Overview

• Starting April 2, 2025, EU citizens and other visa-exempt travelers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the UK.
• The ETA application process is digital, requiring a passport photo, facial scan, and answers to security-related questions, with approvals typically processed within three days.
• The ETA costs £10 initially, increasing to £16 on April 9, 2025, and is valid for two years or until the associated passport expires.
• Airlines and border authorities will deny boarding or entry to travelers without a valid ETA, with the requirement applying to all travelers, including children and infants.
• The system, part of the UK’s post-Brexit border control measures, is expected to enhance security but has raised concerns about potential impacts on tourism and economic competitiveness.