UK Imposes Online Entry Permit on European Visitors

• New Entry Requirements: European visitors to the UK must now purchase an online Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) permit, which costs £10 (12 euros) until April 9, and £16 thereafter.
• Buffer Period: A buffer period, expected to last several months, will allow visitors to enter the UK without the permit, but it is recommended to apply in advance.
• Streamlined Entry Process: The ETA permit aims to boost border security and streamline entry processes, allowing officials to check information such as immigration history and criminal records.
• Wider Rollout: The ETA scheme has already been introduced for American, Canadian, and other visa-exempt nationals, and will eventually be rolled out to visitors from around the world.
• Exemptions: Flight passengers transiting without crossing the UK border, as well as UK residents and those with a UK immigration status, are exempt from the scheme.

The UK has introduced a new online entry permit requirement for European visitors, aiming to enhance border security and streamline the entry process. The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) permit can be purchased online for £10 (12 euros) until April 9, and £16 thereafter.

The ETA permit is part of a wider plan to introduce a contactless border, allowing cleared visitors to use eGates and pass through the border more quickly. The permit is digitally linked to the applicant’s passport and is valid for two years, allowing visits of up to six months.

While the introduction of the ETA permit may cause some initial disruption, UK officials have stated that they do not expect significant delays. The permit is not applicable to UK residents or those with a UK immigration status, and exemptions apply to flight passengers transiting without crossing the UK border.

The UK’s ETA scheme mirrors the ETIAS scheme for visa-exempt nationals traveling to 30 European countries, which has been delayed until 2026. As the UK continues to revise its border regulations, it remains to be seen how the ETA permit will impact European visitors and the UK’s border security.