The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system, which took effect on Wednesday, is aimed at enhancing border security and streamlining entry processes.
The UK Border Force chief, Phil Douglas, described the scheme as a “border security measure” and that no major disruption is expected following its launch.
The ETA applies to nationals from around 30 European countries, including all EU member states except Ireland.
The ETA is digitally linked to the applicant’s passport and permits stays of up to six months.
The application process, available via smartphone app or the UK government website, takes around 10 minutes and requires a passport photo and facial image.
Decisions are usually made within minutes, but the Home Office advises applicants to allow up to three working days.
The permit is mandatory for all travelers, including babies and children, but those transiting through the UK without crossing the border are exempt. This exemption was introduced after Heathrow Airport raised concerns about losing passenger footfall.
The ETA is not required for UK residents or individuals with an existing UK immigration status.
The UK introduced the ETA last year for American, Canadian, and other visa-exempt nationals, and Wednesday’s rollout is part of a wider plan to extend the scheme to visitors from around the world.
As of April 2, European Union citizens join travelers from 48 countries around the world now required to have Electronic Travel Authorisation to enter the UK.
Previously, travelers from the EU could hop on a plane and simply present themselves at passport control on landing. Now, travelers who don’t need a visa to enter the UK must get pre-travel authorization via the new digital registration scheme.
Anyone who doesn’t need a visa to travel to the UK will need an ETA — an “electronic travel authorization” which pre-clears you for entry to the country before travel. This is the UK equivalent of the United States’ ESTA — a mandatory, paid-for authorization to travel, with security clearance done in advance.
The scheme debuted to Gulf Cooperation Council nationals in 2024, and was later rolled out to other non-European travelers — including the six million travelers from the US, Canada and Australia who enter the UK each year. The full list of 48 states requiring the ETA is here.
Travelers from these countries have been required to have an ETA to enter the UK since January 8. EU citizens will need an ETA to enter the UK from April 2, 2025.
Citizens of these countries who are already resident in the UK do not need an ETA.
The scheme is for “short” visits to the UK of less than six months for tourism and business. There are a few other categories of ETA, including for short-term study and permitted paid engagements. These are listed on the UK government website.
Although some people are referring to it as a visa, it’s actually a visa waiver. Travelers whose citizenship means they need a visa to enter the UK will still need to apply for a visa. (They won’t, however, need to get the ETA on top of that.)
Countries work on reciprocity when it comes to immigration. When the United States introduced its ESTA visa waiver in 2009, it was inevitable that countries now subject to it would introduce their own similar schemes.
The cost is currently a non-refundable £10 (just under $12.50), and you can apply through the official app listed on the UK government website, or directly online. The fee will increase to £16 (around $20) on April 9.
The apps — for iPhone and Android — boast of being quicker, with 10-minute processing times. Be sure to apply through official channels, rather than through third-party websites, which may charge extra fees, and are less likely to handle your data securely.
You will need to upload a photo of your passport, scan and photograph yourself as you apply, upload the photo, and answer various questions about your plans. Applying online takes around 20 minutes and you must complete the process in one go — there is no chance to save as you go.
A decision will normally be given within three days, though the government warns it could take longer. You are allowed to travel to the UK while waiting for your decision, if you need to visit urgently; however you must have made the application before you travel.
Note that having an ETA doesn’t guarantee entry to the UK. You must still go through passport control and Border Force officials still have the final say over whether you can enter the country.
Validity lasts for two years and multiple entries — so you can visit as often as you please. However, note that it will be digitally linked to your passport — so if you get a new passport during those two years, it will no longer be valid and you must apply for a new one.
