Reminder ETAs needed for EU travellers to the UK from 2 April 2025

What you need to know

The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is due to be extended to European nationals entering the UK from 2 April 2025.

What you need to do

Businesses with a global presence should ensure that they make staff aware of these changes and that those travelling to the UK apply for their ETA well ahead of any intended travel dates.

The UK's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme is due to be extended to European nationals entering the UK from 2 April 2025.

As detailed in our article in January, the ETA scheme is a new electronic travel authorisation (similar to the US ESTA scheme) which applies to individuals who do not need a visa (non-visa nationals) to come to the UK.

The scheme is already in place for a number of countries including the USA, Canada, Japan and Australia. This is the latest expansion of the scheme to cover EU/EEA (excluding Irish) and Swiss nationals.

An ETA will be necessary for visitors (both business and leisure), those transiting through the UK (although there is a temporary exemption for those transiting airside) and those using the Creative Worker visa route (for up to three months). The application process is open from 5 March 2025 and can be completed using either the ETA app or online (see the .gov website for how to apply and further information on exemptions).

ETAs cost £10, with a price increase to £16 proposed later this year. They are valid for up to two years (or the expiry of a passport if sooner) for multiple trips. ETAs can take up to three working days to process, although shorter or longer decision periods may apply.

Where you have staff travelling to the UK from abroad, we recommend that you check whether an ETA is required and, if so, ensure that they apply well ahead of any proposed travel dates.

If you have any questions about the ETA process or how this might impact your business please contact us.