Starting April 3, 2025, European visitors to the UK will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the country. The move brings the UK in line with other countries tightening border security through pre-screening systems. The ETA will cost £10 (€12) and will rise to £16 from April 9. Irish citizens are exempt.
The new UK travel permit, part of the government's broader immigration security efforts, was first rolled out to non-European travelers like those from the US, Canada, and Australia in 2023. The ETA allows multiple short stays of up to six months within a two-year period and is digitally linked to the applicant's passport.
Applying is expected to be simple and quick through the UK ETA app. Travelers must submit a photo, personal details, and answer questions related to criminal history and eligibility. Most applicants will receive instant decisions. Airlines, ferries, and train operators will be responsible for checking ETA status before boarding.
Despite the change, low-cost airline easyJet stated it does not expect a drop in demand for travel between Europe and the UK. In 2023, the UK welcomed 22.5 million visitors from EU nations, up from 19 million in 2022.
This policy mirrors similar international systems. Britons, for example, pay around £17 for an ESTA to visit the United States. Meanwhile, the EU plans to introduce its own Entry/Exit System (EES) and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) later this year. These systems will digitally track travelers and require UK nationals to apply for authorization before entering the EU.
The UK government says expanding ETA globally reinforces its commitment to advanced border security using digital innovation.