Staring today, 5 March 2025, eligible European travellers can now apply for Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they intend to visit the UK on or after 2 April 2025.
While certain non-Europeans already need an ETA to visit the UK, from 2 April 2025, European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals will also be required to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK as a visitor.
This is the final phase in the rollout of the UK’s ETA system, and will see all overseas nationals who do not currently need a visa to visit the UK require this permit, with the exception of Irish citizens.
New visitor requirements for European nationals
As of 2 April 2025, European Economic Area (EEA) nationals visiting the UK will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before their journey. Applications can be made from today, 5 March 2025.
Travellers from non-European visa-exempt countries, such as the US, Canada, and Australia, are already required to obtain an ETA, as part of the earlier stages of the permit system implementation.
The ETA scheme will soon apply to nationals from over 30 European countries, including:
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, among others.
| Country | Country | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Vatican City |
Exemptions to the ETA
An ETA is not required for British or Irish citizens, or Irish residents traveling from Ireland or the Common Travel Area (Isle of Man, Channel Islands).
Individuals with existing UK immigration status (e.g., EU Settlement Scheme, indefinite leave to remain) also do not need an ETA.
The ETA does not apply to those requiring a visitor visa for entry into the UK – so-called ‘visa nationals‘.
Temporary relaxation of the ETA requirement
During an initial transition period, travellers will be allowed to enter the UK with a pending ETA application. However, airlines and carriers may still refuse boarding to passengers without an approved ETA, making it advisable to apply well in advance.
How to apply for an ETA
Travellers can apply for an ETA online or via the UK ETA mobile app. The process involves providing personal details (passport information, travel plans), answering security and criminal history questions and submitting a facial photograph and passport scan.
The ETA currently costs £10 per applicant. This is expected to rise to £16 under Home Office plans.
Most applications will be processed within three working days, though some may be approved within minutes. Once granted, the ETA remains valid for two years or until the passport expires, allowing multiple visits of up to six months per stay.
Airline & Border Checks
Airlines, ferry companies and rail carriers will check for ETAs before allowing passengers to board UK-bound transport. UK Border Force staff will verify the ETA at key entry points, including airports, ports, and the Eurotunnel.
During an initial transition period, travellers will be allowed to enter the UK with a pending ETA application. However, airlines and carriers may still refuse boarding to passengers without an approved ETA, making it advisable to apply well in advance.
ETA application refused?
A refused ETA application does not necessarily prevent you from travelling to the UK.
You should be informed of the refusal reason, which may include:
- Criminal convictions: Applicants with a criminal offence resulting in a custodial sentence of 12 months or more, or any conviction within the last 12 months, are subject to refusal.
- False information: Providing false representations, submitting false documents or failing to disclose relevant facts can lead to refusal.
- Previous immigration breaches: Past breaches of UK immigration laws, such as overstaying or using deception in prior applications, can result in refusal.
As there is no formal appeal process for ETA refusals, you’ll need to explore alternative options for permission to come to the UK. In most cases, this will mean applying for a Standard Visitor visa. Unlike the ETA application, the visitor visa application allows you to provide additional context and supporting evidence, such as explanations regarding the nature of a criminal offence or proof of rehabilitation. You will, however, need to factor in the additional processing time in your travel plans, which can be several weeks.
Need assistance?
Eligible visitors to the UK are advised to apply for their permit well in advance of their intended travel date to avoid disruptions. For advice on your circumstances and the entry requirements applicable to you, speak to our UK immigration advisers.
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
