Starting April 2025, European travellers will face new entry requirements when visiting the United Kingdom due to an upcoming travel rule. Currently, citizens of the European Union can enter the UK without a visa or additional fees, but this will change with the introduction of a new electronic travel authorisation (ETA) system.
According to CNN, the new rule will require European travellers to obtain an ETA by paying a £10 waiver fee. This fee, which will be non-refundable, applies to all visitors, including babies and children, who do not have visas or permissions to live, work, or study in the UK. The new system is part of the UK government’s broader initiative to digitise its border and immigration processes.
This requirement will not apply to British or Irish citizens but will affect all other European travellers. The change follows the current practice applied to citizens from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, who are already required to secure an ETA before entering the UK.
The UK Home Office, represented by UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Minister for Migration and Citizenship Seema Malhotra, announced that the ETA requirement would extend to Europeans by April 2025. Prior to this, the ETA will also be rolled out to other nationals, including those from the United States, starting November 27.
The introduction of ETAs aims to enhance security by linking them digitally to a traveller’s passport, ensuring thorough security checks before departure. This system is expected to contribute to the UK’s tourism economy, which is anticipated to generate over £32 billion this year.
Malhotra stated, “Digitisation enables a smooth experience for the millions of people who pass through the border every year. The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhancing security through new technology and embedding a modern immigration system.”
