Starting Wednesday, travellers from European Union countries must now apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the United Kingdom. This new rule means that a passport alone is no longer enough to enter the UK. Instead, EU citizens must apply for an ETA online. This change is designed to improve security and streamline travel.
How the New ETA Works
The process to apply for the ETA is simple. Travellers need to go online to complete the application. The current fee for an ETA is £10, which is about €12. However, the cost will rise to £16 in April. While the ETA is usually approved within minutes, UK authorities recommend applying at least three days before departure. This allows enough time for processing.
Once approved, the ETA will be valid for two years. It allows travellers to visit the UK multiple times, with each stay lasting up to six months. This change is part of the UK’s efforts to control immigration more effectively and secure its borders post-Brexit.
Who Is Exempt from the ETA Requirement?
Some people do not need to apply for the ETA. If a traveller already holds a valid UK visa, residency permit, or has post-Brexit “Settled” or “Pre-Settled Status,” they are exempt. These travellers can enter the UK without applying for the ETA.
There may also be other exemptions, such as for children under a certain age or diplomats. These details will be clarified as the system becomes more established.
Similar to the U.S. ESTA System
The ETA system in the UK works similarly to the U.S. ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation). The U.S. requires travellers from visa-exempt countries to apply for an ESTA before entering. The ESTA system has been in place for many years, helping the U.S. manage border security.
Austria’s Foreign Ministry has pointed out that the UK’s ETA system is much like the U.S. ESTA. The trend towards electronic authorisation systems is growing worldwide. The UK has followed the U.S. model, and many countries, including those in the EU, are planning similar systems.
What’s Next for the EU?
The European Union is also preparing its own electronic authorisation system. Starting in 2025, travellers from visa-exempt non-EU countries will need to apply for an electronic authorisation to enter EU countries. This will be similar to the UK’s ETA system. The EU aims to make border checks faster and more secure.
The EU system will also help track travellers, which is important for security. Like the UK’s system, the EU’s will require travellers to apply online before they visit. The cost of the EU’s authorisation has not yet been set, but it is expected to be similar to the UK’s ETA.
Impact of the New ETA Rule
The introduction of the ETA means EU citizens must prepare in advance for travel to the UK. While the application process is easy, it’s an extra step for those used to travelling freely within the EU. It may feel like an inconvenience, but it is a part of the UK’s broader post-Brexit strategy to control immigration and strengthen border security.
The ETA is also part of the UK’s effort to improve its screening of travellers. By requiring approval before arrival, the UK can better monitor who is entering the country. This extra layer of security is crucial for protecting the UK from threats such as terrorism or illegal immigration.
What Does This Mean for EU Citizens?
For EU citizens, the new rule means that travel to the UK will no longer be as simple as showing a passport. They will need to apply for an ETA and pay a fee. The application is quick, but travellers must apply before they depart. Those who forget or delay the process may face difficulties when trying to enter the UK.
It’s important for EU citizens to apply for the ETA in advance. Applying too late could cause travel delays. But once the ETA is approved, travellers can use it for two years and take multiple trips to the UK.
How Will This Affect UK Border Control?
The new ETA system will help the UK manage its border more efficiently. It gives UK authorities a way to screen travellers before they arrive. This helps ensure that only people who meet the necessary criteria are allowed to enter. It also helps authorities track visitors’ travel histories and their reasons for visiting.
The system may also help the UK identify potential security risks before travellers even arrive. This could make the UK’s borders safer and more secure.
For EU citizens planning to travel to the UK, the ETA is now a necessary step. Though the application process is simple, it’s important not to leave it until the last minute. Travellers should apply well in advance to avoid issues.
In the future, more countries will likely adopt similar systems. The European Union will introduce its own electronic authorisation system in 2025. This will help make travel across Europe easier and more secure.
The ETA system is part of a global trend toward electronic travel authorisation systems. Countries are increasingly using these systems to monitor and control the movement of people. As the world becomes more connected, these systems are helping to keep borders safe and secure.