From Visa-Free to ETA: What the UK’s New Travel Rule Means for Europeans

• Beginning 2 April 2025, passport holders from more than 30 European nations will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK.
• As fast and simple as things can be, in two years, the authorisation will allow you multiple short visits, which will be open to adjust to the fluctuating conditions.

Planning a trip to the UK? There is now a box you need to tick if you are from Europe. Beginning 2nd April 2025, travellers with a passport from over 30 European countries must have an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) in place before entering the UK.

And like the U.S. ESTA, this new system is meant to create smoother border crossings, along with an increased level of security. The good news? It is as easy as pie to apply for, and you can do the application online or via an easy-to-use app.

What is an ETA, and Why Should It Matter to You?

It is important to know that ETA is not a visa but an electronic permission that gives you the right to enter the UK for short trips up to six months. Once approved, it is valid for multiple entries over two years, or until the expiry of the passport, if the latter comes first.

For the nationalities from the EU member states, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, or any of the other 30 countries that are currently eligible to enter the UK, they must apply in advance before they get on the flight, train, or ferry. The personal details may be in question and include biometrics. Normally, an individual granted will be issued with approval immediately; however, it will go a certain way for him/her to make an application no less than 3 working days before the intended date of the trip.

How Much Will It Cost, and What Will Change?

With the present cost of £10, the ETA cost may become higher; it is still open for discussion, with the UK government suggesting an increase to £16. This prospective rise has been met with criticism from business travel associations, although the government argues that the cost is pretty low for a hassle-free and more secure entry process at the end of the day.

The Official Words

UK Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra explained the system’s benefits to her advantage:

“Securing our borders is a cornerstone of the UK government’s Plan for Change. By electronically transforming the immigration system, we are creating a contactless UK border and ensuring visitors have a seamless travel experience.”

Thus far, more than 1.1 million ETAs have been issued to travellers from the USA, Canada, and Australia, thus ratifying the system’s initial success.

The Impending-Outward Journey?

With the legal norm in operation across the UK and many travellers from the UK coming to the EU, isn’t it time both sides made their way in a plethora of post-Brexit visa enquiries? Concertedly, to ensure that all travel and passenger transit agencies are at par, the UK government continues its collaboration with airlines, ferry operators, and train operators.

The interagency working group of the EU on digital travel authorisation (ETIAS) might find it difficult to launch it until the later months of 2025 due to multiple technical hurdles.

On that Note:

So, if you are planning to visit the UK at a convenient time after next year, hurry up and make the ETAs ready. As an EU national, if you are planning a visit to the British Isles, your travel is less cumbersome than before thanks to the easy application process at the ETA, although it could just pinch the pocket a little more.

All you need is to pull your stuff together, finish your homework, and maybe just kick a couple of cans as you are about to seal lovely air…legroom, legroom!