UK Travel Update: ETA Required for EU Nationals from April 2025

ETA, the Electronic Travel Authorisation, introduced by the UK government for visa-exempt travelers, is now open for EU nationals to apply. From April 2, 2025, all EU citizens will need an ETA to enter the UK for short visits. This new requirement is part of the UK's wider move towards digital border controls, ensuring travelers are pre-screened before arrival.

The ETA is a mandatory digital permit for visitors from many countries, including the U.S., Canada, and now the EU, allowing stays of up to 180 days for tourism, business, family visits, and short-term study.

ETA Application Timeline and Process

• Application Process: EU passport holders can apply for the ETA beginning March 5, 2025. The application can be completed online or via the official UK ETA app, requiring personal and passport details, a digital photograph, and a £10 application fee.

• Validity and Duration: Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. It permits multiple visits to the UK, with each stay allowed for up to six months.

• Scope of Travel: The ETA covers various purposes, including tourism, business trips, short-term studies, and family visits. It also applies to travelers transiting through the UK and those entering for permitted paid engagements.

• Inclusion of All Travelers: Every traveler, regardless of age, must obtain an individual ETA. This includes infants and children, ensuring that each person undergoes the necessary pre-travel authorization.

The permit also applies to transit passengers and those entering for permitted paid engagements under UK immigration rules.

The UK’s Move Towards Fully Digital Borders

The UK government sees the ETA system as a step towards a fully digital immigration process. Migration Minister Seema Malhotra stated, "By digitising the immigration system, we are paving the way for a contactless UK border."

Since its initial launch, nearly 1.1 million ETAs have been issued, and the system is set to become the standard for visa-free travelers worldwide.

For Europeans traveling to the UK from April 2025, applying for an ETA is now a standard pre-travel step, a quick digital process before departure.