What’s the New £10 ETA Europeans Will Soon Need to Enter the UK?
The UK has announced the introduction of a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, which will soon be a requirement for European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) residents, including dual nationals. This will affect anyone travelling to the UK for short stays, including tourists, family visits, and business trips.
What is ETA?
ETA stands for Electronic Travel Authorization, a mandatory entry permission for visa-free travelers to the UK. This system closely resembles the EU’s ETIAS and the USA’s ESTA. The UK’s ETA is designed to ensure that all short-term travelers apply online before entering the country. Each ETA costs £10 and remains valid for two years, allowing multiple entries into the UK during that period.
Introduction Timeline
The rollout of the UK’s ETA system is set to happen in three phases:
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- Already in effect for citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
- From January 8th, 2025, the ETA will be required for non-EU/non-EEA nationals, including Americans, Canadians, Australians, and New Zealanders.
- From April 2nd, 2025, the ETA requirement will extend to all EU and EEA citizens, excluding travellers with an Irish passport. Applications for EU/EEA citizens open from March 5th, 2025.
Who Will Need an ETA?
The new system will impact all non-UK and non-Irish passport holders. This includes:
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- All EU/EEA nationals.
- Dual nationals travelling on a non-UK passport.
- Children and infants.
- Airline passengers transiting through the UK.
Notably, those travelling with a UK passport, Irish passport holders, and UK visa holders or residents with Settled or Pre-Settled Status will be exempt.
How to Apply for an ETA?
You can apply for the ETA online or via the UK ETA app before your trip. The UK government states that processing takes about three working days, but it may take longer in some cases. The £10 fee covers multiple entries into the UK over a two-year period. However, if your passport is renewed during this time, you’ll need to reapply for the ETA.
Dual Nationals and ETA
Dual nationals must remember that their passports are not linked. For example, a dual UK and French national travelling on a French passport will need an ETA, whereas if they travel on their UK passport, no ETA is necessary. It’s important to use the correct passport for each leg of the journey, especially when supplying Advance Passenger Information (API) to your airline or travel provider.
The UK’s ETA system is part of broader measures to digitize its borders, aimed at speeding up legitimate travel and enhancing security. With these changes, travelers from the EU, EEA, and beyond will need to ensure they apply for their ETA before arriving in the UK starting from 2025.
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