Travellers planning to visit Europe or the UK will soon face new entry requirements as the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom implement digital travel authorization systems.
The EU’s European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) has been delayed until 2025, and the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system will launch on January 8, 2024.
The ETIAS visa waiver will be required for visa-exempt nationals travelling to 30 European countries, including popular destinations like France, Italy, Germany, Greece, and Spain. The system aims to pre-clear travellers before arrival, enhancing border security across the EU.
Ahead of ETIAS, the UK will begin implementing its own ETA, a mandatory digital registration system for travellers from 48 countries, including the U.S. and Canada. This system applies to non-visa holders visiting for tourism, business, short-term study, or permitted paid engagements for stays under six months.
Like the U.S. ESTA system, the ETA requires travellers to apply online or through an official government app. The process involves uploading passport details and a photo, takes about 20 minutes to complete, and costs a non-refundable fee of 10 euros (approximately $10). Most applicants will receive a decision within three working days, although some cases may take longer.
Once approved, the ETA will be digitally linked to the traveller’s passport and remain valid for two years, allowing multiple visits to the UK during that time. However, obtaining an ETA does not guarantee entry, as travellers must go through UK Border Force officers or ePassport gates upon arrival.
Key Details About the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) System
Who Needs an ETA?
You will need an ETA if you are:
- Coming to the UK for up to six months for tourism, visiting family and friends, doing business, or doing short-term study.
- Visiting for up to three months on the Creative Worker visa concession.
- Entering the UK for a permitted paid engagement.
- Transiting through the UK, even if you are not passing through UK border control.
Who Does Not Need an ETA?
You will not need an ETA if you:
- I already have a visa.
- Hold permission to live, work, or study in the UK (e.g., settled or pre-settled status or right of abode).
- Are you a British or Irish citizen?
- Are travelling with a British overseas-territories citizen passport.
- They live in Ireland and travel from Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man.
- Have dual British or Irish citizenship.
What an ETA Does Not Permit
An ETA does not allow you to:
- Stay in the UK for more than six months.
- Engage in paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person unless under specific exceptions like a permitted paid engagement or the Creative Worker visa concession.
- Claim public funds or benefits.
- Establish residence in the UK through frequent or successive visits.
- Marry, register a civil partnership, or give notice of marriage or civil partnership.
Understanding these conditions will help travellers determine whether an ETA applies to their visit and ensure compliance with UK entry requirements.
While travellers from the U.S. and Canada will need an ETA starting January 8, EU citizens will require one beginning April 2, 2024. UK residents holding citizenship from one of the listed 48 countries will not need to apply.
As Europe and the UK roll out these new systems, travellers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the requirements to ensure a smooth journey.
