Starting today, April 2, 2025, all European Union passport holders, including children and babies, must hold an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) permit in order to be permitted entry into the UK.
EU nationals have been eligible to apply for the travel permit since March 5, 2025. Now that this “transitional period” is over, ETA is mandatory for EU nationals, and those who do not hold the travel permit upon arrival at the UK’s border will not be allowed entry, Schengen.News report.
Eligible Europeans will need an ETA to travel from April 2, 2025.
What Is ETA & Its Aim?
The ETA replaces the Electronic Visa Waiver scheme and now applies to all travellers all over the world who currently do not need a visa to travel to the UK for short stays.
Contrary to some media reports, ETA is not a visa. Rather, the document authorises a person to travel to the UK.
An ETA is a digital permission to travel – it is not a visa and does not permit entry into the UK – it authorises a person to travel to the UK.
The aim of the ETA is to help the UK authorities prevent the abuse of the immigration system and to ensure strengthened border controls.
Those who hold an ETA will be eligible for multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the passport of the holder expires, whichever is sooner.
How to Apply for an ETA?
Applying for an ETA is very quick and simple. The easiest way to apply for this travel permit is through the UK ETA app on your smartphone.
However, an application for an ETA can also be made on the official website of the UK government for those who do not have access to a smartphone.
To apply for an ETA, applicants need to provide their contact and passport details, pay a fee, provide a valid photo, and answer a set of questions.
Once travellers apply for an ETA, the app can be deleted as the permit will be linked to the passport digitally.
Currently, most applicants receive an automatic decision in their email minutes after applying for the permit. Nonetheless, those who need the permit have been advised to allow three working days for a decision to be made as there are still a number of cases that need further review.
You will usually get a decision within three working days. Most people get a much quicker decision. Occasionally, it may take longer than three working days.
Can You Make Group Applications for an ETA?
Even if you plan to travel to the UK as a group, each person must apply for the ETA permit separately.
Despite being a group and applying at the same time, each applicant may get a decision on their ETA applications at different times. This is because some applications may need further review than others.
As for those who need to travel soon, you must apply for an ETA and can travel to the UK while waiting for a decision.
What Happens If You Are Not Able to Obtain an ETA?
If an applicant is rejected their application for an ETA, they will be provided with the reason and will be able to apply for the permit again.
As for those who are refused an ETA, the UK authorities have explained that they cannot appeal and instead will need to apply for a visa if they still want to seek permission to travel to the UK.
How Long Is an ETA Valid & How Much Does It Cost?
An ETA is valid for a period of two years. Once the permit is obtained, you will not need to apply for the document again during this period, unless your passport expires.
Currently, the fee for an ETA is £10 (€12). However, the UK has decided to hike this fee starting April 9, 2025. From this Sunday, the ETA fee will increase to £16 (€19).
From April 9, 2025, an ETA will cost £16. This increase will reduce the reliance on taxpayer funding for the migration and border system.
Who Does Not Need an ETA?
The ETA requirement does not apply to the following groups of people when travelling to the UK:
- Those who hold a valid visa or need to apply for a visa to travel to the UK
- Those who have permission to live, work or study in the UK
- Those who are transiting through a UK airport provided that they do not pass through border control
- Those who are a British or Irish citizen
- Those who are travelling to the UK with a British overseas territories citizen passport or a British National (Overseas) passport
- Those who live in Ireland and are travelling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man
- French schoolchildren travelling on the France-UK school trip travel information form
- Those who are exempt from immigration control
It is believed that a large number of travellers, including EU citizens, have already applied for an ETA. Official data regarding this month is yet to be shared.