Starting Wednesday, European nationals will be able to apply for the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), a digital travel permit required for short visits. The scheme, similar to the U.S.’s ESTA system, will become mandatory for European visitors from April 2025.
The ETA, which is part of the UK’s efforts to digitize its borders, has already been rolled out for other visa-exempt nationals, including those from the U.S., Canada, and around 50 other countries. The application, which costs £10 and will increase to £16, allows visitors to stay for up to six months and is valid for two years. The ETA process involves submitting biographic and biometric data through a smartphone app or the UK government website, with most decisions being made automatically.
The UK Home Office has emphasized that the ETA scheme enhances security and ensures a contactless border experience. The system is expected to extend to airside transits in UK airports, although passengers transiting without crossing the UK border are exempt. This move aligns with similar schemes in other regions, such as the European ETIAS.
The new system is another step in the UK’s broader strategy to enhance border security using technology and innovation.
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