UK imposes travel permit for European visitors

In a major policy shift, the United Kingdom (UK) has made it mandatory for European nationals to obtain an entry permit before traveling to the country.

According to the British government, the new rule, which takes effect from Wednesday April 2, 2025, is aimed at strengthening border security,

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will be required for nationals of about 30 European countries, excluding Ireland.

The system, similar to the United States Electronics System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), was initially rolled out for US, Canadian, and other visa-exempt travellers in January 2025.

The ETA, allows visits of up to six months and remains valid for two years.

ETA can be obtained online or via a smartphone application.

Applications have been open on March, with an initial fee of £10 (12 euros) and the cost is set to rise to £16 from April 9.

Speaking on the development, UK Migration Minister Seema Malhotra stated:

“By digitising the immigration system, we are paving the way for a contactless UK border.

“Expanding ETA worldwide cements our commitment to enhance security through technology and innovation.”

To apply, travellers must upload a photo of their passport and face, with the process taking approximately 10 minutes.

The agency further states that most applications receive approval within minutes.

The government also advise allowing up to three working days for processing.

Upon granted, the ETA is digitally linked to the applicants passport.

Flight passengers transiting airside without crossing the UK border are exempt from the scheme, following concerns from Heathrow Airport over potential passenger losses.

Currently, only Heathrow and Manchester airports offer airside transit facilities.

Earlier,  ETA scheme first introduced in 2023 for Qatar, was later expanded to Gulf nations.

The UK government issued nearly 1.1 million ETAs by the end of 2024.

The move mirrors the European Union’s upcoming European Travel Information and Authorisation System, (ETIAS).

This system will apply to visa-exempt travellers visiting 30 European countries but has been delayed until 2026.

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