The U.K. will expand its Electronic Travel Authorization program to inbound travelers from Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere in 2025.

The ETA, launched in 2023, initially applied to inbound travelers from several Middle Eastern countries, but the British government confirmed last week that non-Europeans will need an ETA for U.K. travel beginning Jan. 8, 2025, while Europeans will need one beginning April 2. 

Non-Europeans can begin the application process on Nov. 27, while Europeans can begin the application process from March 5. 

The program already is required for citizens of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan. 

ETA is required for anyone planning to visit the U.K., except British and Irish citizens. Travelers will need to apply and be approved for an ETA prior to their trip, and the document will be linked to a traveler’s passport and “ensure more robust security checks.” 

An ETA will cost 10 British pounds (about $13.10), and they will permit multiple trips to the U.K. for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. The aim of the program is to digitize the U.K. border and immigration system.

Travel authorization for Europe

Meanwhile, beginning in the first half of 2025 — the official start date has not yet been announced — visitors from 60 visa-exempt countries, including the United States, will be required to have a European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) authorization to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. It will be linked to a traveler’s passport and will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. 

With an ETIAS travel authorization, which will cost 7 euros (about $7.75), a person can enter these 30 European countries as often as they want for short-term stays (normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period). It does not, however, guarantee entry. According to the EU travel website, “most applications are processed within minutes,” but it may take longer to process if additional information is needed, so apply “well in advance of your planned journey.”

“When you get your ETIAS travel authorization, please make sure your name, passport number and other information is correct: if there is any mistake, you will not be allowed to cross the border,” according to the EU.

Source: Business Travel News