The United Kingdom is preparing to introduce a new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme for European Union (EU) tourists, which will make traveling to the UK slightly more challenging. This new travel rule is expected to come into effect by April 2025, impacting millions of European travelers who currently enjoy visa-free and fee-free entry into the country.
New Travel Fees and Requirements
Starting April 2025, European visitors will be required to pay a £10 waiver fee as part of the ETA system, which is similar to the United States’ ESTA program. This rule will affect all non-visa nationals, requiring them to apply online before traveling to the UK. The fee will apply to all EU citizens, including children and babies, who do not require a visa to live, work, or study in the country.
Read More: Oman introduces free 10-day visa policy
The implementation of the ETA is part of the UK’s ongoing effort to digitize its border control system, modernizing and securing the immigration process. UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the importance of these changes, stating that digitizing borders will improve security checks, making it harder for individuals to abuse the immigration system.
Impact on European Travelers
For millions of European tourists who visit the UK for leisure or business each year, the new requirement adds a layer of complexity. Currently, EU citizens can enter the UK for stays of up to six months without a visa. With the introduction of the ETA, visitors must register online, providing passport details, travel plans, and answering security questions. The new process also requires individuals to submit their applications at least three days before departure.
While the ETA will be valid for two years and allow multiple visits, tourists must reapply if their passport expires during that time.
Wider Rollout to Other Countries
The ETA scheme was initially introduced for travelers from six Gulf countries—Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—who have been required to apply for the digital permit since 2024. Following its success in these regions, the UK government plans to extend the program to non-European nationals from several countries in Asia, North America, and South America starting January 2025.
By April 2025, European nationals will also be required to adhere to the new system. Notably, British and Irish citizens are exempt from the ETA requirement due to their unique relationship with the UK.
Potential Economic Consequences
Though the UK government touts the ETA as a security measure and part of a more streamlined immigration process, concerns have been raised about the potential negative impact on tourism and the economy. Critics have pointed out that the introduction of the ETA could deter travelers who are unaccustomed to paying entry fees, leading them to choose other destinations with fewer barriers.
Read More: UK universities say visa curbs hitting them in the pocket
Early evidence suggests that the ETA has already caused a drop in transit passengers from the Gulf nations, with approximately 90,000 passengers opting to travel through other international hubs instead of the UK. Analysts warn that this trend could worsen when the system is extended to EU travelers, with some estimating that the UK could lose up to £5 billion annually due to the decline in tourism and airport-related spending.