The UK's border security scheme the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) – comes into force for EU citizens from today (April 2).
The scheme sees nationals from countries with visa-free access to the UK now need to obtain prior authorisation before travel to allow them to enter into the country.
The scheme originally came into force in 2024 affecting travellers from certain Middle Eastern countries, before expanding again in January 2025 to include Americans, Australians, Canadians, and many others (including citizens of these countries living in France).
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens were the last group of nationals to be impacted by the changes.
Below, we cover some key questions about the ETA.
What is the ETA?
Often described as a ‘visa’ although this is not technically true, the ETA however acts in a similar way in that it must be applied for to permit entry into the UK.
A valid ETA allows holders to travel into the UK an unlimited number of times within the given period.
This period is the earlier of two years from the date of first travel after first obtaining the ETA (not the date of authorisation) or when the holder’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
Visitors can come to the UK for up to six months at a time for:
- Tourism
Visits to friends and relatives
Short-term study or short-term business trips
Pre-arranged activity at a paid event or engagement (talking at a workshop, etc) or on a ‘Creative Worker’ visa
The ETA cannot be used:
People of all ages require an ETA – there are no exemptions for babies/children or elderly travellers.
Read more: UK’s new ETA ‘visa’: what are the rules?
Who is affected by the ETA?
An ETA is not needed for:
UK nationals or citizens of a British overseas territory, or of UK dependencies including Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, etc, regardless of where they live in the world. This means UK citizens in France are exempt
Irish nationals (due to the free-travel arrangement between Ireland and the UK) regardless of where they live in the world
Dual nationals of UK/Ireland and another country (provided they use their UK or Irish passport to enter the country)
Those who already have a valid visa to enter the UK for work, travel, or residency purposes. This includes those with pre-settled status, settled status, or the right to live in the UK.
Nationals who require a visa to enter the UK (Chinese, Russians, Indians etc) as the ETA only applies to those who benefit from visa-free short-stay visits to the UK.
Citizens of all other countries require an ETA to enter the UK, unless they fulfil one of the above conditions – the list of countries can be found here.
Are children and spouses of UK citizens affected?
There are no spousal-waiver rights associated with the ETA.
This means that EU spouses of a UK citizen must apply for an ETA if they do not belong to one of the above groups, even if travelling with their UK national partner.
Children of UK nationals without UK citizenship/a UK passport will also need an ETA, although they can acquire a passport/proof of citizenship before travel instead of obtaining an ETA.
If not, they will need to apply using their main passport (French, American, etc).
Keep in mind, applying for your child to have a British passport is significantly easier than applying for proof of citizenship, as we explain below.
Read more: Will French children of British citizens need ETA to enter the UK?
Costs and times of the application
It currently costs £10 per person (€12) to apply, however on April 9 this will rise to £16 (around €19).
Applicants do not have to hand out travel details when applying (see more below) meaning those expecting to travel in the next two years can avoid the slightly higher fee by applying before April 9.
As stated above, the two-year limit only comes into force from the date of first travel, meaning you can 'bank' the authorisation for a later period if you do not yet have concrete plans.
Applications are made online through the UK government website or the ‘UK ETA’ smartphone application.
Some users have mentioned difficulties in using the app, which currently has low reviews on online app stores.
At The Connexion, we were able to download and access the app on an Apple iPhone and on Google’s Play Store, although one person using the Play Store was unable to download the app.
To apply you will need:
You will also need to be able to upload a photograph of your passport or face and answer a few questions about yourself.
It is not necessary to detail travel plans, something that UK citizens travelling to France may need to do as part of the upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES) to be used in the EU’s Schengen Area.
In most cases, applicants are expected to receive a reply within three working days, with the vast majority being granted the authorisation.
However, advice is to apply at least four weeks before the expected date of travel to ensure you receive the document and can reapply if rejected.
Rejected applicants will be allowed to apply again or are directed towards the appropriate visa they need.
Other things to consider
British/Irish citizens are always exempt from needing an ETA regardless of where they reside, providing they use a UK/Irish passport to enter and exit the UK.
Dual citizens are advised to enter using their UK or Irish passport, as opposed to applying with their non UK/Irish document, as this may lead to complications.
Read more: Will new EU and UK border security rules affect double passport holders?
Those merely transiting through the UK via Heathrow or Manchester airports (the only UK airports with these facilities) will not need an ETA.
Read more: No ETA permit needed for Americans and others only transiting in UK
However, if your travel plans require you to leave the airport (for example, you fly into London Gatwick Airport and out of London Heathrow Airport) you will need an ETA to go through UK border security.
Will there be changes at the border?
ETA authorisation is applied for in advance of travelling and electronically linked to a person’s passport, meaning there will be no change when entering the country.
It also means those who require but do not have an ETA linked to their passport will automatically be prevented from passing the UK border. They may, in any event, have been refused boarding by an airline.
It is not expected to increase queue times, and those currently eligible to use ePassport gates will still be able to do so.
