As of today, 2 April 2025, all travellers from the European Union must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the United Kingdom for short stays. This newly enforced requirement marks a significant shift in post-Brexit travel rules. As reported by Majorca Daily Bulletin, the UK government’s objective is to strengthen border control while streamlining pre-travel authorisation through digital systems.
What Is the UK ETA and How Does It Work?
The ETA is a digital travel permit, not a visa, required for EU citizens and nationals of several other countries who do not ordinarily need a visa to enter the UK. The authorisation costs £10 and is valid for two years, or until the applicant’s passport expires—whichever comes first.
Applications must be made online, either through the official GOV.UK website or the UK ETA mobile app. The government recommends applying at least three days before travel, although most applications receive a decision within hours if no additional checks are needed.
The ETA is linked to the traveller’s passport electronically, and will be verified by airlines and border officers before and upon arrival in the UK.
Who Needs to Apply?
The rule applies to all non-UK nationals from visa-exempt countries, with a focus on the EU, EEA, and Schengen area. Importantly, everyone must apply—including children and infants. Even those simply transiting through the UK, if passing through border control, must hold a valid ETA.
The UK government has clarified that passengers connecting flights airside (i.e. without passing through immigration) in certain terminals are exempt, such as those using Heathrow Terminal 4 or Manchester Airport for same-airport transfers. However, landside transits, including luggage collection and terminal changes, will require an ETA.
What the ETA Covers
A valid ETA allows multiple entries into the UK for tourism, business, short-term study, family visits, and transit. Each stay must not exceed six months, and the authorisation does not guarantee entry—final clearance is still subject to UK border control.
Travellers may be questioned at the border, and officers retain the right to deny entry if any eligibility criteria are not met or further information is required.
Countries Affected by the New Rule
The ETA requirement now applies to travellers from:
All EU member states (including Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, etc.), as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, and microstates like Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City, and Andorra.
UK residents or citizens, Irish passport holders, and those with long-term UK visas or settled status are not affected by the new rule.
How to Apply and What You’ll Need
To apply for an ETA, travellers must provide:
- A valid biometric passport
- Personal details, including contact information and travel plans
- Answers to eligibility questions, including criminal history or immigration violations
Payment is made by card at the time of application. Once approved, travellers will receive confirmation by email, and the authorisation is linked automatically to their passport.
Warnings and Recommendations
Travellers are advised not to book travel until they have received their ETA confirmation. Airlines may deny boarding without proof of authorisation. The UK government has also stressed that the ETA is not a substitute for a visa—those seeking to work or stay long-term must still apply through regular immigration routes.
Border checks will continue to apply, and those without a valid ETA may be denied entry even if they hold a return ticket or accommodation booking.
