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On the 5 March 2025, the Home Office continued with its phased roll out of Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETAs) to all eligible European visitors. This means that from 2 April 2025, all eligible European visitors who wish to travel or transit through the UK will require an ETA.
For a full list of nationalities who can apply for an ETA, see here.
As set out in our previous article, here, an ETA is only required by non-visa national visitors. It is still the case that Visa-national individuals should continue to apply for UK visas and should not obtain an ETA. This also means that anyone that currently holds a valid UK visa, does not need to apply for an ETA.
The most cost effective and efficient way to obtain an ETA is via the UK ETA app. There are other websites where you can purchase a valid ETA, however, many of these websites often charge more. It is not currently possible for the decision making of an ETA application to be expediated, despite any advertisement to the contrary, and it is therefore advisable for applications to be made directly via the UK ETA app. Currently, applications cost £10. However, in the Home Office’s most recent update, here, they have announced that it is their intention to increase the cost to £16 in the near future.
The Home Office are continuing with their efforts to complete the roll out by April 2025. Which means that from April 2025, it is expected that all visitors to the UK (except British and Irish citizens) will require permission to travel in advance either through an ETA or an eVisa.
Should you wish to discuss any of the issues raised in this article, please contact Lynsey Blyth
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