EU Travellers Now Required to Obtain ETA Permit for Entry into the UK: Everything You Need to Know

As of April 2, 2025, all European Union passport holders, including children and infants, must possess an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) permit to enter the United Kingdom.

This new requirement follows a transitional period that began on March 5, 2025, during which EU nationals were encouraged to apply for the travel permit. Now that this grace period has ended, ETA compliance is mandatory, and those arriving at UK borders without it will be denied entry.

"Eligible Europeans will need an ETA to travel from April 2, 2025."— UK Home Office

Understanding the ETA and Its Purpose

Replacing the previous Electronic Visa Waiver scheme, the ETA now applies to all international travellers who were previously allowed to enter the UK without a visa for short visits. However, despite widespread misconceptions, the ETA is not a visa. Rather, it grants digital authorization for travel but does not guarantee entry into the UK.

"An ETA is a digital permission to travel – it is not a visa and does not permit entry into the UK – it authorises a person to travel to the UK."— UK Home Office

The UK government has introduced this system to strengthen border security and prevent immigration-related abuses. With an ETA, travellers can make multiple trips to the UK, each lasting up to six months, over a period of two years or until their passport expires—whichever comes first.

How to Apply for an ETA

Applying for an ETA is designed to be quick and straightforward, with the easiest method being through the UK ETA mobile application. However, for those who do not have access to a smartphone, applications can also be submitted via the UK government’s official website.

To complete the application process, travellers must provide personal and passport details, upload a valid photograph, pay the required fee, and answer a series of security-related questions. Once the application is submitted, the ETA is digitally linked to the passport, allowing applicants to delete the app if they choose.

Most travellers receive an approval email within minutes, though applicants are advised to allow up to three working days for processing, as some cases may require further review.

"You will usually get a decision within three working days. Most people get a much quicker decision. Occasionally, it may take longer than three working days."— UK Home Office

Can You Apply for an ETA as a Group?

Even if travelling as part of a group, each individual must submit a separate ETA application. Processing times may vary for each traveller, as some applications could be subject to additional review.

For those who need to travel urgently, it is still necessary to submit an ETA application before departure, as individuals will not be permitted to board a flight to the UK without an approved permit.

What Happens If an ETA Application Is Denied?

Applicants who are rejected for an ETA will receive an explanation for the decision and have the option to reapply. However, if a traveller is formally refused an ETA, they will not have the right to appeal. Instead, they will need to apply for a visa if they still wish to travel to the UK.

ETA Validity and Fee Increase

Once issued, an ETA remains valid for two years, unless the traveller’s passport expires before then. During this period, travellers do not need to reapply unless they obtain a new passport.

The current fee for an ETA is £10 (€12). However, this cost is set to rise on April 9, 2025. From this date, travellers will be required to pay £16 (€19) for the permit.

"From April 9, 2025, an ETA will cost £16. This increase will reduce the reliance on taxpayer funding for the migration and border system."— UK Home Office

Who Is Exempt from the ETA Requirement?

Certain individuals do not need an ETA when travelling to the UK, including:

• Those holding a valid visa or requiring a visa for UK travel

• Individuals with permission to live, work, or study in the UK

• Passengers transiting through a UK airport without passing border control

• British and Irish citizens

• Travellers holding a British overseas territories citizen passport or a British National (Overseas) passport

• Residents of Ireland traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man

• French schoolchildren traveling on a France-UK school trip under the relevant travel form

• Individuals exempt from UK immigration control

Large Number of Applications Already Submitted

It is believed that a significant number of travellers, including EU nationals, have already applied for an ETA since applications opened in early March. Official statistics on application volumes for the first month of implementation are expected to be released soon.

With the new system now fully in place, EU nationals and other eligible travellers must ensure they obtain an ETA before planning their trips to the UK, as failure to do so will result in denied entry at the border. 

By fLEXI tEAM