As of today, the United Kingdom has reached the final stage of expanding its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme, now requiring all European nationals to obtain an ETA before traveling to the country. This measure aligns European travelers with other visa-free nationals who already fall under the ETA framework.
Beginning April 2, 2025, all eligible European nationals must secure an ETA to visit or transit (landside) through the United Kingdom. As of March 5, 2025, European national travelers can now submit applications for the authorization, ensuring compliance with the new requirement well in advance of their planned trips.
The ETA is a digital travel permission required for visa-free nationals entering the UK for stays of up to six months. This includes tourists, business visitors, and individuals undertaking short-term studies. Additionally, creative workers coming to the UK for three months or less under the Creative Worker Visa concession must also apply for an ETA.
The ETA rule was implemented for all visa-free nationals, including U.S. passport holders, on January 8, 2025. Since then, all U.S. passport holders have been required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before traveling to the United Kingdom. The application fee is £10.
“This expansion follows the successful rollout of ETAs to all eligible non-European nationals last year, including visitors from the USA, Canada, and Australia, who now need an ETA to travel. Almost 1.1 million visitors have been issued ETAs and will benefit from smoother, easier travel to the UK for short trips in the future,” said the Home Office.
Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra, said: “Securing our borders is a foundation of the UK government’s Plan for Change, and by digitizing the immigration system, we are paving the way for a contactless UK border, ensuring visitors enjoy a seamless travel experience in the future. Expanding ETA worldwide cements our commitment to enhancing security through technology and innovation.”
An ETA is valid for two years or until the passport used for the application expires, whichever comes first. It allows multiple trips to the UK for tourism, business, or short-term studies lasting up to six months per visit.
“After you apply, you will receive an email confirming that you have an ETA. It will be linked to the passport you applied with. Your ETA lasts for two years. You can travel to the UK as many times as you want during that time. If you get a new passport, you will need to apply for a new ETA,” states the guidance published on the UK.gov website.
Processing times for ETA applications can take up to three working days, though some may be completed sooner. Occasionally, it may take longer. If an application is refused, there is no appeal mechanism; applicants must either submit a new ETA application or apply for a visa.
“You will usually get a decision within three working days, but you may receive a quicker decision. Occasionally, it may take longer than three working days,” the UK government website states.
Applicants are advised to apply well in advance and separately for each individual, as decisions may be issued at different times, even for group applications.
Initially, the ETA was mandatory for transit passengers as well. However, since January 17, 2025, the UK government has scrapped the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) requirement for transit passengers, including U.S. passport holders, as a temporary exemption. This decision followed concerns about the additional bureaucratic burden on travelers who do not intend to enter the UK but are merely passing through its airports en route to other destinations.
Susan Shrestha
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