As of today, European citizens can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK. From April 2, 2025, this new requirement will become compulsory for travel to the country.
Today marks another milestone in the reform of UK border controls. As of March 5, 2025, nationals of 34 European countries and territories can now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom.
From April 2, 2025, the presentation of an approved ETA will be mandatory to enter the country without a visa.
A major change for Europeans
Previously exempt from visa or prior authorization requirements, citizens of France, Spain, Belgium, Italy and other European countries are now required to anticipate their travel plans by submitting an ETA application online before leaving for the UK.
This system, which is similar to the American ESTA system or the future European ETIAS, is designed to reinforce British border security while allowing smoother management of arrivals on the territory.
The ETA is valid for two years, and allows multiple short stays of up to six months. It costs £10 (around €/$13, including bank charges).
With an approved ETA, you can come to the UK for tourism, to visit family and friends, for business, for short-term study or even to transit (if you pass border control).
Who is affected by UK ETA?
From April 2, 2025, all visa-exempt travelers, whether from Europe or elsewhere, will require a valid ETA to enter the UK.
As of today, citizens 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.
Nationals of the following 54 countries had already been eligible for electronic travel authorisation for several weeks:
- Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Macau, 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.
Which travellers are exempt from ETA?
Despite this generalization of the system, certain categories of travelers remain exempt from ETA:
- Les voyageurs titulaires d’un visa britannique en cours de validité ou d’un titre de séjour, de travail ou d’études au Royaume-Uni.
- British and Irish citizens: the free movement agreement between Ireland and the UK remains unchanged.
- French school groups traveling under certain conditions, thanks to a temporary exemption granted by London.
- Transit passengers who do not pass through UK immigration controls.
- Visitors with British Overseas Territories passports.
- Irish residents traveling to the UK from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
How to get ETA for UK?
The application is made exclusively online, via the official UK government website www.gov.uk or the dedicated “UK ETA” mobile app available on iOS and Android devices.
To apply for the ETA, travelers must provide:
- A valid biometric passport.
- A recent photo.
- Some personal information.
- A payment of £10 (about €13, including bank charges).
Approval is usually quick, often taking less than 72 hours, but authorities recommend anticipating the process to avoid any last-minute complications.
