As of April 2nd, every European citizen who travels to the United Kingdom and remains in the country for a period of less than 6 months must first request an Electronic Travel Authorisation or ETA.
What is an ETA?
Electronic travel or ETA authorization is a requirement for travelers who wish to enter the United Kingdom. The ETA seeks to facilitate the entry process and improve border security. The ETA is not a visa, but an electronic authorization, and the travelers must still go through border control.
Who needs to apply for an ETA?
An ETA must be requested by every person resident in the European Union intending to spend less than 6 months in the United Kingdom. This includes children and babies. Is is also required for those who are in transit and have to pass through border control. An ETA can be requested from March 5, 2025 and must be in place for trips made to the United Kingdom from April 2, 2025 onwards.
It is advisable to obtain authorization at least 3 days before traveling. In the event that you travel to the United Kingdom before April 2 and remain there until beyond that date, no authorization is needed. In the case of non -European citizens, an ETA has been necessary from January 8 2025 to be able to enter the United Kingdom.
Cases in which it is not necessary to obtain the ETA
You do not need ETA to travel to the United Kingdom in the following cases:
If you are a legal resident in the United Kingdom, or if you are travelling on a British passport.
If you have a valid visa or resident status (residence permit) in the United Kingdom If you hold a valid British visa.
Can you travel to Ireland without an ETA?
If you have a British or Irish passport, you don’t need an ETA to travel to Ireland and if you are Irish citizen, you can continue traveling freely to the United Kingdom due to Common Travel Area (CTA).
Process of obtaining an ETA.
The registration, which can be made on the
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta or with the UK application .
You will need to upload a photo of the traveler, add the passport data and fill out a form with several questions. The answer usually comes in 48 – 72 hours .
What is the price of the ETA?
An ETA has an initial cost of £10 pounds (about €12) and a duration of two years. During this time you can travel to the United Kingdom as much as you want for stays of less than six months. There are plans to increase the cost to £18 in the near future.
When does Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) expire?
An ETA is valid for 2 years from the date of application or until the passport expires. Whichever happens sooner.
