UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for Europeans Mandatory from April 2

Charlie UK Immigration 30 March 2025 | | 0

Starting April 2, European nationals travelling to the UK will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before their trip.

This new measure aims to strengthen border security and streamline entry procedures for visa-exempt visitors.

The ETA is a digital travel permit that allows visitors to enter the UK for short stays of up to six months. It applies to nationals from approximately 30 European countries, excluding Ireland, which remains exempt.

Application Process and Cost

Travellers can apply for the ETA online via a government website or a smartphone app. The application requires a passport photo, a facial scan, and basic personal information. The process takes approximately 10 minutes, with most decisions made within minutes. However, the UK Home Office advises allowing up to three working days for processing.

Initially, the ETA costs £10 (€12), but the price will increase to £16 (€19) from April 9. Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years and is digitally linked to the applicant’s passport.

If you're planning a trip to the UK, apply for your ETA as soon as possible to lock in the lower fee before the upcoming price increase.

Who Needs an ETA?

The ETA is required for all visa-exempt European travelers, including minors and babies. However, UK residents and individuals who already hold a UK visa or immigration status do not need to apply.

Flight passengers transiting through the UK without crossing the border are exempt from the requirement. This exemption, requested by Heathrow Airport, applies only to Heathrow and Manchester airports, which have airside transit facilities.

Expansion of the ETA Scheme

The ETA scheme was first introduced in 2023 for travellers from Qatar and later extended to other Gulf nations. In January 2024, it expanded to include nationals from 50 additional countries and territories, such as Argentina, South Korea, and New Zealand. According to the Home Office, nearly 1.1 million ETAs were issued by the end of 2024.

This UK initiative mirrors the EU’s upcoming ETIAS system, set to launch in 2026, which will require visa-exempt travellers to obtain authorisation before visiting Schengen Area countries.

European visitors planning trips to the UK should ensure they apply for an ETA in advance to avoid travel disruptions.

With the cost set to rise from April 9, early applications can help save on fees. The move represents a significant shift in post-Brexit UK travel rules and aligns the country with global entry authorisation trends.

For more details and to apply for an ETA, travellers can visit the UK government’s official website.

When do you plan to visit the UK? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.

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