The United Kingdom has officially opened applications for its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system to passport holders from more than 30 European countries, with the requirement taking effect from April 2. The online system, which mirrors the U.S. ESTA model, allows travelers from visa-exempt countries to apply for entry into the UK through a streamlined digital process available via a dedicated app or website.
The expansion marks the latest phase in the UK’s gradual rollout of the ETA, which was introduced in November 2023 and extended to over 50 countries, including the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore, earlier this year. Currently priced at GBP 10, the UK government has proposed increasing the fee to GBP 16, a move that has faced criticism from the business travel sector. The ETA remains valid for multiple trips over a two-year period or until the applicant’s passport expires, whichever comes first.
Eligible travelers from countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden can now submit applications online. The full list of eligible nations includes Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Vatican City.
Meanwhile, the European Union is developing its own electronic travel authorization system, ETIAS, but its implementation remains delayed due to setbacks with the Entry-Exit System (EES). The EU has indicated that EES is expected to launch later in 2025, with ETIAS unlikely to be introduced in the first half of the year.
