Starting Wednesday, Europeans will be required to obtain travel permission to enter the United Kingdom. This process can be completed online with a payment of 12 euros, increasing to 19 euros from April 9.
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) must be obtained before departing for the UK and is valid for two years. It can be secured via the UK ETA app or, if unavailable, through the UK government’s official website, gov.uk.
This authorization was previously required for visitors from non-EU countries who were exempt from needing a visa to enter the UK. Similar to the ESTA used for entry into the United States, the ETA is designed to strengthen border security, according to the UK government.
From Wednesday, citizens of around 30 European countries, including all EU countries except Ireland, will need this approval to enter the UK, which officially left the EU in 2020.
The ETA will cost 10 pounds (about 12 euros) but will rise to 16 pounds (about 19 euros) from April 9.
Applicants will need to provide a photo of their passport and another photo of their face. The process takes less than ten minutes, and the travel approval, digitally linked to the passport, is typically granted almost immediately, according to the UK’s Home Office.
However, the government recommends completing this procedure at least three days in advance, as in rare cases, additional checks may be required.
The ETA allows stays in the UK for up to six months and enables unlimited travel for two years. The authorization must be renewed if the passport changes.
This approval is mandatory for citizens of around 50 countries and territories, including the US, Canada, and Australia. The system was launched in 2023, initially for Qatari citizens, and later expanded to other Gulf nations.
According to the Home Office, by the end of 2024, approximately 1.1 million ETA approvals are expected to be issued.
The UK government explains this measure as part of efforts to “secure borders through the digitalization of the immigration system.”
