The UK has officially opened applications for its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme to citizens from over 30 European countries.

From March 5, 2025, passport holders from these nations can now apply for an ETA, which will be mandatory for travel to the UK from April 2, 2025.

What is the UK ETA?

The UK government describes the ETA as a “quick and simple process” that allows travellers to obtain permission to visit the UK before departure. According to GOV.UK, an ETA “gives you permission to travel to the UK” but does not guarantee entry. Travellers will still need to either “see a Border Force officer” or “use an ePassport gate” upon arrival.

Who requires an ETA to enter the UK?

Passport holders from the following European countries must obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK:

“Citizens from the following European countries can apply for an ETA to visit the UK from 5 March: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Vatican City,” according to Business Travel News Europe.

Citizens from other countries, including the US, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore, have been required to apply for an ETA since November 2023 to January 2024.

Who doesn’t require a UK ETA?

According to GOV.UK, you do not need an ETA if you:

• Have a visa, permission to live, work or study in the UK (including settled or pre-settled status or right of abode)
• Are a British or Irish citizen
• Are living in Ireland and travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
• Are passing through a UK airport without passing through border control (check with your airline if unsure)
• Are a child travelling on an approved France-UK school trip
• Are travelling with a British overseas territories citizen passport.

How to apply for a UK ETA

The UK government states that the fastest way to apply is by using the UK ETA app, available on Google Play and the App Store. “You need the passport you will travel with – not a photocopy or digital passport – access to your emails, and a payment method,” (GOV.UK.)

Applicants must upload a photo of their passport and a facial image. There is no need to enter specific travel details.

A decision will typically be made within 3 working days. The ETA is valid for two years or until the passport used for application expires. Travellers can enter the UK multiple times while their ETA is valid.

How much does a UK ETA cost?

Currently, the UK ETA costs £10 (€11.70) per application. However, the UK government has proposed increasing this fee to £16 (€18.70), which has drawn criticism.

For European travellers, the introduction of the ETA adds a new layer of bureaucracy, requiring additional planning before trips to the UK. While the process is relatively simple, the fee and potential delays in processing could be a concern for frequent travellers.

For further details and to apply for a UK ETA, visit the official UK Government website.

Read about other EU travel changes for 2025.

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