Starting Wednesday, European nationals can apply for a digital travel permit, known as the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), to enter the UK. This is part of Britain’s efforts to digitise its borders and enhance national security.
How the ETA Scheme Works
The ETA scheme, similar to the ESTA system in the US, will be mandatory for European visitors from April 2, 2025. Applicants will need to pay a £10 fee (set to increase to £16) for a permit that allows visits of up to six months and is valid for two years.
To apply, visitors can use a smartphone app or the UK government website. The application involves providing biographic and biometric data, as well as answering background questions. If successful, the ETA is digitally linked to the applicant’s passport.
“By digitising the immigration system, we are paving the way for a contactless UK border,” said Migration Minister Seema Malhotra. “Expanding ETA worldwide cements our commitment to enhance security through technology and innovation.”
Rollout and Participation
The ETA scheme was first launched in 2023 for Qatar, before being extended to five regional Gulf neighbours. In January, it was expanded to require nationals of around 50 more countries and territories, including Argentina, South Korea, and New Zealand, to obtain an ETA.
Almost 1.1 million visitors were issued with ETAs before the end of 2024, according to the UK Home Office. The Home Office also stated that “the vast majority of applications currently receive a decision automatically in minutes.”
Exemptions and Provisions
Flight passengers transiting airside without crossing the UK border are exempt from the scheme. However, visitors will need an ETA to transit through busy airports like Gatwick and Stansted, which require international passengers to go through border security checks on landing.
Only Heathrow and Manchester airports have provisions for airside transit in the UK. Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, had expressed concerns that the ETA scheme could lead to a loss of passenger footfall connecting through the airport.
How to Apply
Applying for the ETA is a straightforward process available through the UK government’s official app or website. The application costs £10 (approximately $12.50) and takes around 20 minutes to complete.
Steps to Apply:
Access the Platform: Visit the UK government’s official site or download the mobile app (available for iPhone and Android).
Provide Details: Upload a photo of your passport, take a live scan/photo of yourself, and answer questions about your travel plans.
Submit the Application: Complete the application in one session (progress cannot be saved).
Processing Time:
Most applications are processed within three days, though delays may occur.
Travelers are advised to apply well in advance of their trip but can travel while awaiting a decision if the application was submitted before departure.
Important Notes:
Apply only through official UK government channels to avoid third-party fees and data security risks.
Possessing an ETA does not guarantee entry. Border Force officials will make the final decision at passport control.
Validity and Renewal
Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years, allowing for multiple entries. However, it is electronically linked to your passport. If your passport is renewed within the two-year period, the ETA will become invalid, requiring a new application.
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