Travel to the United Kingdom is about to change. Starting in April 2025, citizens of the European Union and other visa-exempt countries will no longer be able to enter the UK with just a valid passport. Instead, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will be required before departure.
Whether planning a holiday, visiting family, or travelling for business, it’s important to understand how the new ETA system works — who needs one, how to apply, and what costs are involved. Below, we outline the key facts to help you prepare for your next trip to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Overview of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) System
An ETA is a precautionary digital security check for travellers from countries that do not require a visa to enter the United Kingdom. A similar system has been in place in the United States for years, where travellers from visa-free countries must obtain an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) certificate before entering the country. Neither the ESTA nor the ETA certificate constitutes a visa. It is merely a preliminary check for travellers from countries that are generally allowed to enter without a visa and, therefore, does not replace a visa.
Who Needs an ETA?
As of 2 April 2025, an ETA will be required for all travellers from visa-exempt countries to enter the UK, including all EU member states, Canada, the US, and Australia. This applies to travels to all four countries of the United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Independent rules apply to the British Overseas Territories; thus, at present, an ETA is not required in these areas. Tourists from visa-required countries will still need to apply for a visa, in which case an ETA is neither sufficient nor required. An ETA is also unnecessary if a traveller from a visa-exempt country holds a long-term visa or residence permit for the UK. If you are travelling with family, you must apply for an ETA for each individual person, including children and babies.
An ETA is required regardless of the method of entry, be it by plane, ferry or train. Travellers who are only passing through an airport in the UK and do not need to leave the transit area do not require an ETA certificate. However, an ETA is necessary if you will pass through border control. Additionally, it may still be useful to apply for one, even in cases where it’s not mandatory, in the event that your connecting flight is cancelled or delayed so that you are able to leave the transit area. For more information in this regard, please contact your airline.
Application Process for the ETA
An ETA can be applied for online via the official website of the British government or via the mobile app. To apply, you will need your valid passport, a current email address, a photo of yourself (you can take and upload a selfie via the app) and a credit or debit card for payment. Alternatively, Apple Pay and Google Pay are also accepted. An ETA certificate currently costs 16 pounds, which is just under 19 Euros/21 US dollars. According to the government website, the ETA application will generally be confirmed electronically within 3 days. However, confirmation is often given within a few minutes. To be on the safe side, though, travellers should submit their application in good time.
The confirmed ETA is then valid for two years, meaning that for any travel within 2 years, no new certificate needs to be applied for. However, this only applies if the passport used for the application is still valid for the following 2 years. The ETA will also be invalid if the passport expires before this time.
What to do if Your Application has Been Denied
If your application for an ETA certificate is rejected, you will be informed of this and the reason for rejection via the ETA app or email. In this case, it is possible to submit a new application. However, if the second application is rejected again, you must apply for a visa at a British embassy.
