Effective March 5, 2025, eligible Europeans can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and will need one to travel to the UK from Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
This expansion follows the rollout of ETAs to all eligible non-European nationals in 2024, including visitors from the USA, Canada and Australia, who now need an ETA to travel to the UK.
What to Expect
- Applications for an ETA are submitted through the UK ETA app and most applicants currently receive a decision automatically in minutes. Prospective visitors can also apply on GOV.UK if they do not have access to a smartphone.
- Applicants provide their biographic and biometric details and answer questions on suitability and criminality. Once an applicant has successfully applied, their ETA is digitally linked to their passport.
- While most applications are approved quickly, it is still recommended to allow up to three working days to account for the small number of cases that require additional review.
- An ETA currently costs £10 and allows multiple visits to the UK of up to six months over a two-year period, or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever is sooner.
- An ETA is not a visa, it is a digital permission to travel.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.