Starting from April 2, 2025, the vast majority of overseas visitors to the United Kingdom will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the country. This move is part of the UK Home Office’s efforts to implement a “more streamlined, digital immigration system” aimed at improving security and efficiency at UK borders.

The UK Government has confirmed that all travellers, except British and Irish citizens, will need prior permission to enter the country. For most visitors, this will come in the form of an ETA, while others who do not qualify for visa-free travel will continue to require an eVisa. The new measure particularly affects European travellers who, up until now, have enjoyed unrestricted visa-free entry to the UK. From April 2025, they will also need to obtain an ETA.

While non-Europeans have already been required to secure an ETA for travel to the UK, this expansion aims to regulate all entries more effectively. Government officials state that implementing the scheme worldwide will help “prevent abuse of our immigration system.”

Similar to systems used in the United States, Canada, and Australia, the ETA is a digital travel permit that must be applied for online before travel.

Visitors can apply via the official UK ETA app or government website, where they will need to provide a photograph and answer security-related questions concerning their criminal history and suitability to enter the UK.

The cost of an ETA will initially be £10, payable through various payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, and Apple Pay. The permit will be valid for multiple visits of up to six months each within a two-year period or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

According to the Home Office, most ETA applications will be processed within three working days, though many may receive approval within minutes, similar to the Australian and Canadian systems.

However, the government advises travellers to apply well in advance to avoid any delays.

If an application is denied due to errors, the applicant will be given a reason and may reapply. However, if an individual is deemed unsuitable, they will not have the right to appeal but may be able to apply for a standard visitor visa instead.

Airlines, ferry companies, and train operators will be responsible for ensuring that passengers have a valid ETA before boarding. Carriers that fail to verify an ETA may face fines of up to £2,000 per undocumented traveller.

Travellers entering the UK through ferry routes, Eurostar trains, or Eurotunnel services will undergo ETA checks before departing from Continental Europe.

One key area of concern remains the UK’s land border with Northern Ireland, as there is currently no clear plan for verifying whether travellers crossing from the Republic of Ireland have a valid ETA.

Passengers in “airside” transit—those who remain within the airport’s transit area without passing through UK border control—will no longer need an ETA. This decision follows concerns raised by London Heathrow Airport regarding the inconvenience posed to short-term transit passengers. However, those who pass through passport control, even if just to switch airports, will still require an ETA.

Comparison with Other Countries’ Fees

The UK’s £10 ETA fee is relatively moderate compared to similar schemes worldwide:

• Australia: eVisitor permits are free.

• Canada: ETA costs C$7 (£4) and is valid for five years.

• Europe (upcoming Etias system): Expected to cost €7 (£6) for three years.

• United States: ESTA costs $21 (£16) for two years.

• New Zealand: NZeTA costs NZ$17 (£8) for two years, plus an additional International Visitor Levy of NZ$100 (£44).

The UK Home Office has already indicated that the cost of an ETA is likely to increase to £16 in the future, subject to parliamentary approval.

Travelers are warned to apply only through official UK government channels, as fraudulent websites have already emerged, charging inflated fees for processing ETAs. Some unofficial websites have been reported to charge up to £78 on top of the standard £10 fee.