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3w ago

UK Introduces Travel Permit Requirement for European Visitors

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, now mandatory for European travelers, aims to enhance border security and streamline entry processes with an initial cost of £10, rising to £16 on April 9.

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A large sign welcomes travellers arriving at passport control in Terminal 2 at London's Heathrow Airport
European visitors to the UK will now require a new online entry permit under new travel rules
Border Force director general Phil Douglas said the buffer period could run up to October

Overview

  • As of April 2, 2025, European visitors to the UK must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling, with Irish citizens exempt from the requirement.
  • The ETA system, first introduced for non-European nationals in 2023, allows multiple visits of up to six months over a two-year period and is linked digitally to the applicant's passport.
  • The permit costs £10 but will increase to £16 on April 9, 2025, with applications available via a smartphone app or government website.
  • A buffer period until September or October 2025 allows travelers to enter the UK without an ETA, though airlines and train operators will verify permits once fully enforced.
  • The system reflects global trends in border security, mirroring the EU's delayed ETIAS system, and is designed to process most applications automatically within minutes.