The UK’s storied Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is about to see one of its final developments as it gets rolled out to European citizens. Nationals of all European Union countries (except Ireland), plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino and Vatican City are now obliged to apply for the electronic permission to travel before crossing the UK’s border.
The ETA is designed to “strengthen the immigration system’s security and keep our country safe by screening people before they set foot in the UK”, a government release explains.
ETA Applications are now open for EU citizens visiting the UK!
— EU Delegation UK (@EUdelegationUK) March 6, 2025
Planning a UK trip after 2 April? You’ll need an ETA!
✅ Cost: £10
✅ Valid for 2 years (or until your passport expires)
✅ Allows multiple UK visits
Apply now via the UK ETA app or here: https://t.co/kDmwjhjBSq pic.twitter.com/EBeGrEqNRk
Similar to existing systems in countries such as the USA and Canada, since January 2024, the ETA has been a mandatory pre-cursor to UK visit for citizens of a range of countries worldwide without a visa or residency rights. Now, Europeans must also gain that permission. It does not, however, apply to Irish citizens or dual Irish-British citizens who benefit from the Common Travel Area.
Hailing the ETA as part of the government’s commitment to technology and innovation, the Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, said: “Securing our borders is a foundation of the UK government’s Plan for Change and by digitising the immigration system we are paving the way for a contactless UK border, ensuring visitors enjoy a seamless travel experience in the future.”
To apply, would-be travellers to the UK must go online to the official gov.uk website or use the UK ETA app to complete their application. The UK has long been an early-adopter of online commerce and government services, and it is expected that the process will be seamless, resulting in a decision within minutes for most people. However, some applications require additional review, so candidates are advised to fill in the form at least three working days before they wish to travel.
The process entails submission of both biographic (document-matching) and biometric (images and fingerprint) details, as well as suitability questions and criminal record information. There is also a fee involved: £10 (currently nearly €12) covers multiple UK visits of up to 6 months each, over the course of two years, or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner. The government also points out that “an ETA is not a visa, it is a digital permission to travel.”
Travel industry stakeholders have been positive about the ETA scheme’s implementation after close consultation with tour operators, airlines, ferry and rail companies. Eurostar, for example, anticipates no delays in relation to the rollout.
