Europeans Must Apply for UK ETA Starting Today
All European travelers to the UK must now complete a mandatory ETA application before boarding flights. We explain eligibility, costs, and key details to ensure your trip is approved and seamless.
Starting today, 2 April, European travelers must apply for a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the country. This eVisa is now required for short-term visits—including tourism, business, or study—replacing the previous entry rules for visa-exempt nationals.
The UK ETA is an electronic travel permit linked to your passport. It allows multiple visits over a two-year validity period—provided your passport remains valid for the duration. Apply online at least three days before departure to ensure approval prior to travel.
Who Needs a UK ETA?
Travelers without a UK visa are now required to obtain an ETA before arriving. This includes all EU citizens, as well as visitors from 86 other visa-exempt countries. It does not replace a work, long-term study, or settlement visa—those require separate applications through a British embassy.
Eligible travel purposes for ETA:
Tourism and holiday stays
Short business trips or meetings
Up to six months of study or training
How to Apply for a UK ETA
The application is entirely online. Applicants must submit:
A completed application form with personal details
A clear scanned copy of the biographical page of your passport
A recent passport-style photo (meeting specification guidelines)
Processing is typically fast, but accuracy and legibility are essential to avoid delays.
UK ETA Fees & Timeline
From today until 8 April: £10
From 9 April onwards: £16
Apply at least 72 hours before departure. The permit is valid for two years or until your passport expires—whichever comes first. Approved electronically, it doesn’t require a physical stamp in your passport, but must be shown alongside your travel documents.
When an ETA Is Not Enough
The ETA allows travel for short stays only. It does not permit:
Employment in the UK
Extended study exceeding six months
Permanent migration or residency
For these purposes, a full UK visa is required from a British embassy or consulate.
Travelers from across 87 countries—including all EU member states—are now subject to the ETA requirement. Nationalities include: Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, South Korea, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, UAE, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Nauru, Nicaragua, Norway, New Zealand, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Tuvalu, Uruguay, Vatican City.
All European citizens and eligible visitors are urged to submit their ETA application prior to travel. Processing times may vary—plan early to avoid last-minute complications.
