A Visa will be required for entry into the UK from 2025
From 2 April 2025, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) will be required even for short stays costing £10
From 2 April 2025, citizens of the European Union, Switzerland and other visa-free countries will have to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK, even for short stays for tourism, business or transit. The introduction of this measure, announced by the UK government, is a further step towards the stricter border management adopted after Brexit.
What is the ETA and how it works
The ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a new digital authorisation linked to the applicant’s passport. It is not equivalent to a traditional visa, but is a pre-check to allow travellers who do not require a full visa to enter the UK.
- Main features of the ETA
- Validity: The ETA will be valid for two years or until the associated passport expires.
- Multiple entry: It will allow multiple stays of up to six months per visit.
- Cost: £10 (approximately CHF 11).
- Cover: Will be compulsory for all visitors, including children and infants, who do not have UK immigration status or are not otherwise exempt.
Citizens of Ireland will be excluded from the obligation due to bilateral agreements between London and Dublin.
When to apply for the ETA
The ETA application can be made online from 5 March 2025 for European citizens, via the official UK government website or a dedicated app available on Google Play and Apple Store.
Application requirements:
- A valid passport.
- A digital photo uploaded during the process.
- Personal information and travel details.
The UK government guarantees an average response time of around three working days.
Who is exempt from the ETA
They will not have to apply for an ETA:
- Citizens with leave to remain in the UK, including those with settled or pre-settled status recognised under the EU Settlement Scheme.
- British and Irish citizens.
Why was ETA introduced?
According to the UK Home Office, ETA will improve the efficiency and security of border controls, preventing abuse of the migration system and monitoring more precisely who enters the country. This approach reflects the UK’s desire to strengthen post-Brexit control, ending the movement privileges that EU citizens had before 2020.
UK PM Keir Starmer emphasised that the government does not intend to backtrack on the restrictions imposed by Brexit, but considers these measures necessary to ensure national security.
ETA and similar systems around the world
The British system is reminiscent of the US ESTA and similar authorisations introduced in Canada and Australia. The European Union also plans to launch an electronic authorisation for non-European travellers by the first half of 2025.
Conclusions and practical advice
From 2 April 2025, it will be essential to plan your travel to the UK more carefully:
- Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the expected date of entry.
- Apply for your ETA well in advance of departure to avoid problems or delays.
- Keep a digital copy of the authorisation and use the passport registered at the time of application.
This new procedure represents a significant change for those used to travelling freely in the UK. However, with the right preparation, ETA will ensure a smooth travel experience.
Please note that as of 1 October 2021, citizens of the EU and Switzerland must already be in possession of a valid passport to enter the UK. ID cards are no longer accepted as travel documents, making a passport mandatory to enter the country.
