All holders of European Union passports, including infants and children, will need to get an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) permission in order to enter the UK as of today, April 2, 2025.
Now that this “transitional period” is gone, EU citizens must have an ETA, and any who arrive at the UK border without a travel permit will not be permitted entrance
What Is the Goal of ETA?
The ETA takes the place of the Electronic Visa Waiver program and is now applicable to all international visitors who do not currently require a visa in order to enter the UK for brief visits
The ETA’s goal is to assist UK authorities in preventing immigration system misuse and ensuring more robust border controls.
Those with an ETA will be able to travel to the UK more than once for durations of up to six months at a time over a period of two years or until the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
How Can I Request an ETA?
It is quite easy and quick to apply for an ETA. Using the UK ETA app on your smartphone is the simplest method to apply for this travel permit.
For people without access to a smartphone, an ETA application can also be submitted via the UK government’s official website.
Applicants must provide their passport and contact information, pay a charge, submit a legitimate photo, and respond to a series of questions in order to apply for an ETA.
Since the permit will be digitally connected to the passport, travelers can remove the app after applying for an ETA.
Nowadays, minutes after submitting an application for a permit, the majority of applicants receive an automated decision in their email. However, since there are still a lot of cases that require additional assessment, people who want the permit have been encouraged to give themselves three working days to await a judgment.
Is it possible to submit group applications for an ETA?
Each individual must apply for the ETA permit separately, even if you intend to go to the UK together.
Each applicant may receive a decision about their ETA applications at various periods, even though they applied as a group and at the same time. This is due to the possibility that certain applications require more evaluation than others.
For those who must travel quickly, you can visit the UK while awaiting a judgment, but you will need to file for an ETA.
What Takes Place If You Can’t Get an ETA?
An applicant will receive an explanation and be given the opportunity to reapply for the permit if their application for an ETA is denied.
Regarding individuals who are denied an ETA, the UK government has clarified that they are unable to appeal and must instead apply for a visa if they still wish to obtain authorization to enter the country.
How Much Does an ETA Cost and How Long Is It Valid?
An ETA has a two-year validity term. Unless your passport expires during this time, you won’t need to reapply for the permit once it has been issued.
At the moment, an ETA costs £10 (€12). But as of April 9, 2025, the UK has chosen to increase this price. The ETA price will rise to £16 (€19) starting this Sunday.
Is an ETA Not Necessary for Anyone?
When visiting the UK, the following groups of people are exempt from the ETA requirement:
- Those with a current visa or those who must apply for one in order to enter the UK
- Those who are authorized to reside, work, or study in the United Kingdom
- Those using a UK airport for transit, so long as they avoid going through border checks
- People who are citizens of the United Kingdom or Ireland
- Those possessing a British national (overseas) or British overseas territories citizen passport who are visiting the UK
- Travelers from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man French pupils taking the France-UK school trip travel information form who reside in Ireland
- Individuals who are not subject to immigration restrictions
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