An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a new travel requirement for EU nationals (including both freight drivers and passengers) who are travelling to the UK for a short period of time. 

While non-EU travellers (who don’t need a visa for short stays) are already expected to apply for an ETA before arriving in the UK, the control will be applicable to EU nationals from Spring 2025.

1. From 5th March 2025, eligible EU nationals are required to apply for their ETA before travel
2. From 2nd April 2025, border control will be enforcing the new requirement.

Why do you need an ETA?

For freight drivers and companies, an ETA allows you to transit through the UK after passing through border control. For businesses, an ETA allows you to visit the UK for up to 6 months.

Applying for an ETA

How much does an ETA cost?

The application for an ETA costs £10 and can be completed by yourself or somebody else. Eventually this will rise to £16 for EU nationals.

Once the application has been made, you will not be able to request a refund.

What do you need to apply for an ETA? 

You will need to have the following to hand:

• Your physical passport
• A payment method(debit card, credit card, Google Pay or Apple Pay
• Access to your email inbox

You will not need to provide travel details during your application.

How do you apply for an ETA?

You can apply for an ETA for yourself or on someone else’s behalf via the GOV.UK website. 

If you are applying for yourself, you may choose to use the ETA app instead.

You can access (and learn more about) the web tool or the app.

What happens after you apply?

Once you have submitted your application, you should get a decision within 3 working days, but this could take longer depending on a variety of factors.

If accepted, you will receive an email confirming your ETA, which will be linked to your passport. The ETA will be valid for up to 2 years, during which time you will be able to visit the UK as often as you wish.

Important

ETA is an important legal document, so it is worth knowing the following:

1. If you receive an ETA and you get a new passport within the 2 year period that the ETA is valid, you will need to apply for a new ETA
2. An ETA is not enough to guarantee you entry to the UK. You will still need to either be accepted by Border Force, or to use an ePassport gate.

What is an ETIAS?

This is the EU travel authorisation which will be introduced in mid-2025.

The new requirement, ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), will be a mandatory requirement for visa-exempt nationals (including GB nationals) travelling to the EU. Find out more about ETIAS on our blog.

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