Travellers from 30 European countries are now required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to visiting the UK.
The online pre-travel check, first introduced in November 2023, is now a requirement for travellers from countries who do not need a visa to visit the UK and is similar to the longstanding ESTA system in the US.
The final phase of the ETA rollout came into effect on Wednesday (2 April), adding European travellers to a list of more than 50 countries already under the scheme.
An ETA permits multiple journeys to the UK and is valid for two years or until the traveller’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
The ETA is designed to enhance UK border security, but with the cost of an individual application set to increase from £10 to £16 on 9 April, it will cost significantly more than the EU’s forthcoming Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is expected to cost €7. The latter, however, is not expected to come into effect until 2026. This will follow the implementation of the EU’s long-delayed Entry-Exit System (EES), which is now scheduled to begin a phased rollout from October.
UK travel association ABTA has warned the staggered implementation of three different border crossing systems between the EU and UK may create confusion among travellers.
“With three new changes coming in over the next couple of years, we’re keen that people understand what today’s news means for them,” said ABTA director of communications, Graeme Buck.
“In short, the only thing to act on now is for European visitors to the UK to apply for an ETA. Nothing will be changing for UK travellers going to Europe this summer. But, with two further changes planned, the situation may not seem simple.”
ABTA, in a statement, added that it is aware of unofficial websites purporting to offer an ETIAS, but stressed “the system isn’t live – and won’t be for some time – [so] people who try to apply for an ETIAS now may be at risk of fraud, with a loss of money and possibly personal data too”
Echoing previous criticisms of the ETA rollout, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) president and CEO Julia Simpson on Wednesday said the scheme “completely undermines the UK’s growth policy”.
“Instead of making the UK an attractive place to visit, this is another barrier to tourists,” she said.
ETA applications can be made through a "quick and simple process" online or via a dedicated app.