Key Details of the ETA
- Requirement: Mandatory for nationals of approximately 30 European countries, including all EU members except Ireland, starting April 2nd.
- Cost: £10 (12 euros) for applications made within the next few days, increasing to £16 from April 9th.
- Validity: Valid for two years, allowing visits of up to six months.
- Application Process: Completed online via a smartphone app or government website, requiring a passport photo and facial image. The process typically takes around 10 minutes, with decisions often made within minutes, though the government advises allowing up to three working days.
- Digital Link: Approved ETAs are digitally linked to the applicant's passport.
- Exemptions: Passengers transiting airside at Heathrow and Manchester airports without crossing the UK border are exempt.
- Inclusion: The requirement applies to all travelers, including minors and babies.
Government Rationale
Migration Minister Seema Malhotra emphasized that "digitizing the immigration system" is a step towards a "contactless UK border" and enhances security through technology.
Rollout and Impact
- The application process has been open to Europeans since early March.
- The ETA scheme was initially launched for Qatar in 2023 and expanded to other countries, including those in the Gulf region, Argentina, South Korea, and New Zealand.
- Nearly 1.1 million ETAs were issued before the end of 2024.
- The new rule does not apply to UK residents or individuals with existing UK immigration status.
- Heathrow airport is a very important hub for European travelers, so the transit exemption was very important.
Comparison to European System
The UK's ETA system is similar to the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which is being developed for visa-exempt nationals traveling to 30 European countries, including France and Germany. However, the ETIAS implementation has been delayed until 2026.