New charge for majority of UK visitors from today as ETA travel scheme rolls out

ETAs wil be mandatory for passengers from April 2 but can be applied for from today

13:46, 05 Mar 2025Updated 14:12, 05 Mar 2025

Airline and ferry staff are expected to check that passengers have valid ETAs before allowing them to board (Image: Getty )

Visitors to the UK from overseas are facing a £10 charge from today, Wednesday, March 5, as the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme rolls out. Europeans can now apply for an ETA and will need one to enter the country from Wednesday, April 2.

Applications can be made on the UK ETA app and it is said the ‘majority’ of decisions will be made in minutes. Applicants must provide their biographic and biometric details and answer questions on ‘suitability’ and ‘criminality’.

The UK Government said that ETAs will strengthen the immigration system’s security and keep the UK safe by screening people before they enter the country.

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.

“Expanding ETA worldwide cements our commitment to enhance security through technology and innovation.”

The UK Government confirmed that Irish citizens would not be subject to ETAs. They said: “Everyone wishing to travel to the UK – except British and Irish citizens – will need permission to travel in advance of coming here. This can be either through an Electronic Travel Authorisation or an eVisa.”

An ETA costs £10, although the Home Office already has plans to increase this to £16, although there is no date for this. It allows multiple visits to the UK of up to six months over a two-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. While most applications will be approved quickly, it is recommended that travellers allow three working days to obtain their ETA.

The expansion to include European travellers, excluding Irish citizens, follows a roll out to non-European nationals last year. People entering the country from the USA, Canada and Australia already need an ETA to enter Britain.

Airlines and ferry companies will be required to check visitors have an ETA in place before they board a flight or a ferry.

And having an ETA does not exclude people from using the ePassport gates or going through border control. But passengers who remain airside will not be required to apply for an ETA.