European visitors traveling to the UK will be required to obtain a new online entry permit starting Wednesday, as the British government implements changes to longstanding travel regulations. UK officials stated that they are introducing the digital Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) permit for European travelers to enhance security and streamline entry procedures.
A grace period will be in effect, potentially lasting several months. The permit can be purchased online within the next few days for £10 (12 euros), but the price will increase to £16 starting April 9. The ETA has already been implemented for American, Canadian, and other visa-exempt nationals visiting the UK, which exited the European Union in 2020. Phil Douglas, head of the UK’s border force, indicated that the current rollout is part of a broader plan to implement the ETA for visitors globally. “This scheme is primarily a border security measure,” he stated, adding that he does not anticipate any disruptions from Wednesday’s launch. He explained that the permit will expedite entry times and allow officials to verify information such as a traveler’s immigration history or criminal record. “The benefit for the individual is that we are establishing a contactless border, so those cleared for entry will be able to use our new eGates and pass through the border more quickly,” he added. “People will still be able to board planes and trains during this introductory period,” he said, referring to the grace period, which is expected to last several months, until “September or October.” The permit allows visits of up to six months, is digitally linked to the applicant’s passport, and is valid for two years. The application, available through a smartphone app or the government website, has been accessible to Europeans since the beginning of March. It applies to nationals of approximately 30 European countries, including all EU members except Ireland. Scheme Expanded Applicants must provide a photo of their passport and their face. The process takes about 10 minutes, according to the UK’s Home Office. In most cases, application decisions are made within minutes, but the government recommends allowing up to three working days. It will be required for infants and children, but flight passengers transiting without crossing the UK border are exempt from the scheme following pressure from Heathrow, which feared a decrease in passenger traffic connecting through Europe’s busiest airport. Nearly 84 million passengers traveled through Heathrow in 2024, with a third coming from the neighboring EU. The scheme was initially launched in 2023 for Qatar and then extended to five regional Gulf neighbors. In January, it was expanded to nationals of about 50 other countries and territories, including Argentina, South Korea, and New Zealand. Almost 1.1 million visitors were issued ETAs by the end of 2024, according to the Home Office. It does not apply to UK residents or individuals with existing UK immigration status. The ETA mirrors the ETIAS scheme for visa-exempt nationals traveling to 30 European countries, including France and Germany, which has been postponed until 2026.
