Starting this week, all EU citizens traveling to the United Kingdom must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the country. This new rule means that having a passport alone is no longer enough. The application process is simple and done online. It costs £10 (around €12), but the price will increase to £16 in April 2025.
What Is the ETA and How Does It Work?
The ETA is an online system that allows EU citizens to visit the UK without needing a full visa. Once the application is approved, the ETA is valid for two years. During this time, travelers can visit the UK as many times as they want, but each visit can only last up to six months.
The UK government recommends that people apply for their ETA at least three days before they plan to leave. While approval is often quick, applying early ensures that there will be no last-minute delays.
Who Needs the ETA?
All EU citizens will need the ETA, except those who have specific immigration statuses. People who already hold a UK visa, residence permit, or post-Brexit immigration status, such as “Settled” or “Pre-Settled,” do not need to apply for the ETA. These travelers are exempt from the new rule and can continue their travel plans without any extra steps.
For those with these immigration statuses, the ETA is not required because they already have permission to live or stay in the UK under the previous arrangements. However, anyone without one of these statuses must apply for an ETA before traveling.
Why Did the UK Introduce the ETA?
The UK introduced the ETA system to strengthen border security and streamline the entry process for EU citizens. After leaving the European Union, the UK put new rules in place for immigration. The ETA allows the government to better track who is entering the country, ensuring that travelers meet all requirements.
It also helps to manage the flow of visitors, especially with the recent changes to the UK’s relationship with the EU. The ETA is part of a broader effort to make the UK’s borders more secure and organized.
The system also helps reduce delays at border checkpoints. With the ETA in place, UK authorities can approve travelers in advance, which makes the entry process faster and more efficient when people arrive.
Impact on EU Travelers
The new rule may feel like an extra step for EU citizens who were once able to enter the UK without any additional paperwork. However, the application process is simple. Most travelers should be able to complete it quickly, and the cost is relatively low.
The introduction of the ETA marks a shift in how the UK manages its borders after Brexit. Travelers who were used to not needing a visa or special permission must now go through this online process. While this may cause some inconvenience, the ETA is designed to make the entry process smoother and safer for everyone.
What Are the Benefits of the ETA?
The ETA system will help the UK government keep track of who is entering the country. It will also improve border security by identifying potential risks before travelers arrive. The approval process is fast, and the document is valid for two years, so it will not be a burden for frequent travelers.
The cost of £10 (or €12) for the application is also relatively low, making it an affordable option for many people. Even though the fee will increase in April 2025, it will still be manageable for most travelers.
What’s Next for Travel in Europe?
The introduction of the ETA is part of a wider trend in Europe. Other countries are looking to introduce similar systems for travelers. For example, Austria’s Foreign Ministry has pointed out that the UK’s ETA is similar to the U.S. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). This shows that countries are moving toward more structured and organized systems for managing visitors.
In addition, the European Union is planning to introduce a similar travel authorization system for visitors from non-EU countries starting in 2025. This new system will be much like the UK’s ETA, and it will apply to people coming from countries that do not need a visa to visit the EU. It is clear that digital travel authorizations are becoming the norm across the globe.
The new ETA requirement for EU citizens is a significant change in how the UK manages its borders. However, the process is simple and quick. The online application is affordable, and the approval is valid for two years. It is expected that this new system will make travel more efficient while improving security.
For travelers from the EU, the biggest change will be remembering to apply for the ETA before their trip. The system is easy to use and offers a streamlined way for people to enter the UK. While the UK may face some challenges with the new rule, the hope is that the ETA will help the government better manage its borders in the post-Brexit era.