The number of countries implementing the Electronic Travel Authorisation systems is increasing.Starting 2 April 2025, European citizens traveling to the United Kingdom with a European passport must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). This measure is part of the UK government’s plan to digitalize border and immigration controls.
The ETA will be mandatory for all European visitors entering the UK. Non-European nationals from visa-exempt countries, including Argentina, Brazil, the United States, Australia, and seven Middle Eastern nations, must also obtain an ETA before arrival.
Who is Exempt from the ETA?
Some travelers will be exempt from this requirement. Irish citizens, those holding a valid visa, and individuals with ‘Settlement Status’—granted to Europeans living in the UK before Brexit—will not need an ETA. Additionally, passengers transiting through UK airports without passing through passport control are not required to apply.
The ETA is required for travelers from various visa-exempt countries, including:
- Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana
- Hong Kong (including British Nationals Overseas), Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Nauru, New Zealand, Nicaragua
- Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Qatar, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States, Uruguay
- See the most up-to-date list here.
From 2 April 2025, citizens of European Economic Area (EEA) countries, including Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Vatican City, will also need to apply for an ETA before traveling to the UK. However, these travelers do not need an ETA if they are arriving on or before 1 April 2025.
Other nationalities that are not listed above cannot apply for an ETA and will require a visa instead. Travelers should check the UK government’s visa requirements to determine the correct entry procedure before planning their trip.
How to Apply for an ETA?
The application process is fully digital and must be completed before travel. Travelers can submit their application via the UK government website (GOV.UK) or the UK ETA mobile app. Applicants must provide biographical and biometric details, answer security-related questions, and link the approved ETA digitally to their passport.
The UK government states that most applications will be processed within minutes. However, authorities advise submitting applications at least three working days before departure in case further information is required.
ETA Validity and Cost
Once issued, the ETA allows multiple entries and permits stays of up to six consecutive months. The authorization remains valid for two years, provided the traveler’s passport does not expire within that period.
The cost of an ETA is £10 (approximately €12). Travelers must pay this fee during the application process.
