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Fancy a London getaway or an adventure in the Scottish Highlands? Heads up! From April 2025, European travellers will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK. This new system, introduced in response to Brexit, aims to strengthen border controls. But who is affected? How does it work? Destination(s) Europe explains it all in this article.
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What is ETA, and how much does it cost?
The ETA – for Electronic Travel Authorisation – is a mandatory digital visa for travellers going to the United Kingdom, except for holders of a traditional visa or a British passport. The aim is to digitize and simplify administrative procedures while strengthening security. At least, that’s the stated objective.
The ETA is inspired by similar systems adopted by other countries, such as ESTA in the United States or ETA in Australia.
This document costs approximately €12 (£10) and allows multiple stays in the United Kingdom, for a maximum of six months per visit. It is valid for two years, or until the expiry of the traveller’s passport if it expires before then.
Who will need to obtain an ETA?
European citizens, who until now did not need a visa to enter the United Kingdom, will now have to obtain one. This change takes effect on April 2, 2025.
It will apply to those coming for tourism, business, or family visits, and even to those using the UK simply as a transit point. ETA applications can be made from March 2025 via a dedicated app called “UK ETA”, or via an online form.
Travellers from countries such as Qatar, Bahrain or Saudi Arabia have already had to comply with this requirement since 2024.
Why this measure?
This new regulation stems directly from Brexit, which ended freedom of movement between the United Kingdom and European countries. With the ETA, the UK aims to exert greater control over individuals entering its territory. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to digitize border processes, seeking to improve security and modernize the management of migration flows.
The British government justifies this measure by stating that it is consistent with practices in other countries, notably the United States and Australia. It should be noted that the European Union also plans to introduce a similar system (although not a visa per se), ETIAS, scheduled for mid-2025. This system will apply to citizens of more than sixty countries, including the United Kingdom, and will cost €7 for a three-year validity period.
What are the impacts?
The introduction of the ETA is seen as an additional barrier to entry to the UK for many travellers. For some sectors, such as tourism, the repercussions could be significant. For example, Heathrow Airport has already expressed concerns about a potential drop in passenger numbers transiting through the UK since the introduction of this system for certain nationalities. According to airport officials, this could harm the country’s competitiveness as an international hub.
Furthermore, the perception of this new administrative and financial formality could influence the choices of European travellers, who will now have to include this additional cost in their travel budget.
How to prepare?
If you plan to travel to the UK after April 2025, it is recommended that you check the application process for an ETA. You can apply directly through the dedicated app from March 2025. Remember to check the validity of your passport, as the ETA will be digitally linked to it.
The application process is relatively simple and similar to the US ESTA. You will simply need to provide your personal information, passport details, and pay the fee. You will then receive your digital travel authorization, which will be automatically linked to your passport and scanned upon your arrival in the UK.
We hope that after this brief explanation, you now know what an ETA is and how to apply for it. Enjoy your stay in the UK!