As of 2 April 2025, traveling citizens of EU countries (except Ireland) will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter the United Kingdom. This new obligation applies to all travelers (including drivers) regardless of their destination.
The ETA is an electronic certificate, valid for two years from the date of issue or until the passport to which the ETA will be assigned expires. The ETA certificate itself is therefore only valid with the passport under which it was generated. If the passport is replaced during the validity period of the certificate, it will be necessary to obtain a new ETA certificate.
The obligation to have an ETA certificate does not apply to persons who:
- have a visa;
- have a stay, work or study permit in the UK (including settled status, pre-settled status or right of abode);
- transfer at an UK airport and will not undergo border control;
- are citizens of the United Kingdom or Ireland;
- travel with the passport of a citizen of British overseas territories;
- live in Ireland and are traveling from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man;
- are exempt from immigration control;
- the obligation also does not apply to children traveling on a France-UK school trip (travel information form).
To obtain an ETA certificate, you must apply only electronically, via an app available for smartphones UK ETA App or government website. For those who cannot apply on their own (e.g., children or the digitally excluded), the UK side recommends a third-party application. The obligation to have an ETA certificate also applies to minors. The fee for obtaining an ETA certificate is currently £10. Legislation process is underway to raise immigration fees (including for the issuance of ETAs) to £16.
The application itself can be submitted from 5 March 2025 through the above-mentioned channels. The UK side recommends that such a request be made a minimum of 3 days before the date of intended travel.
In accordance with the new rules, the ETA certificate does not in any way limit the number of entries into the UK or the length of time a person stays in the UK. It is simply a new electronic document required by British services to legally cross the border.
Detailed information can be found on the official pages of the UK Ministry of Home Affairs (Home Office):
www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-to-expand-digital-travel-to-more-visitors
