UK Launches Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) Requirement for EU Visitors in April 2025

Visiting the United Kingdom soon? Be prepared for an extra digital step before you depart. As of early April 2025, the UK government has rolled out its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for visa-exempt visitors, meaning many travelers – including those from Europe – must apply online for permission to enter the country. 

This latest development, part of the post-Brexit overhaul of UK border controls, requires eligible tourists and business travelers to obtain a €19 (about 21 USD) electronic permit prior to arrival. The goal is to strengthen security and streamline entry, but what does this new ETA requirement actually mean for travelers? Below, we break down the recent updates, who needs an ETA, how it works, and how it might impact your future trips.

Recent Updates on the UK ETA

On 2 April 2025, the ETA requirement officially came into force for European travellers, marking the first time EU visitors have needed prior digital permission for UK entry. Under this new rule, citizens from European Union countries must apply for an ETA online before their trip. The entry permit currently costs £10 (approximately €12), but the UK government has announced the fee will rise to £17 as of 9 April 2025 – travelers should take note of this price change when planning.

Irish citizens remain exempt from the ETA requirement due to the longstanding Common Travel Area arrangements between the UK and Ireland. Aside from that exception, most overseas visitors now fall under the ETA scheme if they previously did not need a visa. 

This spring 2025 expansion represents the final phase of the ETA rollout. The scheme has been introduced in stages since 2023, and this expansion to Europe now completes its global implementation. The goal is to pre-screen visitors before they arrive on British soil.

Who Needs an ETA to Visit the UK?

In summary, any traveler who previously could enter the UK without a visa now needs to obtain an ETA before travel. This requirement applies to visitors from Europe and dozens of other visa-waiver countries worldwide. For example, citizens of the EU member states, European Economic Area (EEA) countries, Switzerland, as well as nations like the United States, Canada, Australia, and Japan all must get an ETA. Even passengers simply transiting through a UK airport en route to another destination must have an ETA if they are from one of these eligible countries.

There are a few exceptions. British and Irish nationals are exempt and do not need an ETA to travel to the UK. Also, individuals who already hold a valid UK visa or immigration permission (such as a work or study visa), and those with legal residence status in the UK, do not require an ETA. Travelers coming from Ireland to the UK (or between the UK’s Crown Dependencies like Jersey and Guernsey) under the Common Travel Area also do not need an ETA. Aside from these cases, all short-term visitors should plan to apply for an ETA in advance of their trip.

How to Apply for a UK ETA

Applying for an ETA is a straightforward digital process that can be done online. Here is a simplified overview of the steps:

1. Access the application platform: Visit the UK online ETA portal and access the UK ETA Application Form.
2. Provide required information: Have your passport handy and fill in your personal details as requested. You’ll answer a few security questions and may need to upload a passport-style photo.
3. Pay the fee and submit: The application fee (currently £16) is paid online by credit/debit card or digital wallet. Submit your application and wait for confirmation.
4. Receive approval: In most cases approval is very fast (urgent processing is also available). You will get an email notification once your ETA is approved and linked to your passport.

Each traveler, including babies and children, needs their own ETA. Be sure to travel with the same passport you used to apply – airlines and border officers will verify your ETA electronically via your passport.

Tip: For more details or to start an ETA application, visit united-kingdom-visa.com.

Impact on EU Travelers and Tourism

For citizens of EU countries, the introduction of the ETA marks a notable change in travel requirements. European travelers now face a small extra step that did not exist before 2025: a fee and an online form to complete before their journey. Travel organizations have been working to spread awareness so trips are not disrupted. Airlines, ferry companies, and travel agents are informing customers about the new rule, since carriers must check that passengers have a valid ETA before boarding.

Industry experts generally believe the quick, low-cost ETA process will not deter tourists from visiting the UK. A major airline has said it does not expect the permit rule to reduce demand for flights from Europe. (In 2024, roughly 23.5 million EU residents visited the UK.) As long as the application system runs smoothly, the impact on visitor numbers should be minimal.

Travel is also becoming a two-way street in this regard. Just as Europeans now need ETAs for the UK, British travelers will soon have to get the EU’s forthcoming ETIAS pass to visit Europe. These mutual requirements are seen as the new normal in international travel, and tourism stakeholders are adjusting so that digital pre-travel clearances become a routine part of trip planning.

Official Rationale and Reactions

UK officials stress that the ETA is designed to bolster security and modernize border control. By screening visitors in advance, they aim to stop potential threats before arrival and reduce bottlenecks at passport checkpoints. This initiative is part of a broader plan to digitize the border by 2025. Authorities also note that Britain is joining many other countries in this approach – the U.S., Canada, and Australia have similar entry authorizations.

Initial reactions have been largely positive or neutral. Security experts welcome the added layer of protection, and tourism industry leaders point out that the fee is modest. The main priority now is making sure travelers are aware of the new requirement and find the application process easy.

Benefits of the ETA for Travelers

While an ETA adds an extra step before departure, it does come with certain benefits for visitors. Once approved, an ETA is valid for two years and covers multiple trips, so frequent travelers won’t need to reapply for every visit. The application itself is quick and fully online, sparing travelers from lengthy visa processes. And because the ETA is linked to your passport, it can make border entry faster and more efficient on arrival.

Conclusion

The rollout of the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation system is a landmark change in the country’s entry requirements. It shows how border management is evolving in the digital age – now a brief online application precedes the traditional passport stamp. For most travelers, the ETA will be a minor addition to their pre-trip checklist, one that can be handled quickly well before departure. 

As the summer tourist season approaches, awareness of the ETA is expected to grow until this step becomes routine for travelers. The UK remains eager to welcome tourists, business visitors, students and others from around the world, and the ETA is simply a new gateway to make those visits more secure. 

Travelers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the process and apply in advance of their trip. For further details on the UK ETA or to start an application, you can visit The United Kingdom ETA Portal to get ready for your UK trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need an ETA to visit the UK if I’m an EU citizen?
  Yes. As of April 2025, all EU/EEA and Swiss travelers (except Irish citizens) must apply for an ETA before visiting the UK, even for short trips or transit. Irish nationals can still travel without an ETA under the Common Travel Area agreement.
• How much does the UK ETA cost and how long is it valid?
  The ETA costs £16 per person (around €19) as of early 2025, and is set to rise in mid-April 2025. Once approved, an ETA is valid for two years (or until your passport expires) and allows multiple UK visits of up to six months each.
• When should I apply for an ETA, and how long does approval take?
  It’s best to apply a few days before your trip, although many approvals come through within 1–3 days. You can also apply well in advance, since an ETA remains valid for two years and will cover multiple trips during that time.
• Do I need an ETA if I am transiting through the UK?
  Yes. If you’re from a country that requires an ETA, you must have one even if you are only transiting through the UK (for example, changing planes at a London airport). The only exception is Irish citizens, who do not need an ETA for transit.