way for a contactless UK border,”said Migration Minister Seema Malhotra earlier this month, when the government portal opened for applications.
“Expanding ETA worldwide cements our commitment to enhance security through technology and innovation.”
Key Details of the ETA System
The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) introduces a streamlined, digital process for eligible foreign nationals wishing to visit the UK. It is designed to enhance border control, reduce paperwork, and offer a faster, more efficient entry system for travellers. Below are the essential details:
Who Needs an ETA?
- All European nationals (excluding Irish citizens) planning to enter the UK from 2 April 2025 onward.
- Visitors from visa-exempt countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several others (already in effect since January).
- Minors and infants are not exempt — a separate ETA must be secured for each individual, regardless of age.
Validity and Duration
- Once approved, an ETA remains valid for two years, or until the passport used during the application expires — whichever comes first.
- Travellers can use a valid ETA for multiple short-term visits to the UK during its validity period.
- Each visit is limited to a maximum of six months for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or short-term study.
Cost and Payment
- The current application fee is £10 (€12).
- From 9 April, the price will rise to £16, as announced by the Home Office.
- Payment is made online during the application process using a debit or credit card.
How to Apply
- Applications can be completed in under 10 minutes via:
- The official UK government website, or
- The dedicated ETA mobile app (available for iOS and Android).
- Applicants must upload:
- A clear photo of their passport details page.
- A recent facial photograph, taken using a smartphone or webcam.
Processing Time
- In most cases, ETA approvals are granted within minutes.
- However, applicants are strongly advised to apply at least three working days in advance to account for any unforeseen delays or additional checks.
Link to Passport
- The ETA is electronically linked to the passport used during the application.
- Travellers do not need to carry any additional documentation — the authorisation will be verified digitally by border officers upon arrival.
Who Doesn’t Need an ETA?
- UK citizens and residents.
- Individuals with valid UK visas or existing immigration permissions.
- Travellers transiting airside through the UK without passing through border control (only at Heathrow or Manchester airports).
Countries Affected
From 3 April, the new rule applies to nationals of approximately 30 European countries, covering all EU nations except Ireland. This is part of the UK’s broader strategy post-Brexit, having officially left the European Union in 2020.
Airside Transit Exemptions
Travellers transiting airside without passing through UK border control are exempt from the ETA. This exception was granted following lobbying from Heathrow Airport, which was concerned about losing connecting passengers.
Currently, only Heathrow and Manchester airports support airside transit in the UK.
Heathrow alone saw nearly 84 million passengers pass through in 2024, with roughly one-third originating from EU nations.
ETA Rollout and Expansion
Initially launched in 2023 for Qatari nationals, the ETA scheme was later extended to five neighbouring Gulf countries. In January 2024, the programme further expanded to include nationals from around 50 countries and territories, such as Argentina, South Korea, and New Zealand.
By the end of 2024, nearly 1.1 million ETA approvals had been issued, according to Home Office figures.
It is important to note that this authorisation is not required for UK residents or anyone who already possesses a valid UK immigration status.
The UK’s ETA model closely aligns with the European Union’s ETIAS system, designed for visa-exempt travellers visiting 30 EU countries including France and Germany. However, ETIAS has been postponed until 2026.
