With effect from today, 2 April 2025, nationals of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland now require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK or to transit landside.
The new requirement brings European travellers in line with other nationalities already subject to the UK’s new ETA permit system. The system is now fully implemented – save for temporary concessions we set out below – and applies to all non-visa nationals, i.e. individuals who previously did not need a visa for short stays.
What is an ETA?
An ETA is a digital travel authorisation linked to a traveller’s passport. It is not a visa and does not grant automatic entry to the UK. Instead, it provides permission to travel, with final entry determined at the UK border.
ETAs are valid for two years or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever is sooner. They allow for multiple short visits, up to six months at a time, within the validity period.
Who needs an ETA?
The ETA now applies to individuals who did not previously require a visa to visit or transit through the UK, so-called ‘non-visa nationals’.
From 2 April 2025, the ETA requirement applies to:
- EU nationals
- EEA nationals
- Swiss nationals
- Nationals from other countries already listed as non-visa nationals, such as the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and others
Exemptions
A number of exemptions are in place under the ETA system. The following travellers will not require an ETA for entry into the UK:
- British or Irish citizens, or individuals with UK immigration permission (e.g. EU Settlement Scheme, visas, indefinite leave to remain)
- Travellers who already require a visa to visit the UK
- Those who are legally resident in Ireland and travelling to the UK from within the Common Travel Area (including Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man), provided they can demonstrate evidence of their legal residence (although travel from outside the CTA will require an ETA if the traveller is a non-visa national).
ETA application process
Applications can be submitted through the UK ETA mobile app or via GOV.UK. Applicants will be asked to provide their passport details, a digital photograph and contact information. They will need to answers some brief security and suitability questions.
The application process is designed to be quick and accessible. Most applicants receive a decision within minutes, particularly via the app, although travellers are advised to allow up to three working days in case further checks are required.
How much is the ETA?
The current ETA fee is £10, but this will increase to £16 from 9 April 2025.
ETA temporary concessions
During the early phase of implementation, there is a temporary relaxation for travellers with pending ETA applications. Individuals may still be permitted to board if an application has been submitted but not yet approved. However, this flexibility is expected to end later in 2025, and it is strongly recommended that all travellers secure a valid ETA prior to departure to avoid being denied boarding.
Also, a temporary exemption is in place for passengers who transit airside and therefore do not pass through UK border control. Passengers who transit through the UK by crossing through the UK border will continue to need an ETA, where required for their nationality.
Implications for business travellers
Organisations should ensure that employees who are nationals of countries covered by the ETA scheme are aware of these requirements and plan ahead. While most applications are processed swiftly, last-minute travel could be disrupted if an ETA is not in place.
ETA application refused?
If your application for an ETA is refused, you will not be allowed to travel to the UK under the ETA scheme. However, this does not prevent you from travelling to the UK entirely. You will instead need to apply for a standard UK visa, suitable for the purpose of your visit.
In most cases, the alternative option will be a visitor visa.
There is no formal right of appeal or review against an ETA refusal. The decision is final, although you may apply again. A new application may be considered if circumstances have changed or if the refusal was based on incorrect or outdated information.
If the ETA was refused due to an error in the application, such as incorrect passport details or an issue with the photograph, the applicant may correct the error and submit a fresh application. However, if the refusal is based on suitability concerns, such as previous immigration issues or criminal history, a new ETA application is likely to result in the same outcome, unless there is a material change in circumstances.
Applying for a visa is a more detailed process than applying for an ETA and will inevitably take longer. It does, however, allow UK authorities to consider the case more fully.
If you are unsure about your eligibility for an ETA or believe your history may cause concern, you should apply well in advance of your intended travel date, to allow enough time to explore alternative options if needed.
Need assistance?
If you have a question about the ETA, if you have received a denial or are concerned about your options to visit the UK, contact our UK immigration specialists.
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals
