From today, European visitors to the UK must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the country, as part of a government initiative to enhance border security. The new system, which aligns with similar measures in other nations, requires pre-travel authorisation for those who do not need a visa to visit Britain.
The ETA, available online, costs £10 (12 euros) but will rise to £16 from April 9. Irish citizens are exempt from the requirement.
Strengthening Border Security
The UK government first introduced the ETA scheme last year for non-European nationals, including travellers from the United States, Canada, and Australia. Migration Minister Seema Malhotra emphasized the importance of expanding the system globally, stating last month that it "cements our commitment to enhance security through technology and innovation."
According to the UK Home Office, applying for an ETA is straightforward and can be done via the UK ETA app. Most applicants receive automatic approval within minutes after submitting a photo, personal details, and answering questions regarding their background and criminal history. Once approved, the ETA is digitally linked to the traveller's passport.
The permit allows multiple visits of up to six months over a two-year period. Airlines, ferries, and train operators are responsible for verifying passengers' ETA status before they board.
Impact on Travel
Despite the additional step for European visitors, budget airline EasyJet has stated it does not expect the new permit requirement to impact demand for travel between Europe and the UK. Official data shows that in 2023, Britain welcomed 22.5 million visitors from the European Union, an increase from 19 million in 2022.
Meanwhile, the European Union is preparing to implement its own post-Brexit border security measures. The Entry/Exit System (EES), set to launch in October, will eliminate manual passport stamping at external EU borders, replacing it with a digital system using biometric data. This will pave the way for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), which will require non-Schengen visitors, including Britons, to pay a fee before travelling.
Currently, British travellers must pay approximately £17 for a similar travel permit when visiting the United States.