Almost ten years have passed since Brits voted in the referendum to leave the EU. But the seismic impact this decision has on travel and free movement is still becoming reality. From April 2025 European travellers – even those simply changing planes – will have to pay a fee to enter the United Kingdom.
At present, citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK. But the scheme will be extended to Europeans by next spring in a bid to "enhance security and improve travellers' experience," according to a press release released by the UK Home Office on Wednesday. "Everyone wishing to travel to the UK – except British and Irish citizens – will need permission to travel before coming here."
The Home Office noted that this "permission" can either be obtained through an ETA or an eVisa. Eligible non-Europeans will be able to apply for an ETA from 27 November and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January. Eligible Europeans can apply for ETAs from 5 March, and will need one to travel from 2 April. Importantly, this includes people in transit, such as those waiting to board a connecting flight at a British airport.
ETAs are digitally linked to an individual's passport and cost £10 (around €12) – a non-refundable fee which will apply to all visitors to the UK, including babies and children. An ETA can be used for multiple journeys to the UK and is valid for two years or until the holder's passport expires – whichever is sooner.
The eVisa is used by a minority of travellers who do not qualify for "visa-free" status. More information about ETA eligibility can be found on the UK Government website.
Passengers queueing at Eurostar passport control. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
How do I apply?
Visitors can either apply for an ETA through the official website or via the UK ETA app available on the App store or Google Play. Applicants must supply a photograph and answer a set of questions. A decision on each case is expected "usually" within three days.
UK Border Force will check the ETA on arrival and may ask supplementary questions before deciding whether or not to approve it. "An ETA does not guarantee entry to the UK," the government said.
By April 2025 all visitors who do not need a visa will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
From today, information about ETA eligibility is available on https://t.co/rB6h281erE pic.twitter.com/0hyINwyos1 — Home Office (@ukhomeoffice) September 10, 2024
Paying to switch planes?
Travel industry experts believe that including passengers in transit will result in a sharp decline in passengers and harm UK economic growth. "Taxing transit is tantamount to failure. If other airports offer free transit then they will pick up market share. Airports should be zones of ease, enabling seamless travel. This proposed tax needs removing," Paul Charles, director of The PC Agency and former Virgin Atlantic communications director, told The Independent.
"Why would anyone pay £40 for a family of four to get an ETA purely so they can transit in the UK on the way from, say, the US to Croatia?" added Rob Burgess, editor of the frequent flyer website Head for Points. "All of the other European hub carriers will be laughing as they pick up this business."
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Although the transit rule sets it apart, the system aligns with the border requirements adopted by other countries. It is modelled on the American ESTA (the form filled out when entering the US). It is also based on the form used by Schengen countries for non-Schengen citizens entering the area.
"The worldwide expansion of the ETA demonstrates our commitment to enhance security through new technology and embed a modern immigration system," stated Minister for Migration and Citizenship, Seema Malhotra.
Meanwhile, the EU is introducing two important changes for travel to Europe: the EES (Entry/Exit System), which will launch on 10 November, and the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), due in mid-2025. The ETIAS is a travel authorisation that must be applied for in advance and will cost €7 for a three-year validity period. Some travellers (such as under-18s, over-70s and family members of EU citizens) are exempt from paying the fee. More on that here.
