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The United Kingdom’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system has now been extended to include travelers from Europe.
As of 2 April 2025, all travelers from Europe will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) approval—or, for certain individuals who are not EU citizens—a visa—to enter the UK.
Starting from January 8, 2025, the system became obligatory for travelers coming from the United States, Canada, and Australia. This followed its implementation in November for citizens of Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Continue reading for information about the expenses, duration of validity, and the process to obtain it.
What is the ETA?
The ETA supersedes the Single-Use Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) program, providing a more affordable alternative with multiple entry privileges.
The UK government acknowledges that it is not visa And it does not allow entry into the UK. Instead, it grants a person permission to journey to the UK.
TheETA is now mandatory for all qualifying nationalities. You can view the complete list of countries here. here .
What steps should I follow to obtain an ETA for entering the UK?
Many tourists will have the option to use a mobile application for their applications and should receive an email with a decision within three business days.
Anyone who is traveling must submit an application, this includes infants and kids, however, you have the option to apply on behalf of others as well.
The UK government states that their app is the fastest and most convenient method to apply for an ETA. You can download the ETA app from the official UK government site.
If downloading the app isn’t possible for you, another option is apply online here .
To finish the application, ensure you have ready the following: passport The travel information you'll use, along with an email address and either a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. There will be a series of suitability questions for you to answer. Entering your travel specifics isn’t required.
You have the option to remove the app once you've completed the application process. Your estimated time of arrival will be connected to your passport electronically, so you won’t need to present any additional documents upon entering the UK.
When should you apply for your Electronic Travel Authority?
The authorities state: "It is mandatory to apply for an ETA prior to your journey to the UK. You have permission to travel to the UK even as you await a decision regarding your application."
Given that the majority of applications receive a response within three days, it’s advisable to submit your application at least three days before traveling to the UK. However, you have the option to apply well in advance.
What is the cost of the UK ETA?
Similar to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) used in the United States, a fee is linked to the application process.
The ETA fee is £10 (roughly €12 at the time of writing), increasing to £16 (€19) from 9 April 2025.
For how long is the estimated time of arrival (ETA) valid?
A Two-Year ETA remains valid for its entire duration, so you won’t have to reapply within this period.
You have unlimited visits to the UK within the validity period, yet each visit must not exceed six months. Make sure to check the details. UK government website For additional information regarding the permissions and restrictions associated with an ETA, please refer to the guidelines provided.
Remember that you must apply for a new ETA if you receive a new passport, since your ETA is associated with it.
Do I require a visa to visit the UK?
As stated earlier, the ETA is not a visa; however, it does provide authorization to enter the country.
All travelers who presently do not require a visa must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to their journey. This applies even to individuals who typically do not have to fill out any forms when visiting the UK. The requirement affects citizens from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and more. European Citizens require an Electronic Travel Authorization even for brief visits or when transiting through the UK, for instance.
Visitors coming from nations without visa-exempt status for the UK must continue to apply for the appropriate visa along with an ETA.
If you fail to submit your application prior to traveling, the authorities warn of potential fines; however, they haven't provided additional information regarding this policy.
Even if you're not passing through border control, you still need to apply if you are transiting through the UK.
TheETA enables you to enter theUKfor up to six months for purposes such as tourism, visitingfamilyandfriends, conductingbusiness,or undertakingshort-termstudy.
You may opt for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) instead of a visa if you're entering the UK for up to three months under the Creative Worker visa concession or if you're attending for a permitted paid engagement. However, outside these parameters, using an ETA doesn’t permit you to engage in either compensated or uncompensated work for a British firm or operate independently within the country.
Who doesn’t require an estimated time of arrival?
Citizens of Britain and Ireland, individuals who possess a valid visa or permit allowing them to reside, work, or study in the United Kingdom, travelers holding passports associated with British Overseas Territories, as well as residents of Ireland traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man do not require an ETA.
What is the reason behind the UK implementing the ETA system?
The Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) is included in the UK's strategy. digitise Its boundaries at UK airports will be established by the end of 2025.
The plan aims to decrease queues at the border aiding in accelerating lawful trips to the UK.
Facial recognition The technology needed for implementing "contactless corridors" could be made feasible according to reports from the British newspaper The Times. This would necessitate international travelers submitting both biographical and biometric information, including photographs of themselves. faces via the new Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system prior to their flight.
