UK Travel Requirements From April 2025: Essential Information for Border Crossings - Crucial Details for Travelers
Beginning April 2, 2025, EU citizens planning a holiday of up to six months in the UK will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the country. This requirement applies to all EU nationals who do not already hold UK immigration status, such as a visa or EU Settlement Scheme status [1][2][5].
Previously, an ID card was sufficient for EU citizens to enter the UK, but since Brexit on January 31, 2020, a passport has been essential [5]. A visa is not necessary for a short holiday trip of up to 180 days; however, starting in April 2025, the ETA regulation will apply [5].
This digital authorization, known as the ETA, aims to improve the immigration system and increase security. Every EU traveler who does not apply for a visa must apply for an ETA, which involves providing personal data, answering security questions, and submitting a photo of the passport [5]. Even children and infants must apply for this permit [5].
The ETA application process can be initiated on March 5, 2025, through the UK ETA app, which is available on both the Google Play Store and the App Store [5]. The application process is likely to be in English [5].
The ETA is valid for two years, allowing travel to the UK and Northern Ireland for up to 180 days each time. It is essential to consider the validity of the linked passport, as an expired passport would invalidate the ETA [5].
The permit will be issued within 72 hours of the application [5]. The cost for an ETA is £10 per application for one person, approximately €11.80 [5].
British and Irish citizens, as well as those with EU Settlement Scheme status, are exempt from this requirement [1][5]. Airline passengers who only transit through the UK airport usually do not need an ETA, but it is necessary if they leave the transit area and go through customs [5].
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[1] UK Government (2023). Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
[2] BBC News (2023). What you need to know about the UK's ETA travel system. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-60843393
[3] 95.5 (2023). Newsletter Signup. Retrieved from https://95.5ourlocalradio.co.uk/newsletter/
[4] 95.5 (2023). Sign Up. Retrieved from https://95.5ourlocalradio.co.uk/newsletter/signup/
[5] This information has been derived from the original news text and the Enrichment Data.
EU citizens traveling to the UK for a holiday of up to six months, starting from April 2, 2025, will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) in addition to a valid passport. Every EU traveler, including children and infants, must apply for this permit, which involves providing personal data, answering security questions, and submitting a photo of the passport.
