Visitors to the UK Must do With a new electronic travel approval system rolling out, we will pay £10 starting Wednesday. The rate, which rises to £16 from April 9, reflects the ESTA system used in the US and is a must for all European visitors from April 2.
The UK government began rolling out its ETA system for US, Canada and other visa-exempt citizens in January, expanding to European travelers this month. The scheme is part of the UK's push to digitalize the immigration system and create more streamlined border experiences.
“By digitizing the immigration system, we are paving the way for contactless UK borders,” said Immigration Minister Sheema Malhotra. The expansion of ETA Worldwide cements our commitment to strengthening security through technology and innovation. ”
The ETA allows for up to six months of visits and remains valid for two years. All travelers, including minors and infants, must apply.
The application process, which can be completed on a smartphone app or on the UK government website, requires a passport photo and a facial scan, which takes about 10 minutes to complete.
Most applications are approved within minutes, but the Ministry of Home Affairs recommends that you allow up to 3 business days for processing. If approved, the ETA will be digitally linked to the traveler's passport.
Starting April 2nd, citizens of approximately 30 European countries, including all European Union countries except Ireland, must obtain an ETA before traveling to the UK.
Simply passing through the airside without crossing the UK border is exempt from this requirement.
The exemption was introduced after lobbying from Heathrow Airport, which feared a decline in international transport.
Currently, only Heathrow and Manchester airports offer air force transport facilities to the UK. The UK first introduced the ETA scheme for Qatarian citizens in 2023, later expanding to five other Gulf countries.
In January 2024, the system was expanded to include citizens of around 50 additional countries, including Argentina, South Korea and New Zealand.
By the end of 2024, approximately 1.1 million visitors had been issued ETAS, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The ETA system does not apply to UK residents or individuals who already have UK immigration status.
It closely resembles the upcoming ETIAS system for visa-exempt citizens traveling to 30 European countries, including France and Germany.
However, Etias' development is delayed until 2026.
