Europeans can now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation
(ETA) to travel to the UK and will need one from 2 April 2025.
The UK government is taking the last major step in the rollout of
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for the millions of
visitors who pass through the UK border every year. From today,
eligible Europeans can apply for an ETA and will need one to
travel to the UK from Wednesday 2 April 2025.
This expansion follows the successful rollout of ETAs to all
eligible non-European nationals last year, which includes
visitors from the USA, Canada and Australia who now need an
ETA to
travel. Almost 1.1 million visitors have been issued with ETAs
and will benefit from smoother, easier travel to the UK for short
trips in the future.
ETAs will strengthen the immigration system's security and keep
our country safe by screening people before they set foot in the
UK.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, , 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.
Expanding ETA worldwide cements
our commitment to enhance security through technology and
innovation.
Applying for an ETA is quick and simple
through the UK ETA app and, with the
vast majority of applicants currently receiving a decision
automatically in minutes, spontaneous trips to the UK should
still be possible. Prospective visitors can also apply on GOV.UK
if they do not have access to a smartphone.
Applicants provide their biographic and biometric details and
answer questions on suitability and criminality. Once an
applicant has successfully applied, their ETA is digitally linked
to their passport.
While most applications are approved quickly, it is still
recommended to allow up to 3 working days to account for the
small number of cases that require additional review.
An ETA
currently costs £10 and allows multiple visits to the UK of up to
6 months over a 2-year period, or until the holder's passport
expires - whichever is sooner. An ETA is not a visa, it is
a digital permission to travel.
The UK government continues to work closely with the travel
industry, including major airline, maritime and rail carriers, to
ensure the smooth implementation of our new digital requirements.
