European citizens traveling to the United Kingdom will now be required to obtain a mandatory entry permit in advance for travel after April 2, 2025.
British government has announced that all individuals intending to travel to the UK, with the exception of British and Irish citizens, must obtain prior authorization before their arrival. This authorization can be secured through either an Electronic Travel Authorization or an eVisa.
Citizens from approximately 30 European nations, including all EU member states except Ireland, will be required to possess an electronic permit to gain entry into the United Kingdom, which exited the European Union in 2020.
New British rule strongly resembles the ESTA system currently used in the United States and will become compulsory for all European travelers to the United Kingdom starting this Wednesday, after its implementation for US, Canadian, and other visa-exempt nationals in January.
According to UK officials, implementing the scheme globally will help “prevent abuse of British immigration system” and “enhance border security.”
It is reported that only the pressure from London Heathrow airport, forced the government to rescinded the additional bizarre requirement for the transit passengers to also obtain an ETA.
For now, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) can be purchased online in the coming days for £10 (12 euros or $12.94), but the cost will increase to £16 (19.13 euros or $20.70) beginning April 9.
Applicants are also required to provide a photo and respond to a series of questions regarding their suitability and any criminal history.
The ETA permits visits to the United Kingdom lasting up to six months and remains valid for a duration of two years.
The ETA is mandatory for all travelers, including children and infants.
Applications can be submitted via a smartphone application or through the official government website, and have been accessible to European citizens since the beginning of March.
