This travel blog is a must read for anyone planning to visit the UK from April 2025. Did you know that from 2025 everyone will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to the UK?
At the moment the UK ETA only applies to certain countries, but it is slowly being rolled out to all countries. Europeans will also need an ETA to travel to the United Kingdom from early 2025.
In this blog we tell you everything you need to know about the upcoming UK ETA.
Table of contents
Key Dates for UK ETA
Important to know, when are you expected to have an ETA before traveling to the UK? Already now, travelers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates need to apply for an ETA before traveling to the UK.
Eligible non-Europeans will need an ETA to travel to the UK from the 8th of January 2025. They can already apply in advance from 27 November 2024.
Eligible Europeans will need an ETA to travel to the UK from the 2nd of April 2025. They can apply for one from 5 March 2025.
The UK government has a full list online with all countries and dates, when you can apply and when you need to travel with it. You can find that list here.
What is the UK ETA?
ETA is short for Electronic Travel Authorization. ETA is a travel authorization system. Travelers who can travel visa-free must apply for the British ETA from 2025 before traveling to the United Kingdom. This authorization is electronically linked to your passport and provides access to the UK.
Costs
Nice idea, such a new ETA for the UK, but what does it mean financially for travelers traveling to the UK from 2025? The application fee is currently £10. These costs may be reviewed periodically and are therefore subject to change.
Validity
For those £10 you get an ETA that is valid for two years. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time. It is valid for two years, or as long as your passport is valid, whichever comes first.
How to apply for the UK ETA
The fastest and easiest way of applying for the ETA is through the official UK ETA app. It's available in the App Store and in the Google Play store. It's just a matter of following the steps in the app, and applying is a piece of cake.
Let me guide you through the very simple steps.
You first confirm your identity so keep you passport at hand.
You have to confirm your email address with a code, so make sure you are logged in to your email.
After you confirmed that all the info you filled out is correct you have to make the payment, so also make sure you have your credit or debit card at hand.
If you are unable to use the app for whatever reason, you can also apply for your ETA online.
How long to get your UK ETA approved?
Please take into account an average processing time of 3 working days for an application. You will usually get a response faster, but it can sometimes take a little longer.
Once you have submitted the application, you will receive confirmation by email. You will also be notified by email if the application has been approved. From then on, your ETA is linked to your passport.
Advantages
The new UK ETA brings several benefits, both for the British government and for travelers. The ETA will ensure faster border controls. With a valid ETA travelers and visitors can go through border checks more quickly. It will reduce waiting times.
ETA will also ensure more enhanced security. The new system helps to screen travelers before they enter the UK. Finally, ETA also gives more clarity. As a traveler you know in advance whether you can travel to the UK or not.
Transit in the UK
Do you need an ETA when transiting in the UK? Yes! If you're transiting through the UK you must also apply for an ETA.
ETIAS for UK residents
Of course, the British also need a visa to travel to Europe, the so-called ETIAS. ETIAS, which stands for the European Travel Information and Authorization System is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to any of these 30 European countries.
If you're looking for more information or want to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization, please check out the official UK government website.