Travelers from Europe will need a digital permit to enter the UK immediately. The government's electronic travel approval (ETA) system aims to make the UK's immigration process faster and safer for millions of visitors each year.
Non-Europeans who were not qualified were required to obtain an ETA from January 8th, while “qualified Europeans” were able to submit applications from March 5th. Starting April 2, it will be mandatory for all European visitors to maintain an ETA.
The initiative is because similar digital schemes have already been introduced in countries such as the US and Australia to strengthen border security.
Last year, Minister of Immigration and Citizenship, Rep. Sheema Malhotra said:
“Through Light Touch Screening before people step into the UK, we will keep our country safe while ensuring our visitors have a smooth travel experience.”
Express answered four important questions about the new ETA scheme.
How do I apply for an ETA?
Applying for an ETA using the UK ETA app available on Google Play and the Apple App Store is also very easy to access the Gov.uk website and apply for an ETA, claiming that most applicants will receive an automatic decision within a few minutes.
This allows for voluntary travel to the UK. However, to prevent potential disappointment, it is recommended that visitors apply at least 3 business days prior to departure. In some cases, the application may need further review.
What can and can't be done with ETA?
According to the government's UK visas and immigration, the ETA allows visitors to:
Visit the UK for up to 3 months on a creative worker visa concession travel if you pass the UK control to visit the UK as a paid engagement permitted by tourists and families, families, businesses and short-term research.
However, travelers are not permitted to:
If you live in the UK through frequent consecutive visits, or are engaged or events for a civil servant as a UK company or self-employed person, or register as a self-employed individual for more than six months long in a creative worker visa concession crematorium benefits stay in the UK or as a self-employed individual
How much does an ETA cost?
Currently, the cost of the ETA is £10, which will rise to £16 from April 9, 2025. The existing ETA allows multiple trips to the UK, with each stay lasting for up to six months.
As it is usually valid for two years, the ETA will end if your passport expires before this period ends. The Home Office has not rejected the possibility of future price increases for the ETA, saying this will be “retained during review.”
The £6 increase from April 9th was “to reduce immigration and border system reliance on taxpayer funds.
Who doesn't need an ETA?
People who have visas or permits to live, work or study in the UK and those who pass through UK airports without passing border control do not need an ETA.
The ETA system does not apply to British or Ireland citizens, or to other citizens who have UK Overseas Territory Citizen Passports or British Citizen (overseas) Passports.
Other exemptions are as follows:
You live in Ireland and are visiting from Jersey, the Isle of Man or Guernsey, Ireland.
For more information, please visit the government website.
