UK Requires Online Entry Permit for European Travelers

Starting Wednesday, visitors from Europe heading to the UK will be required to obtain a new online entry permit as the British government updates its travel regulations.

Travelers from Europe now need to secure a digital Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) permit, which UK officials claim is intended to enhance security and simplify the entry process.

There will be an introductory period that might extend for several months.

This permit can be obtained online in the coming days for £10 (about $12), with a price increase to £16 starting April 9.

The ETA was previously implemented for travelers from the United States, Canada, and other countries that do not require a visa to visit the UK, following the UK’s departure from the EU in 2020.

Phil Douglas, head of the UK Border Force, mentioned that this rollout is part of a broader initiative to introduce the ETA for travelers globally.

“This program serves as a border security measure,” he noted, expressing expectations that the new changes won’t disrupt travel plans.

The new permit aims to expedite entry times and enables officials to review crucial information, such as a visitor’s immigration history or criminal record.

“For visitors, the advantage is that we are creating a contactless border. If they are approved for entry, they will be able to pass through our new electronic gates (eGates) much faster,” Douglas explained.

“Individuals will still be able to board flights and trains during this introductory phase,” he added, referring to the initial transitional period expected to last until “September or October.”

The ETA allows for stays of up to six months and is linked digitally to the applicant’s passport, remaining valid for two years.

Applications, which can be submitted via a smartphone app or the government website, have been available to Europeans since early March. This requirement applies to citizens of around 30 European nations, including all EU countries except for Ireland.

Expanded Program

Applicants must upload a photo of their passport along with a selfie. The application process is estimated to take about 10 minutes, according to the UK Home Office.

In most cases, a decision on the application will be reached within minutes, although the government advises applicants to allow up to three business days for processing.

The ETA is mandatory for infants and children, but travelers transiting through the UK without exiting the airport will not need one, following concerns from Heathrow about potential drops in passenger volume through Europe’s busiest airport.

Heathrow accommodated nearly 84 million travelers in 2024, a third of whom were from the EU.

This program was initially introduced in 2023 for visitors from Qatar before being expanded to five nearby Gulf nations.

In January, it was further extended to citizens of approximately 50 additional countries and regions, including Argentina, South Korea, and New Zealand.

By the end of 2024, nearly 1.1 million ETAs were issued, as reported by the Home Office.

The ETA is inapplicable to UK residents or anyone already holding a UK immigration status.

This policy parallels the ETIAS scheme for visa-exempt nationals traveling to 30 European countries, including France and Germany, which has been postponed until 2026.