Rollout of Electronic Travel Authorisation imminent for EU nationals

From 2^nd April 2025, all European nationals travelling to the UK will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if they do not already have a UK immigration status.

EU nationals will need an ETA to:

• Visit the UK for up to six months, including as a business visitor or for short-term study;
• Visit the UK for up to three months if entering on a Creative Worker visa concession;
• Visit the UK for a permitted paid engagement;
• Transit through the UK, but only if going through UK border control.

Distinct to a visa, which proves permission to enter the UK, an ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK, linked to the individual’s passport. It is not permission to enter the UK, and the holder of an ETA will need to obtain permission to enter on arrival in the UK.

Last week the Home Office published an updated ETA factsheet clarifying information outlined in the ETA guidance.

The key points are as follows:

• Applications for eligible European nationals are open now, ETAs for European nationals will be enforced from 2^nd April 2025;
• Each traveller, including children, must apply for an ETA;
• Most applicants will receive a decision within three working days;
• ETA holders must travel on the passport linked to their ETA;
• ETA applications can be completed using the UK ETA app or through the UK website for applicants who are non-smartphone users;
• The ETA fee is set to increase from £10 to £16 from 9^th April, in line with other Home Office fee increases;
• Individuals who intend to cross the UK border in transit to another destination will require an ETA to travel; those transiting airside will not;
• Dual EU/British citizens do not require an ETA to travel to the UK, nor do Irish citizens.

If you have any questions about the ETA scheme  or any other immigration, asylum or nationality matter,  please get in touch with our Immigration Team.