UK Electronic Travel Authorisation to Become Mandatory for Europeans

From today, travellers from 34 European countries and territories can start applying for the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). From 2 April 2025, presenting a valid ETA will be required for visa-exempt entry to the country.

This marks a significant milestone in the UK’s border-control reform. From 5 March 2025, citizens of 34 European countries and territories can now apply online for an ETA to enter the UK.

Starting on 2 April 2025, an approved ETA will be compulsory for visa-free entry to the United Kingdom.

A major change for Europeans

Previously exempt from visas or prior travel authorisations, citizens of France, Spain, Belgium, Italy and other EU nations must now submit an ETA application online before departing for the UK.

Modeled on the US ESTA and the forthcoming EU ETIAS, the ETA system aims to strengthen British border security while streamlining arrivals for permitted, short-term trips.

An approved ETA is valid for two years and permits multiple short stays of up to six months each. It costs £10.

With a successful ETA, travellers may visit the UK for:

• Tourism

• Visiting family or friends

• Business purposes

• Short-term study

• Transiting via UK border controls

Who needs a UK ETA?

From 2 April 2025, visa-exempt foreign nationals—regardless of origin—must hold a valid ETA to enter England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

From today, nationals of the following 34 European countries and territories can apply for an ETA:

• Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, 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.

Travellers from the following 54 countries have been eligible for an e-visa waiver for several weeks:

• Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, 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, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States and Uruguay.

Who is exempt from the UK ETA?

Certain groups do not need an ETA:

• Travellers holding a valid UK visa, residence permit or student/work document.

• British and Irish citizens—the Common Travel Area remains unchanged.

• French school groups traveling under a temporary exemption agreed by London.

• Passengers transiting through the UK without clearing immigration.

• Holders of passports issued by British Overseas Territories.

• Irish residents travelling to the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.

How to get a UK ETA

Applications are made online via the official UK government website or the dedicated mobile app “UK ETA” (iOS and Android).

Required information includes:

• A valid biometric passport

• A recent passport-style photo

• Personal details

• Payment of £10

Most decisions are granted within 72 hours, but travellers are urged to apply well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.